Miami Dolphins weren't great vs. Bears but Mike McDaniel's action opened eyes
We'll tell you how the Miami Dolphins' offensive line play was uneven against an aggressive and physical Chicago Bears defense.
But what we're really here to tell you — did you see that?!?! — is that Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel injected himself right into a scrap to help break things up during the Dolphins' joint practice with the Chicago Bears on Aug. 8.
McDaniel was furious, feisty and fired up.
And he did not hesitate to jump right into that mass of humanity, testosterone, pushing and flailing.
He did not emerge with any blood—– see Mike Vrabel — but this still made a point.
Leadership moment from Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel
"He's the best leader on the team so I expect it from him," cornerback Kendall Sheffield said of McDaniel.
"(McDaniel) thinks fights are a waste of time," guard James Daniels said.
As one might expect, this practice was chippy and physical and featured pushing, shoving and some punches thrown.
"An NFL camp practice," safety Minkah Fitzpatrick said. "Everybody has a chip on their shoulder. You've got guys fighting for roster spots. You've got guys trying to feed their families. It's gonna be aggressive. It's gonna be passionate. Obviously, you don't want to see anyone get hurt, but it gets chippy, it gets feisty."
In the most notable scrum, it seemed Dolphins receiver Dee Eskridge and safety Kevin Byard were involved. It can be hard to tell exactly who did what.
Tyreek Hill injured but helped break up fight
Everyone converged and here came Tyreek Hill (out with an oblique injury) and Terron Armstead (retired but in attendance), to help break things up, too.
And the sight of McDaniel in there truly was wild.
Anyhow, we'll let you know that linebacker Jordyn Brooks had an interception and made a few plays, cornerback Jack Jones made a few plays and linebacker Tyrel Dodson, too.
Miami's defense better than offense vs. Bears
Miami's defense was better than its offense on this day.
The offensive performance was a bit disjointed and out of sync.
Things to clean up, as they say.
Miami's defense was on edge and keyed by Brooks, the emerging middle linebacker leader. Some observers said they saw Brooks in a heated moment with a teammate.
"Today, he was holding people to a high standard," Fitzpatrick said of Brooks. "And it becomes confrontational. But I think that's necessary when you do anything to a high standard. So he's a guy I appreciate playing with."
As for McDaniel playing ultimate fighting referee?
Fitzpatrick smiled at the notion.
"I appreciate it," Fitzpatrick said through a grin. "But I think we can get it separated ourselves."
Tyreek Hill injury: Miami Dolphins' Mike McDaniel: Tyreek has oblique injury; will starters play Sunday?
Discipline: Miami Dolphins' Jaylen Waddle: Our new assistants are 'strict' and 'hold us accountable'
joint practice report: Tua Tagovailoa intercepted three times
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.
SUNDAY'S PRESEASON GAME
Dolphins at Bears
1 p.m., CBS 4 Miami, WPTV5, NFL Network. Streaming by subscription on Fubo, NFL+, Sling and YouTube
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins Tua Tagovailoa throws 3 interceptions in Bears practice
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