This offseason, the Miami Dolphins made a number of moves to improve their defense, bringing in linebackers Philip Wheeler, Dannell Ellerbe and cornerback Brent Grimes to add some speed and athleticism to the unit.But so far, those players are mostly singing the praises of the offense they face in practice every day. (photo: Keith Allison, Flickr)
"We have a fast offense, man," Wheeler said recently during a conference call with fans, via the Palm Beach Post. "We have playmakers at receiver. Any one of those guys can break it open at any time.
"We have a young quarterback but he's out here playing like a veteran. We have a big offensive line and we can run the power game, then spread them out."
It's the month before training camp and the preseason get into full swing, and optimistic quotes from players are about as common as reporters willing to listen. But for a team that has invested heavily in re-tooling on both sides of the ball, the enthusiasm from the newcomers is undoubtedly encouraging to hear for the Dolphins faithful.
"I feel like we just have a complete team right now," said Ellerbe, who signed as a free agent from the Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens. "Practicing against those guys, I'm just excited to get to training camp."
The Miami defenders had plenty of positive words about second-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill as well, from both the new additions and those who saw him as a rookie.
"I think he's increased his skill level leaps and bounds," third-year Dolphins defensive back Jimmy Wilson said of Tannehill. "I think he's more comfortable with the game. We've thrown a lot at him early and he seems to be handling it well."
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