ErikEzukanma

Brandon Lee Gowton·Aug 3

Payton continues to be fearless.

The rookie quarterback took a downfield shot to Erik Ezukanma, who got his hands on the ball but couldn’t control it to the ground with three defenders very close to him. Payton connected with Dae’Quan Wright for a catch-and-run touchdown. Wright wasn’t shy to initiate contact to power his way into the end zone. The undrafted rookie tight end’s desire to bulldoze through defenders is apparent from his college highlights. Tariq Castro-Fields got his hands on a Payton pass that Ezukanma was able to stay with and make the grab on a bouncing ball. Payton more cleanly hit Smartt for a two-point conversion.

Alain Poupart·Aug 15

Waddle, whose participation was somewhat limited Wednesday, certainly sparked the team and he was targeted early in practice. Despite key absences, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa started the day in the red zone 7-on-7 period with two touchdown tosses, one to Waddle with Derrick Barnes in coverage and one to Erik Ezukanma with safety Rock Ya-Sin covering. The next two plays resulted in a Lions coverage sack and Waddle not being to secure a pass with Amik Robertson in coverage.