MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott didn’t hold back when it came to speaking about the Miami Dolphins — the team he played for in 2023.
Ahead of the Steelers’ Sunday showdown with the Baltimore Ravens, Elliott took a swipe at the 2023 Dolphins, calling them “soft as f---” during a recent appearance on the “Punch Line Podcast,” which is hosted by Ravens veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey.
Elliott, who spent last season in Miami, hinted that the team lacked mental toughness, noting there were a few “tough guys” but that overall, the roster fell short.
Starting 15 games for Miami last year, Elliott’s Dolphins enjoyed an 11-4 start before losing their final three games, including a wild-card blowout to the eventual Super Bowl champion Chiefs.
As a member of the Dolphins in 2023, Elliott allowed five touchdown passes, 18.6 yards per completion, and missed nine tackles, according to NFL reporter Adam Beasley.
Elliott told Humphrey during his podcast appearance that Miami’s culture lagged behind what he found in Baltimore, where he’d previously played four seasons.
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa responded to Elliott’s remarks on Wednesday.
“I think I am supremely only concerned with the 2024 Dolphins,” McDaniel said. “Every team’s ability to be mentally tough during the season is definitely tested, and I think our team played tough, hard-fought games over the last three weeks and found ways to win. That’s not the easiest thing to do.”
Tagovailoa added, “Every man speaks for himself and has his own voice. I’ve had the chance to talk with [Elliott] a lot, and if that’s how he feels… cool.”
Elliott’s comments come on the heels of a similar assessment from new Dolphins safety Jordan Poyer, who, upon joining Miami, said he’d noticed a tendency for the team to “fold” under pressure in past matchups as a member of the Buffalo Bills.
The Dolphins (3-6) will look to win back-to-back games for the first time all season when they host the Las Vegas Raiders (2-7) at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.