Mike McDaniel responds to ex-Dolphins player who called team ‘soft’
Sep 25, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel enters the field prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
A former Miami Dolphins player made headlines this week for some harsh comments about the team, but head coach Mike McDaniel does not seem all that concerned about the outside noise.
Veteran safety DeShon Elliott fired a seemingly random shot at the Dolphins during an appearance on the latest episode of Marlon Humphrey’s “Punch Line Podcast,” which was released on Wednesday. Elliott, who plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers now, was discussing his team’s upcoming Week 11 matchup against Humphrey’s Baltimore Ravens. Elliott said he is particularly excited for the game because last year he had to face Baltimore as a member of a team that was “soft as f–.”
“I haven’t been able to play against Baltimore the way I’ve wanted to, because last year I played for a team that was soft as f–,” Elliott said. “It was pretty soft. There were some guys who were tough, but the majority of the team there was not mentally tough individuals. So, to be on a team with a full team of mentally tough guys going against another mentally tough team, AFC North ball, this is gonna be fun, man.”
You can see the clip, but be aware that it contains cursing:
Deshon Elliot did not hold back, referring to his time with the Dolphins.
“Last year I played for a team that was soft as fuck” 👀
— Bobby Shouse (@B_Shousejr) November 13, 2024
McDaniel was asked during his press conference on Wednesday about Elliott’s remarks. The Dolphins coach said he is only concerned with this year’s team but defended his players against Elliott’s claim that they are “soft.”
“I think I am supremely only concerned with the 2024 Dolphins, for sure,” McDaniel said. “I think that every team’s ability to be mentally tough in the NFL season is definitely tried. I think case in point (is) some of the stuff that we’ve been going through. I think our team played a tough-fought game the last three weeks and ended up finding a way to win this past week. I think that’s not the easiest thing to do. I’m just worried about this year’s team.”
Mike McDaniel responds to DeShon Elliott’s comments pic.twitter.com/F7IYohnnIb
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) November 13, 2024
McDaniel was obviously referring to the Dolphins having to play without their starting quarterback for several games after Tua Tagovailoa suffered his latest concussion.
The Dolphins went 11-6 and reached the playoffs last year. They lost 26-7 in the Wild Card round to the Kansas City Chiefs, who went on to win the Super Bowl.
It is unclear why Elliott felt the 2023 Dolphins lacked mental toughness, but he clearly did not enjoy his lone season in Miami.
