Miami Dolphins safety Dante Trader Jr. said the team is shifting from preseason preparation to the Raiders and Week 1 after its Aug. 28 game. Trader said the defense emphasized creating three turnovers during the week and reached that goal, helping generate field position and energy for the team.
Trader also discussed a play involving Brian Robinson Jr. and said the defense benefited from players winning individual matchups and getting off blocks. He said those efforts helped create opportunities for the offense through turnovers and field position.
Trader Returns After Missing Camp Time
Trader said he missed about a week of camp because of an injury and wanted to play so he could feel ready for the regular season. Although he played less in the game, he said he was glad to return to the field and get a feel for the action again.
“I need to play. I need to get on the field, being able to go out there so I could feel good going into the real season,” Trader said.
Trader said the injury taught him to take mental reps, help his teammates and maintain his focus while waiting to return. He said the experience showed him that resilience can develop in different ways and ultimately make him a better football player.
“You get resilience in different ways, but ultimately it makes you a better football player in some essence,” Trader said.
Miami Dolphins Defense Emphasizes Versatility
Trader said the Miami Dolphins have used versatile players at different positions while learning the new defensive scheme. He credited Coach Hafley and Duggan with preparing the defense to limit explosive plays, stop the run and create tackles for loss and sacks.
Trader said Chris Bell’s return from injury was encouraging. He also said it was strange and bittersweet to see Tua in an opposing uniform, while emphasizing that the team still viewed him as a brother after the game.
“It was kind of weird, but it was bittersweet, too, because, after the game, we all came up to him, corralled him. That’s our brother at the end of the day,” Trader said.
As the team turns to the Raiders, Trader said he intends to lead regardless of whether he is selected as a captain. “Regardless, if I’m a captain or not, you’re going to hear me – like my voice hurts right now. I’m yelling,” he said.
Source: Original report