The Miami Dolphins traveled to Tampa for two days of joint practices in preparation for their upcoming preseason game against the Bucs. With a new scheduled start time at 10 a.m. EST, an earlier start than all but one of Tampa Bay’s days of camp thus far, and an unfamiliar defense lining up across from him, Jameis Winston struggled a bit.

Once the two teams geared up and began to face off in 1-on-1 drills, it was apparent that Winston wasn’t at his best, overthrowing two passes down the sideline while adding an interception in the mix. He did make some strong throws, including a strike to Evans with Dolphins top corner Xavien Howard in coverage, but the mistakes overshadowed those moments. Winston finished the period by shifting over to 1-on-1’s with the running backs and tight ends where he looked more comfortable.

Bucs OC Byron Leftwich and QB Jameis Winston – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

In team drills Winston initially picked up where he left off during the second half of 1-on-1’s, looking like his practice would be turning a corner before Howard ripped an interception of his own for Winston’s second pick of the day.

Throughout the rest of practice it again trended upward with a clean 7-on-7 period. Another clean team period and a strong red zone period where Winston was sharp and would have had himself a touchdown pass on a beautifully thrown ball to the corner of the end zone but Breshad Perriman couldn’t find it and haul it in.

Later on there was a simulated drive period where all three strings of each team’s offense got a chance to move down the field. After former Buc Ryan Fitzpatrick marched the Dolphins down the field, it was a quick out for Winston after taking the field himself. Shortly after the drive began Howard came up with another takeaway, Howard’s second of the day and Winston’s third interception.

Late in practice, with rain and lightning moving in, the teams moved indoors for the final 45 minutes of the day where Winston was able to salvage a rough practice with a phenomenal goal line period. Lined up at the two-yard line, Winston was given three chances to score, firing back-to-back touchdowns to Chris Godwin and O.J. Howard on well-executed passes. His third attempt was caught but a flag wiped away the touchdown.