DeShon Elliott #21 of the Miami Dolphins intercepts a pass during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on January 07, 2024…DeShon Elliott intercepts a pass during a game against the Buffalo Bills.
Former Miami Dolphins cornerback DeShon Elliott recently made headlines with strong criticism of his former team, calling them “soft.” This statement followed a challenging season for the Dolphins, quarterbacked by Tua Tagovailoa.
Tua Tagovailoa’s 2024 season has been marked by struggles, starting with a public disagreement with former coach Brian Flores. The team’s performance fell below expectations, and Tagovailoa’s injury further complicated their prospects. While the team showed signs of improvement upon his return, their chances of reaching the playoffs remain slim.
While Tagovailoa’s injury undoubtedly impacted the team’s trajectory, it isn’t solely responsible for their difficulties. The Dolphins’ overall performance has been inconsistent, prompting Elliott’s critical remarks.
DeShon Elliott #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers walks off the field after a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on October 13, 20…DeShon Elliott leaves the field after a game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
James Jones Challenges Elliott’s Criticism
Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones responded to Elliott’s comments on “The Facility,” questioning Elliott’s credibility given his own NFL journey. Jones pointed out Elliott’s history with multiple teams in a short period, arguing that his frequent moves undermine his authority to criticize the Dolphins. He argued that a player who has been on four teams in six years likely hasn’t consistently performed at a high level, suggesting Elliott was deflecting blame rather than offering constructive criticism.
Jones specifically challenged the notion that Elliott could criticize the Dolphins for being “bullied” when he was part of the team during those struggles. He emphasized that Elliott’s own career path suggests he hasn’t been a highly sought-after player, questioning his right to criticize the team’s culture.
Elliott’s comments are particularly perplexing considering the Dolphins’ playoff appearance in the previous season, demonstrating a level of competitiveness that contradicts his assessment.
DeShon Elliott’s NFL Trajectory and Potential Matchup Against Miami
Since entering the NFL in 2019, DeShon Elliott has played for the Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Currently with the Steelers, the possibility of facing his former team, the Dolphins, this season hinges on both teams making the playoffs. While the Steelers are well-positioned for a postseason berth, the Dolphins face a much tougher road. The Steelers have a demanding schedule ahead, including six divisional games, which will ultimately determine their final standing. However, with a 7-2 record, their playoff prospects are promising.
The only scenario for Elliott to play against the Dolphins in the regular season would require him to switch teams for a fifth time, a highly unlikely scenario. A playoff encounter remains a possibility, though dependent on the Dolphins overcoming significant challenges to secure a playoff spot.
