Miami Dolphins embark on 11-day Midwest trip with goal to 'bond' and 'whip on' Bears, Lions
It's a team practice, a joint practice with the Bears, a preseason game with the Bears, straight to Detroit, joint practices with the Lions and a preseason game with the Lions.
"Get out of this heat," Dolphins offensive tackle Patrick Paul said back in Miami.
Well, sort of. It may reach into the high 80s and 90s in their northern sojourn.
What do they say, it's not the heat, it's the humidity?
For the Dolphins, this trip is a chance to lean into a key offseason objective: They have pledged to be closer as a team in 2025.
"We've got some things lined up with our rookies and then lined up with the veterans and the rookies and our coaches to go out there and find some time to spend with each," quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said. "Whether that's eating, whether that's going and seeing a movie, whatever that looks like.'
Dolphins edge rusher Jaelan Phillips sees great value.
"Cool team bonding," Phillips said. "We're going on an 11-night road trip, so we're going to be in the hotel with each other every single day. So I think it's a great thing for a lot of reasons.'
Miami Dolphins will joint practice vs. Chicago Bears Friday, Aug. 8
The Dolphins' first test against another team will come against the rebuilding Bears on Friday, Aug. 8, at Halas Hall.
Chicago media and fans were in a frenzy about a recent very physical practice as well as the continued ups and downs of quarterback Caleb Williams.
"Joint practices are fantastic for a multitude of reasons," Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said. "But first and foremost, I think you're trying to see – it's the best opportunity to give the guys a chance to make the team."
Miami Dolphins roster, depth chart, impacted by joint practice
There may be about 10 roster spots that could legitimately be won at this point.
We're particularly looking at third quarterback, fifth wide receiver, eighth and/or ninth offensive linemen, fourth tight end, fourth and/or fifth defensive linemen, seventh and/or eighth edge/linebacker, sixth cornerback and punter.
Last year, Miami held out all 22 projected starters from the preseason opener.
What this tells us is that the joint practices are actually more valuable and often more competitive.
"What am I looking to get out of it?" Paul, the left tackle, said of practicing with the Bears. "To whip on them, to compete and have fun and show what we've been working, show what we've been building here for these past three weeks.'
Miami Dolphins news: Will Tyreek Hill play? What's his injury?
We'll see if wide receiver Tyreek Hill (undisclosed injury) practices or plays against the Bears after missing a recent practice. He did travel to Chicago.
Quarterback Zach Wilson says he's preparing for this week as if it is a regular-season game week.
Tagovailoa says facing different looks in practice is invaluable.
McDaniel, predictably, said he's looking for fundamentals, technique, discipline and strain.
Joint practices can reveal a lot about a player and a team.
We've seen players and teams be exposed and/or rise to the occasion. Nobody wants to be embarrassed in either one-on-one drills or 11-on-11 team drills.
"That competitive spirit, I'll be looking forward to," McDaniel said.
Fantasy football strategy: Top 6 Miami Dolphins players
depth chart revealed: What we learned
Rookie Watch: How are Kenneth Grant, Jonah Savaiinaea doing in training camp?
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins' long trip to Chicago, Detroit could expose weaknesses
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