Head coach Mike McDaniel and some players responded to former Miami Dolphins safety DeShon Elliott’s comments about the team being “soft as f—” last year, but there was perhaps an even better non-verbal retort at practice Thursday.

It came in the form of a musical selection while the players stretched for their first practice ahead of their Week 11 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.

This track was “Feel No Ways” by Drake.

The song contains these lyrics:

And now you’re trying to make me feel one way, on purpose

Now you’re throwing it back in my face, on purpose

Now you talking down my name (ah), on purpose (yeah)

And you don’t feel something, you think I deserve it

Feel a way, feel a way

Young (n word) knows a way

I’ve stopped listening to things you say

After head coach Mike McDaniel, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and others reacted to Elliott’s comments on Wednesday, it was defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver’s turn Thursday morning.

Weaver also has a different perspective on the comments because, first, he wasn’t with the Dolphins last season and, second, he was on the Baltimore Ravens’ coaching staff during Elliott’s final season with that team in 2021.

“I know DeShon,” Weaver said. “Obviously I respect who he is as a player. I don’t think any man who walks on that field and plays this game is soft. So I know the guys in that locker room. I know the passion and the physicality and the tenacity that they play with. So the fact that he feels that way, hey, God bless him an opportunity every Sunday to change that.”

Perhaps the strongest response from a player came from fellow safety Jevon Holland.

“I mean, honestly man, if you want to call someone out, go ahead and do it and drop names, but other than that, whatever floats your boat, whatever allows you to have a good night’s sleep, it is what it is,” he said. “But if you don’t mention anybody, you don’t call anybody out, then all the other comments are just empty. You’re just talking at that point. I wish nothing but the best for DeShon, he’s having a great year, I hope he continues with that success, but other than that it (expletive) means nothing to me.

Head coach Mike McDaniel took to the road to address Elliott’s comments.

“I’m just really concerned about the Dolphins in 2024, for sure,” he said. “I think every team’s ability to be mentally tough during the NFL season is definitely tested, and I think some of the things that we’ve gone through.” I think our team played a tough game the last three weeks and we ended up finding a way to win this last week. I think it’s not the easiest thing to do and I’m just worried about this year’s team. Did you say on a podcast? Cool podcast.”

Further reading:

— Former Dolphins safety Elliott takes shots at his former team

— Tua’s teammates react to defiant tackling stance

— Do Dolphins get another year of Aaron Rodgers?