Lions offense shines in Dolphins joint practices

Detroit’s first-team offense hit its stride against Miami, signaling progress in a key training camp phase.

Lions offense shines in Dolphins joint practices

On Day 1 of Lions at Dolphins joint practices, Detroit’s first-team offense showed a burst of big plays and scoring drives, signaling a renewed rhythm under coach John Morton and a revamped interior line. Amon-Ra St. Brown delivered a standout performance, including a 40-yard touchdown on the first one-on-one drill and multiple red-zone scores, underscoring his status as the team’s top playmaker. Jared Goff connected with St. Brown and Jameson Williams, worked the middle of the field, and displayed touch and pocket feel across 7-on-7s and midfield sequences. The Dolphins were missing edge rusher Jaelan Phillips early and Chop Robinson later, yet Detroit’s front side looked cohesive, with Penei Sewell anchoring the protection and opening lanes for the run game.

But the day wasn’t flawless. The second- and third-team offenses struggled to find rhythm, producing limited sustained drives aside from a few Craig Reynolds runs and a red-zone score. Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen appeared out of sync with receivers, and the backup line had its share of pressures. Williams dropped a pair of potential big plays, and fumbles from Montgomery and Sione Vaki added to the uneven picture. Still, the performance from the first unit offered a clear picture of offensive potential and a path forward for improvement across the depth chart.

This practice highlights a clear shift in the Lions’ offense from a rocky start in camp to a more confident rhythm against real competition. Sewell’s continued dominance at right guard and Decker’s return stabilize the pocket, while Ratledge and Mahogany show they can hold up in run blocking and inside pressure. Detroit looks capable of sustaining a diverse attack with pass protection that buys time for playmakers to work, which could translate into more explosive plays once the timing is locked in. The Dolphins’ injuries on the edge give the Lions a window to press their advantage, but the day also exposes the gap between the starting unit and the backups, a reminder that depth remains a live question heading into the next joint-session.

Overall the day offers optimism about Detroit’s trajectory and a sober note on roster balance. If the second unit can tighten its connection with receivers and clean up ball security, the Lions have a plausible path to pushing last season’s high-scoring ceiling. The coaching staff will likely focus on building that continuity while the defense refines its counter to this level of quarterback play.

Highlights

Momentum in camp is fragile; the next practice will reveal if this progress lasts.