NFL training camp practices are the unofficial unveiling of 32 brand new teams every summer. The culmination of the offseason of work, roster construction and the execution of the vision put in place at end of the previous season. As the process plays out, breadcrumbs are collected by fans and media alike, and out the other side comes predictions and expectations.
The Dolphins vision this spring was clear. They invested in multiple parts of the team. Miami got better down the middle. The work done to address the interior offensive line, linebackers, defensive tackles and insert-blockers to boost the run game hint towards a shifted focus.
Five days on the grass demonstrates that vision in a tangible way. And that vision was particularly highlighted during Monday’s practice at the Baptist Health Training Complex.
The offense and defense traded wins in the run game with the defense making tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Leading that charge were defensive tackle Zach Sieler and linebacker Jordyn Brooks.
“That boy is just a natural leader,” linebacker Willie Gay Jr. said of Brooks. “As a person, as a player obviously, it’s nothing Jordyn can’t do. Last year and going into this year with the growth that he’s had, me as a new guy, I’m looking at him like, ‘What do you need me to do?’ What do I need to do to be on that level, be on that next level, take it to the next level where I can help the team as a defense. He’s been doing a great job.”
Gay Jr. has had a stellar camp of his own. He’s been everywhere in coverage, breaking up passes on vertical routes over the middle of the field and driving on throws with a chance to intercept the ball and return it for a touchdown.
“They put us in position to make those plays,” he said. “We’re dropping back in all kinds of zones. It gives you the opportunity to deflect a pass and intercept them. That’s what we want to do, but this defense is schemed just for that.”
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