McCain makes a smooth transition
‘New’ safety comes up with 2 key interceptions at practice
Bobby McCain pulled off what would have been a game-winning play during Miami’s situational period of Monday’s practice, when the Miami Dolphins safety intercepted quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick in the end zone.
On fourth-and-goal with Miami trailing by four and nine seconds left on the fictional game clock, Fitzpatrick threw a pass intended for Preston Williams that McCain tipped into the air and eventually pulled down for a game-sealing turnover.
It was the second interception McCain has delivered in Miami’s six on-field training camp sessions, and the type of play that shows McCain’s transition from cornerback to safety is paying off for the team captain.
Tagovailoa heating up
The Dolphins have been giving Tua Tagovailoa the bulk of the work at quarterback the past two practices, and he’s showing improvement.
Tagovailoa threw three touchdown passes during Miami’s 11-on-11 sessions on Monday.
The first was a 70-yard touchdown Malcolm Perry caught, delivering plenty of run-after-catch yards on the intermediate throw.
Ricardo Louis caught his second touchdown pass, which featured Tagovailoa stepping up in the pocket and threading the needle in the red zone area on a slant.
Gary Jennings caught a shorter touchdown pass in the end zone from Tagovailoa during the final period of Monday’s practice, which featured situational and redzone work.
Quarterback Josh Rosen has had fewer and fewer opportunities during 11-on-11 sessions since his disappointing practice on Friday, but he made the most of those opportunities Monday.
During the red-zone portion of practice, Rosen was more decisive, and more accurate with his throws. He threaded two passes that put the Dolphins into goal-line territory, throwing darts to tight end Adam Shaheen, whom the Dolphins acquired from Chicago in a trade last month, and rookie receiver Kirk Merritt.
Both players were well defended, but Rosen used his arm strength to get the pass in during Monday’s windy practice.
Injury update
Dolphins first-round pick Noah Igbinoghene missed the bulk of Monday’s practice session, which opened the door for Nik Needham to hold an elevated role in the Dolphins secondary.
Needham, who started 11 of 12 games for the Dolphins last season and contributed 54 tackles and two interceptions, played well during Monday’s session. He broke up two passes and held his own while defending Williams and DeVante Parker.
Jerome Baker practiced after sitting out a day and a half of work because of an undisclosed injury.
Kyle Van Noy left Monday’s practice after
an injury during one-on-one
Kavon Frazier after practice Weaver.
Stock up
that
Not only does Perry have a chance to make the 53-man regular-season roster, he has a strong opportunity to play a vital role on the offense during the 2020 season.
As we mentioned before, Perry had the early highlight play of Monday’s practice, catching his 70-yard touchdown pass down the sideline from Tagovailoa.
Although Perry, a college quarterback who often ran the option at Navy, later had a fumble during practice, he is growing quickly acclimating into his role as a multidimensional weapon.
On a team that lacked serious playmaking ability a season ago and could lack considerable depth on offense, Perry’s skill set is a welcomed sight.
Perry is the kind of player Dolphins offensive coordinator Chan Gailey will have fun drawing up plays for this season. It will only be a matter of time before Perry completely grasps the offense and the Dolphins unleash him.
Stock down
they waived/injured
Josh Rosen threw the football times Monday during 11-on-11 drills.
While they were all complete passes, including a short touchdown throw to receiver Mack Hollins, that alone should let you know where Rosen stands in the Dolphins’ quarterback competition.
the highest-paid Dolphins player at $82.5 million over five years, had his first pass breakup of camp during Monday’s practice. But Jones quickly gave up a touchdown pass two plays later to Parker. three