Olivier Vernon believes DLINE is the heart and soul of the defense

Written by Matthew Cannata
The Miami Dolphins are loaded with talent at the defensive line position and have many players on the verge of breakout seasons. Besides having Cameron Wake, Randy Starks and Jared Odrick, the line also boasts the likes of Olivier Vernon, Earl Mitchell, Derrick Shelby and Dion Jordan.

Vernon believes that the defensive line is the heart and soul of the defense and wouldn’t have it any other way.

 “All of us defensive linemen talked to each other, and we pretty much know what we have to do, especially when it comes to game-time situations,” Vernon said recently. “When it comes down to it, the D-line is the heart and soul of the defense. If we’re not doing what we have to do, then things start falling apart. So that’s one thing we’re trying to focus on now going into the season.”

Vernon, who had a breakout year in 2013, registered 11.5 sacks and hopes to continue the same success, if not more, in 2014.

“I would say just wait for the pads to come on,” Vernon explained. “I know what kind of group we have, but I’m not going to just talk about it. I’m not the type of person [that] I don’t want to show what we have. I think all of us on the D-line will show what we have.”

---