ALLEN PARK — By all accounts, the Detroit Lions dominated the Miami Dolphins on both sides of the ball and in drills during Wednesday’s joint practice that wasn’t even close. The same could be said for Thursday’s session, depending on who you ask.
“It was a good practice,” Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington told reporters. “It was good for us to just go out there and be ourselves and do what we know that we’re capable of doing.”
Washington, entering his second season with the Dolphins, added that there was no need for a team conversation about how unacceptable Wednesday’s showing was.
“We know where we are, we know what we put out there yesterday, and we know we have to improve,” Washington said. “We know what we’re capable of doing. We’ve seen it before, so it’s just going out there and playing our football.”
Miami found some early success Thursday, particularly during seven-on-sevens, where the absence of Detroit’s defensive line provided the Dolphins offense more freedom. Tua Tagovailoa connected with Jaylen Waddle and Erik Ezukanma for touchdowns over Lions defenders Derrick Barnes and Rock Ya-Sin, while backup Zach Wilson hit former Michigan receiver Tarik Black for a toe-tap score. Waddle added another touchdown on a fade, and Washington caught a tipped pass in the red zone.
Dee Eskridge’s contested fade grab was one of Miami’s biggest highlights, firing up the sideline.
“I feel like we came out there and dominated, competed,” Dolphins offensive lineman Aaron Brewer said. “It just felt good seeing all the guys out there celebrating together, having fun, and just playing with some passion. You felt the energy that day; it was contagious.
“…I was out there talking to some of the (Lions) defensive guys — they yapping back (about) yesterday. Yesterday is over with; you see what’s happening today.”
While Brewer’s assessment was accurate for the seven-on-sevens, the tone shifted during full team periods.
MLive Lions beat reporter Benjamin Raven, who tracked Detroit’s defense against Miami’s offense throughout Thursday’s practice, noted the Dolphins struggled in those sessions.
Miami’s pass protection repeatedly broke down, with Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, and DJ Reader consistently winning matchups against offensive tackles Larry Borom and Patrick Paul, as well as the interior line.
Hutchinson logged multiple sacks, creating another frustrating afternoon for Tagovailoa, who appeared uncomfortable under pressure, finishing with several incompletions and hurried throwaways.
With Detroit’s defensive front active, Miami’s receivers had less time to separate, allowing Ya-Sin, Amik Robertson, and Brian Branch to make plays in coverage and further disrupt the offense.
Overall, the Dolphins showed more fight and spirit Thursday, but Detroit still looked like the more overwhelming presence on both sides of the ball despite Brewer’s claims.
Both teams will meet again Saturday when the Lions host the Dolphins at Ford Field for Week 2 of the NFL preseason. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.
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