MIAMI GARDENS — Rookie inside linebacker Jacob Rodriguez recorded a sack and an interception as the Miami Dolphins defense smothered the New York Giants’ offense during a joint practice at the team’s facility, the second such session Head Coach Jeff Hafley has staged in as many weeks.
Rodriguez stepped into a prominent role with defensive linemen Zach Sieler and Kenneth Grant and All-Pro inside linebacker Jordyn Brooks all sitting out. Playing behind defensive linemen Zeek Biggers and Jordan Phillips, the rookie helped dismantle a Giants run game that never found its footing.
“I was just kind of playing the defense,” Rodriguez said of his interception. “I think it was just a really advantageous position for us. I think in that period it was either second or third down and forever…I was just kind of there doing my job with the play call that was called.”
Rodriguez credited the veterans in front of him for clearing his path. “Oh, they’re great. They’re great every day,” Rodriguez said of Phillips and Biggers. “How strong they are, taking double teams, especially with duos so prominent in this league, and who they are as people too. They come in and they got the same routine … They really work hard and they believe in each other. They believe in this team, and they’re the best. They’re really funny. They’re good to be around.”
Hafley used the session to test his players in one-on-one matchups rather than scheming against the opposition — a deliberate approach he has repeated throughout camp. “This is an awesome opportunity,” Hafley said. “I’m excited to watch those 1-on-1. I think it’s iron sharpens iron … I want to see if we can block them, if we can pick up the pressures and our protections, if the quarterback can get rid of the ball on time, if the receivers can run the right routes or the ball can get out on time. So it’s going to have to be a team thing.”
Center Aaron Brewer said the approach paid dividends against a Giants pass rush that features three top-five draft picks and four former first-round picks. “It just gets you to work your craft. In the game, yes, we’re gonna scheme you and get chips against elite guys,” Brewer said. “And when you’re out here right now, you want to — like, iron sharpens iron. So you want to just continue to just stack those reps and getting one on one reps and working on your craft and seeing what feels good to you against certain types of players and different looks.”
The Dolphins offense found success on the ground despite the stout New York front. Running back De’Von Achane broke a 70-yard touchdown run behind blocks from tackle Austin Jackson, guard Jonah Savaiinaea, wide receiver Malik Washington and tight end Will Kacmarek. Quarterback Malik Willis capped the session by leading a successful two-minute drill that ended with a field goal as time expired. “Just trying to make sure I have an outlet ready to go, or I can try to take advantage of it in some aspects with protection pickups,” Willis said. “But we weren’t game-planning those guys, so it’s not like going into a real game.”
The Dolphins host the Giants in their Preseason Week 2 matchup Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium, with kickoff set for 4 p.m.