In 2019, the Miami Dolphins held joint practices with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of their preseason contest to help provide as much competition and evaluation as possible for the coaching staff in their efforts to get the right 53 men on their active roster. And nearly one year later, the Dolphins are reportedly interested in exploring the opportunity to once again hold joint practices with another NFL team.
Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn told the local media yesterday that the team has been in conversation with two AFC East squads, the Dolphins and the Bills, about potentially holding joint practices in 2020.
Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic across the country may pose an overwhelming number of logistics challenges and may ultimately axe any potential crossover practices between NFL teams this summer — but if the opportunity is there, Miami would be wise to take it. Getting a few days of practice for their players against some of Atlanta’s talent would serve as a good primer for the regular season. Considering the Falcons’ roster, Miami’s offensive line would be well tested by the likes of defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and Dante Fowler. The cornerbacks would certainly have their hands full with Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley. Matt Ryan would provide a strong test for the new pieces on the Dolphins’ defense.
That is the appeal that Miami should weigh out before ultimately deciding to hold or forego joint practices. But with so many fresh faces in play on so many units for Miami, every opportunity to compete and gauge the situation against other franchises, talents and coaching styles is a prime opportunity to keep making necessary tweaks to the coaching blueprint in real time.
We’ll have to stay tuned here to see if the Dolphins will ultimately make the commitment — and from there if the public health crisis will allow it to actually take place.
