The Miami Dolphins faced a challenging day during their joint practice with the Detroit Lions on August 2, 2025. After a disappointing performance against the Chicago Bears the previous week, the Dolphins were dominated in practice, raising concerns about their readiness for the upcoming season. Former Dolphins coach Dan Campbell leads the Lions with a focus on physical football, contrasting sharply with the more relaxed approach of current head coach Mike McDaniel.
Throughout the two-hour practice session, the Dolphins struggled on both sides of the ball, leading to alarming reactions from observers. Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins’ quarterback, was pressed on how the team could recover from the experience and simply stated, “You don’t. You face it head on.” This sentiment reflects the sense of urgency within the team following such a lopsided display.
From the Lions’ perspective, the practice was viewed as a resounding success. Nick Baumgardner from The Athletic remarked, “Lions just out-everything’d the Dolphins for two hours out here,” indicating a significant gap in performance. Fellow journalist Mike Payton echoed this sentiment, stating, “Either the Dolphins are really bad, or the Lions are just a juggernaut. Not a great day for Miami.” Colton Pouncy, also from The Athletic, bluntly labeled it “the most lopsided joint practice I’ve ever seen,” highlighting the stark difference in intensity between the two teams.
The Dolphins’ practice habits have come under scrutiny. While Jalen Ramsey, a former Dolphin, has not frequently criticized his old team, he noted that the Pittsburgh Steelers’ training camp emphasized more on fundamentals compared to what he experienced in Miami. This comment suggests a perceived lack of intensity in the Dolphins’ preparation.
Adding to the discourse, Lions linebacker Grant Stuard, who participated in joint practices against the Dolphins during his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, commented on the difference in practice intensity. He remarked, “I don’t know if they are ready,” further emphasizing the challenges Miami faces as preseason approaches.
Despite the disappointing practice, it is important to remember that this was only one session, and it should not be seen as a definitive indicator of the Dolphins’ season ahead. Key players such as Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle were absent, which likely impacted the team’s performance. Nevertheless, the event serves as a wake-up call for McDaniel and his coaching staff regarding the adjustments needed to enhance the team’s competitiveness.
As the Dolphins prepare for their upcoming preseason game, the lessons learned from this joint practice may provide critical insights into areas that require improvement. For fans and analysts alike, the expectation is that Miami will respond positively, turning this challenging experience into an opportunity for growth.
