Holland keeps impressing. And another reason Dolphins players appreciate Mike McDaniel
Every day is Jevon Holland Day at Dolphins training camp.
Well, it’s not officially called that, but the second-year safety continues to display a knack for being around the ball — something evident when he picked off nine passes in two years at Oregon and produced two interceptions, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries during a very good rookie season for the Dolphins.
After breaking up two passes on Thursday, Holland jumped in front of Jaylan Waddle to snag an interception, on a Tua Tagovailoa pass, during Friday’s practice.
Holland has been studying other safeties, including Derwin James, Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, Kevin Byard and Jessie Bates. “I watch all safeties; I try to add to my game or replicate. I try to take as much as possible.
“I’m watching extra film of myself, nitpicking myself, [going over] fine details. I hold myself to a high standard and try to get the advantage wherever I can. In that process, I find things I need to improve on throughout the day. The defense is always to be a step behind because we’re always reacting. How ever I can shorten that time of reaction I try.”
Cornerback Xavien Howard loves what he sees from Holland: “I feel like the sky is the limit for that guy. You can see him fly to the ball. Everything you see him do, you feel like he’s been here like 10 years.”
McDANIEL APPRECIATION
Dolphins players have consistently raved about Mike McDaniel and how approachable and smart he is.
One of his former and current players was asked this week how McDaniel handles it when a player makes a mistake.
“He tells you what it is,” said new Dolphins receiver Mohamad Sanu, who spent two years with McDaniel in San Francisco. “He’s very truthful. He’s an honest guy.
“He has different ways of doing it. That’s what I love about him. He can be a stern guy. He can be a funny guy. He can be a sarcastic guy. He is going to let you know how he feels and gets his point across.”
His approach is different from the stereotypical coach who rants and raves.
“Every individual has their own way to connect with people,” Sanu said. “Not everybody has to be a rah-rah or whatever type of guy they think he’s not. Mike is who he is. He’s going to make sure he has his players prepared to play to a high level, play fast with tempo and execute. And that’s what you need as a coach.”
What stands out about McDaniel, according to Sanu, is “you know that you’re going to get the best out of him at all times. He’s going to put you in the best position to win. He makes sure all his players are informed at the highest level.”
Xavien Howard said what distinguishes McDaniel — in terms of demeanor — is “he’s always been positive and bringing that energy. When you see it from a head coach, it trickles down.”
Players have embraced McDaniel’s practice philosophy, with sessions that are shorter — but at a faster pace — than what they are accustomed.
“We’re moving; we’re constantly working,” defensive lineman Christian Wilkins said. “So that’s different and it’s a lot of fun and it gets us in good shape in this Miami heat.
“Your mind-set is just different. You’re not just doing busy work or standing around or looking for things to do. It’s like every minute of practice... has a purpose.”
TUA TALK
Tagovailoa, who didn’t lobby for a captain job last season and wasn’t voted one by teammates, was asked about potentially being voted a captain this year.
“Whether I go up to speak on behalf of me wanting to be a captain, or the team just voting... I think it comes with my position to always be a leader,” he answered. “I’ve always said I’m not the kind of person to get in front of people and scream and lead in that way.
“But I try to lead with my actions and try to lead in a way that helps our team get better. That’s by building relationships with the guys. It also helps when we’re able to compete in ping-pong and cornhole and all of these other games that we have in” the locker room.
New receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. said Friday that Tagovailoa’s passes are “accurate and he’s always on point. He’s going to joke with you but as soon as you get in the huddle, it’s time to go.
“He knows what he’s talking about when he’s saying it. He’s very knowledgeable of the playbook and you can definitely tell the intensity once you’re in the huddle. Once you’re lining up, you know he’s going to get his job done so you better get yours done.”
▪ Saturday’s 10:25 a.m. practice will be the first of eight open to fans.
