The Dolphins ended their offseason program on Thursday, and Mike McDaniel seemed pleased with how his players so far have responded to an 8-9 season while also working to correct tardiness and other issues that hindered the team last season.

“I’m happy with we’re we are at….going into summer break,” he said after the team had a closed walk-through to end a three-day minicamp. “A team bond has occurred where you have a team identity. A standard has been created how we do our business, that is where I want it.

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“What does that mean moving forward? Now that we’ve identified that, we have systems in place that is a daily application….

“Guys were highly motivated to have a different sense of team. Because they were motivated, all the people in place have worked together to satisfy that. We’ve established what the standard of our team is, and that’s a big deal moving forward.”

With regard to the 2024 culture issues that players and coaches have worked to correct, it was eyebrow-raising this week when linebacker Bradley Chubb said players were “lying” last season when they spoke of having the right culture inside the team. Chubb then said the culture is genuinely better this season.

Asked about that comment, McDaniel said: “It would have been awesome if he had told me on the front-end when they were lying.”

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McDaniel addressed other issues, with the team going on break now until training camp begins the week of July 21:

▪ He said receiver Jaylen Waddle, coming off a down season, “has shown his teammates who he really is. The way he worked on his game has transferred into what we need to see from him and every player. Your best players must show a commitment to have growth in their game.

“He’s understanding his role as a leader a little more. He has taken more ownership in the totality of practice. When he feels a lulls, he has no problem going over to the defense and starting some competitive vibes… The best players have to strive to be better… Everyone gets juiced when Waddle is juiced. He’s been more juiced lately.”

▪ Did McDaniel feel defenses figured out Miami’s offense last season and that he needs to adjust?

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“One of the things very clear is defenses spent time trying to… make us perform in all facets,” he said, fully aware that Miami’s number of 20-plus yard plays dropped from top five in the league in 2023 to bottom five last season in 2024.

“… They’ve showed us we have to earn our way out of that,” McDaniel added. “You can easily [do that] as a group. If you’re trying to do it just with passing, it’s going to be difficult, close to impossible. It speaks to what we preach every day — balance, run affecting pass and vice versa. The point was kind of proven last year. It’s up to us to lean into our philosophical beliefs…. You need to threaten people in multiple ways or they will make you pay.”

McDaniel made the comments a day after ESPN’s Booger McFarland implored McDaniel to become more “innovative.”

â–Ş How has McDaniel changed his coaching style?

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“It’s important for me to evolve,” he said. “I’m asking that of the players. It’s important to lead by example in every way you can. There has been evolution. To be able to tell exactly what this is, it’s hard to [explain]. It’s something I’m always searching for.”

▪ McDaniel said right tackle Austin Jackson “is doing well” and his absence from Wednesday’s practice is “not related” to last season’s knee injury and surgery.

▪ McDaniel said center Aaron Brewer “has a skill set that’s unique at his position.. He can be a very violent player.”

▪ McDaniel said cornerback Cam Smith is “doing a great job. His key is how is he going to build on it?” He said there have been “gains” in his game.

â–Ş He said improving tackling has been a priority.