Dolphins’ Tagovailoa impressed by Gordon’s physicality, Washington’s maturity

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, center Aaron Brewer, rookie running back Ollie Gordon II, and rookie cornerback Jason Marshall Jr., spoke to reporters Thursday following the team’s joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars, pointing to growth, physicality and adaptability as the preseason winds down.

Tagovailoa praised Gordon for the physical style he has brought to the offense, noting that while preseason work offers only a glimpse, Gordon’s approach has already made an impression.

“So Devon (Achane), Devon got a lot of praise from veterans right away when he came in,” Tagovailoa said.

“You see a little bit of that in Ollie and the way he runs. In the preseason, it’s a little hard to gauge, right? But as the preseason goes on, he’ll start to gain more of a liking to the team as he shows his style of running, his style of play. When it comes down to the season, that’s how you gauge and that’s how you earn the respect,“ he added.

Gordon said he has been intent on expanding his game as he transitions to the NFL.

“I’m focusing on working on stuff that I need to work on,” he said. “When I was in high school, I would try to make people miss, but I’m really focusing on different levels of my game now.”

When asked whether he prefers to stiff-arm or juke a defender, Gordon smiled and said it depends on the situation.

“I just want to make an impact no matter what the situation calls for,” he said.

Tagovailoa also highlighted second-year wide receiver Malik Washington, calling his development beyond his years.

“I would say his maturity in the offense, and not just his maturity — understanding where he needs to be in the timing of the offense,” Tagovailoa said. “That’s not talked about enough for someone like Malik. Very smart, very intuitive. Just knows where to be in the right spots.”

“It kind of blows my mind that he was a rookie last year with how he comprehends the scheme and how he’s able to go about what we’re asking of him offensively,” Tagovailoa added.

Brewer, who signed with Miami in the offseason after four seasons in Tennessee, said the Dolphins have made a point to embrace a physical identity in joint practices.

“That’s every day since we came through OTAs and training camp,” Brewer said. “You want to be that team that goes out there and dominates whoever is across the field. Run down, they feel you every single play all the way to the end. I feel like we came out there with that today.”

He added that Gordon embodies that physical style.

“You’re going to feel him every time he runs,” Brewer said. “You can visually see it every time he puts his shoulder down. He’s going to make every DB, linebacker — whoever — feel it every time he touches the ball, and I love it.”

Jason Marshall, Miami’s fifth round pick out of Florida, said he has been adjusting to a new role at nickel cornerback after spending his college career on the outside.

“Honestly, I’m able to move around more freely, get in there and tackle,” Marshall said. “That was a big question in my game coming into the NFL, and being more physical is something I wanted to show.”

While Marshall admitted the transition requires more communication, he said the process has been smooth.

“I’m a quiet guy, but moving to that position I obviously have to talk more,” he said. “Just building my game into that, communicating more with the linebackers, safeties, corners. That’s the biggest part. I didn’t even play nickel in high school, so this is new for me, but it’s a good opportunity.”

The Dolphins (1-0-1) and Jaguars (0-1-1) will meet again in their final preseason game Saturday night at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

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