MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins’ joint practice with the New York Giants on Thursday was one of the most physical practices of training camp, with multiple fights breaking out throughout the session.
The practice got heated early during the one-on-one portion.
Giants EDGE Abdul Carter threw a punch at Dolphins offensive tackle Patrick Paul after their rep, which quickly led to players from both teams getting into a shoving match. The coaching staffs stepped in to separate everyone and calm things down.
That was only the beginning.
More fights broke out as practice continued, including one defensive skirmish that lasted several minutes before the players were finally separated.
Later, Dolphins offensive tackle Austin Jackson got into it with Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux and threw a punch. Jackson was removed from that 11-on-11 period and the following series before eventually returning for the situational portion of practice.
There was even another confrontation after practice ended, as both teams gathered in front of the fans to hear from their coaches.
The Dolphins had entered Thursday’s practice with a clear expectation from head coach Jeff Hafley that fighting would not be tolerated. Still, the intensity between the two teams continued to rise throughout the day.
Dolphins center Aaron Brewer said the team tried to stay composed, but things can get heated when players are competing at full speed.
“We try to hold our composure as much as we can, but when you’re out here playing football, things get chippy,” Brewer said. “People are out there competing and taking it all the way to the edge. We didn’t try to initiate anything, but when someone comes at you, you’ve got to hold your ground.”
The Dolphins also showed that they weren’t going to simply back down from the Giants. That was different from last year’s joint practice against the Chicago Bears, when Miami struggled to respond to the physicality of Chicago’s defense.
Thursday’s practice also featured several notable plays.
Giants EDGE Chauncey Golston recorded three sacks as Miami’s starting offensive line had trouble handling some of New York’s pressure packages. Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart connected with rookie wide receiver Malachi Fields for a 48-yard completion against cornerback Jason Marshall Jr..
Dolphins rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez also made a big play, intercepting a pass from Dart after tipping it to himself.
Offensive tackle Caedan Wallace, who Miami recently acquired from New England, struggled while filling in for Austin Jackson at first-team right tackle. Wallace appeared to have trouble in pass protection and was also involved in some questionable holding plays.
Giants cornerback Paulson Adebayo intercepted Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis after what appeared to be a poor decision on a throw intended for rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas.
Overall, it was a long day for the Dolphins’ offense who were outplayed for most of the day by the Giants’ front seven.
Next up
The Dolphins will host the Giants in their preseason opener at Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday.
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