Lions player questions Dolphins practice pace

Lions linebacker Grant Stuard questions whether the Dolphins practice with the same intensity as his team, while Mike McDaniel dismisses the remarks as noise.

Lions Grant Stuard questions Dolphins practice pace McDaniel dismisses it as noise

Lions linebacker Grant Stuard questioned the Dolphins during joint practices, asking whether they practice the same way the Lions do. Observers noted the Lions appeared to bring more intensity in some sessions, though experts caution that practice tempo does not reliably predict season outcomes.
McDaniel pushed back on the remarks, saying the chatter is noise and that he expects the absolute best effort from every player between the whistles. He framed practice as a chance to improve, not as a platform for public debate about preparation.

Joint practices have become a stage for both football and narrative. Teams use these sessions to test schemes and to gauge leadership and cohesion under pressure. The public dialogue surrounding a few pointed comments can shape expectations more than a few drills ever will. The Dolphins’ response shows a preference for focus over heat in the spotlight.
The dynamic also highlights how coaches manage perception. McDaniel’s stance signals a desire to control the message and keep attention on preparation. For players, the episode tests whether leadership can translate into consistency when the whistle blows for real games.

Highlights

The season will reveal which habits endure when it counts.