Even though it was just a joint practice, Tyreek Hill was eager to celebrate another touchdown.
The Miami Dolphins’ star wide receiver caught a 45-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Hill ran past the end zone and jumped over a barrier to celebrate with the fans who came to watch the Dolphins practice with the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday.
“I was excited and feeling the energy,” Hill said. “I need to improve my touchdown celebrations. I’d rate that one a three out of ten. I need to work on sticking the landing.”
The Dolphins and Falcons used Tuesday and Wednesday’s practices to break up their regular training camp routine. The three days of sessions between the two teams will end on Friday when they face off in their first preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium.
“You learn through the challenges you put your team through, and these days are part of that,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said. “Going to their home field and seeing Tyreek’s speed in their environment is what you want for your team.”
While Miami’s fast receivers tested the Falcons, cornerback Mike Hughes intercepted Tagovailoa shortly after the quarterback connected with Hill.
Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins, who joined the team this year on a four-year, $180 million deal, played a key role during the two-hour practice. Rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta’s first-round pick this year, also got plenty of playing time. Penix connected with receiver KhaDarel Hodge on a 30-yard pass, one of his standout plays of the day.
“It was fun to compete against another team,” Penix said. “We’ve been going against each other for a while, so it was exciting to see another team and compete at a high level. I always dreamed of being here, and now that I’m here, I have to show that I belong and that’s what I’m going to do every day.”
