The Miami Dolphins made waves in 2023 with a historic season, producing record-breaking offensive numbers. Key players shattered franchise records in rushing touchdowns, receptions, and receiving yards, with the team ultimately leading the NFL in total yards. But while fans celebrated these achievements, former Dolphins safety DeShon Elliott had a less favorable view of the squad. Elliott, who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers, recently labeled his former Miami teammates as “soft” on Marlon Humphrey’s “Punch Line Podcast.”
Elliott’s blunt assessment came as he discussed his current experience with the Steelers and his expectations for competing in the hard-hitting AFC North division. He shared that he felt the 2023 Dolphins fell short of the mental toughness required for competitive NFL play. “I haven’t been able to play against Baltimore the way I wanted to because last year I played up for a team that was soft as [expletive],” Elliott remarked. He clarified that while certain Dolphins players showed resilience, the team overall lacked the grit he’s found within the Steelers’ organization.
Reflecting on his time with Miami, Elliott emphasized his preference for playing in the physical AFC North, a division known for its intensely competitive matchups. The AFC North, with franchises like the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and Cincinnati Bengals, has a longstanding reputation for fostering mentally tough, defensive-minded teams. Elliott believes that mentality aligns more closely with his own approach to the game. He noted, “To be on a team with the full team of mentally tough guys going against another mentally tough team and AFC North ball, it’s going to be fun.”
Despite his critique, the Dolphins’ 2023 offensive achievements were undeniable. They broke franchise records, displaying an impressive ability to rack up yards and points. Led by their star players, the team put up remarkable stats, quickly becoming a top offense in the league. However, according to Elliott, the team’s explosive offense may have masked deeper issues with resilience and mental toughness.
Elliott’s comments about the Dolphins drew varied reactions from fans and analysts alike. Some argued that the team’s offense-driven success came at the cost of a more balanced approach to gameplay, which often requires a strong defensive backbone and a mindset resilient enough to withstand the pressures of playoff football. Others countered that Elliott’s comments might reflect the unique culture of AFC North football, which tends to prioritize defensive toughness and intense physicality more than some other NFL divisions.
Since joining the Steelers, Elliott has found a new environment where he feels more in tune with his team’s values, especially in terms of mental and physical toughness. His statements underscore the contrast he perceives between the Steelers’ defensive culture and the Dolphins’ more offense-heavy approach.
As Elliott settles in Pittsburgh, his insights offer a glimpse into the ongoing conversation about what it means to create a mentally tough NFL team. For the Dolphins, his remarks may serve as a point of reflection on their approach to team-building and gameplay. Meanwhile, fans will have to wait to see if his shift to a team with “mentally tough” players yields results in the AFC North.