New Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks is a tackling machine and thinks the physicality in the middle is something the Seattle Seahawks player lacks.
Brooks signed with the Dolphins on Thursday, a team he feels is improving after back-to-back playoff appearances, after initially agreeing to terms Monday night when free agent negotiations began across the NFL.
“There were a few other teams. I think it was the best situation as long as we were on the winning team,” Brooks said Thursday. “A team that I felt was on the rise and that I felt could use my services to play linebacker.”
Brooks has three consecutive seasons with triple-digit tackles in Seattle, including 184 points in 2021, 161 points in 2022, and 111 points last season after a torn ACL at the end of last year. This includes rapid recovery.
“That's my game,” he said. “That's the way I play. Physical, fast, so I think what I do can impact this team. And I'm still growing.
Brooks said such behavior makes defenders wake up “every Monday morning after a game” feeling like they've been in a car accident.
What is needed?
“He has instincts, he sees the ball, he has the desire to make certain tackles and he just hustle,” Brooks said.
Brooks, 26, said he still feels like he's hitting his stride as a player who's only been a starter in three of his four NFL seasons.
He also brings intensity and leadership to the sideline. Proven in one clip His power flared up in a game against the Seahawks' rival San Francisco 49ers.
Miami Dolphins rookie LB Jordyn Brooks can spark a fire under the defense 🔥 (From NBC's SNF from last season)pic.twitter.com/Iu01nI8c49
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) March 12, 2024
“I'm a passionate soccer player. I love the game. That's all I've done in life, so when I play, I try to win,” he said.
“I wasn't yelling at anyone. I was on the sideline trying to cheer myself up. … I felt like I needed to get everyone together and try to pick up guys. The game has its ups and downs. I think it was all about my passion and love for the game and how much I wanted to win.”
Brooks said having Anthony Weaver, Miami's new defensive coordinator, with the Dolphins was a factor in his desire to join the Dolphins. He also appreciated the chance to team up with the former Rams star, having watched cornerback Jalen Ramsey play against the Seahawks for years in the NFC West.
“Everyone knows him as a great football player. He's also a man of faith as far as I can see,” Brooks said. “I think he's a great soccer player and I've seen him and played against him and now that we get to play together, he's excited for this opportunity.”
Brooks said he has yet to receive exact instructions on his role in the Dolphins' defense as the team continues to adjust this offseason.
Neil's connection to the Dolphins
New Dolphins cornerback and special teams ace Cilan Neal and Miami special teams coordinator Danny Crossman had a joyful reunion recently at the Dolphins facility.
Neal played with Crossman during his 2018 rookie season with the Bills.
Neal, a 6-foot, 206-pound seventh-year cornerback from Jacksonville State University, and Crossman have stayed in touch over the years, and that interaction has paid off.
“Like I told him yesterday, every time we play against him,” Neal said Thursday.
“Every time I played with him, I knew he was going to give me the best and I was going to give him the best.”
Neal, a gunner on the punt coverage team, was signed to help improve the standings and performance of the Dolphins' special teams, which are rated near the bottom of the league.
“Special teams play can either win or lose the game,” Neal said.
Another thing Neal brings to the Dolphins is winning experience. The fact that he's with the three-time AFC East champion Bills means Neal will have to reverse his recent trends.
“I'm very excited,” he said. “We've definitely been on the other side the last six years and won titles on the other side, but now it's time to try and win that division (title) in South Florida.”
That has something to do with All-Pro safety Jordan Poyer, whom the Dolphins just signed.
“Hey, Poe… it's Poe!” Neal said.
Neal, who considers himself an explosive player, said Coach Poyer protected him during Neal's rookie season because he saw Neal flustered. Poyer told him to calm down, use his incredible athleticism and just love the game.
“From that moment on, look at where I am now,” Neal said. “It’s been seven years and we’re still on the same team from Buffalo to here.
“One thing about me and Poe…he's really competitive. He's just like me. He hates losing. I hate losing. We gave it everything we had. Nothing comes easy.
“You have to have really tough skin when you stay in Buffalo. People hated playing in Buffalo, but we loved playing in Buffalo. It was cold, but it was… That's one thing we've put up with. Every time we stepped on that field, we stepped out there to win, and that's one thing we're going to bring to South Beach. I Every time we step on that field…we're going to step out there to win.”
