Miami’s joint practice with Chicago became a character moment more than a clash. Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson cooled a sideline scuffle by framing it as brotherly fire, and Mike McDaniel reinforced that belief, calling the moment family business that strengthens the unit. By the preseason opener, Brooks and Dodson were back in tandem, with Brooks praising Dodson’s ceiling and using the moment as iron sharpening iron. The episode also highlighted the Dolphins’ disciplined thud tempo and the Bears’ physical practice, while signaling more joint work ahead against Detroit as Miami readies for Detroit’s defense and stiffer competition.

Armstead later revealed on a podcast that Dodson was the target of Brooks’s confrontation, adding another layer to the team’s internal narrative. McDaniel’s measured response—acknowledging the friction but emphasizing accountability and communication—suggests the Dolphins value resilience and transparent dialogue. As they prepare for back-to-back practices with the Lions, the Dolphins appear intent on translating friction into cohesion, with depth and role clarity shaping fantasy impact and real-game performance in August and beyond.