Miami Dolphins' Chop Robinson, De'Von Achane: 2025 team chemistry better; no missed days
Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel wants his players to be focused, on-time, self-disciplined and present, physically and emotionally, in 2025.
It appears they've gotten the message.
"I just say as a team, we're putting that energy and we're here every day, we be putting in that energy and we're here like every day, we're not missing days," running back De'Von Achane said. "Like you can see, like, this year's team is way different than last year's team."
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After last season, some Dolphins players said there was some tardiness and some lack of total presence and focus at times.
McDaniel believes an 8-9 finish last year helps send a clear message.
The Dolphins must be more locked in, right away, in 2025.
"I mean just everybody being here, you get to see the team chemistry like everybody just wants the same goal, everybody wants to be great," Dolphins edge rusher Chop Robinson said. "Everybody wants to win. So the only way to do that is doing it all together. So the chemistry is definitely better than it was last year."
Dolphins' Chop Robinson: Chemistry better in 2025
The Dolphins are sorting out a potential trade for veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey. But it is clear that overall, Miami has strong voluntary attendance.
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Reporters even saw some veteran players watching a recent rookie minicamp.
"All the people being here, we're just building that chemistry early and not waiting until like, you know, when the season started, then trying to build like during the season," Achane said.
Miami Dolphins linebacker Chop Robinson (44) speaks to reporters June 4, 2024, during mandatory minicamp at Baptist Health Training Complex in Miami Gardens, Florida. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
With key veteran leaders like Terron Armstead and Calais Campbell gone, other players need to step up into that role.
Achane, for example, is somehow already the longest-tenured Dolphins running back. Achane is only 23 years old.
He's listening intently to McDaniel's directive.
Dolphins' De'Von Achane: This is going to be different
"Yeah, most definitely about being present," Achane said. "Like you said, just how I mentioned everybody's here. Like, you know, we know it's voluntary, but like if you want to win, you want to win games, this is where it starts at. I feel we're doing a good job as that. As long as we keep that going we're going to see this season is going to be different than last year."
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Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins players say they're physically and mentally present now
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