Miami’s joint practice with Chicago became a character moment more than a clash. Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson cooled a sideline scuffle by framing it as brotherly fire, and Mike McDaniel reinforced that belief, calling the moment family business that strengthens the unit. By the preseason opener, Brooks and Dodson were back in tandem, with Brooks praising Dodson’s ceiling and using the moment as iron sharpening iron. The episode also highlighted the Dolphins’ disciplined thud tempo and the Bears’ physical practice, while signaling more joint work ahead against Detroit as Miami readies for Detroit’s defense and stiffer competition.

Armstead later revealed on a podcast that Dodson was the target of Brooks’s confrontation, adding another layer to the team’s internal narrative. McDaniel’s measured response—acknowledging the friction but emphasizing accountability and communication—suggests the Dolphins value resilience and transparent dialogue. As they prepare for back-to-back practices with the Lions, the Dolphins appear intent on translating friction into cohesion, with depth and role clarity shaping fantasy impact and real-game performance in August and beyond.

During a joint session with the Chicago Bears, Miami’s linebacker duo of Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson got tangled in a sideline dust-up, prompting separation from teammates. Minkah Fitzpatrick dismissed the scene, saying Brooks was pushing for a higher standard and that such energy is a necessary byproduct of accountability. Brooks is expected to take a leadership role for Miami’s defense in 2025, with Weaver praising both linebackers as the culture’s flagbearers.

The exchange underlined a newer Dolphins identity: a defense anchored by a communicative, standards-driven group in the front seven. Fitzpatrick framed the incident as productive leadership rather than a red flag, while Weaver highlighted the pair’s early-year leadership strides. For fantasy and IDP enthusiasts, the situation signals heightened opportunity for Brooks and Dodson in 2025 as they anchor Miami’s middle, and for the defense as a whole, which has leaned into a culture of high expectations and relentless energy.

In sum, the dust-up serves as a litmus test for a Dolphins rebuild on that side of the ball, with Brooks and Dodson positioned to benefit from a clearer leadership structure. Fitzpatrick’s praise suggests the team will weaponize energy, not suppress it, which could translate into more consistent tackle-volume and scheme-driven opportunities for the two linebackers in fantasy formats.

During training camp, Willie Gay Jr. has emerged as a frontrunner for the Miami Dolphins' starting linebacker role, partnering with Jordyn Brooks. Gay, previously with the Kansas City Chiefs and coming off a less than stellar season with the New Orleans Saints, is showcasing impressive performance that has caught the attention of his teammates. Veteran linebacker Bradley Chubb has commended Gay's energy and Super Bowl experience as key attributes that could bolster the Dolphins' defense.

The Dolphins have been on the lookout for a strong linebacker presence after parting ways with David Long Jr. and seeing Anthony Walker Jr. exit via free agency. Alongside Gay, the Dolphins are evaluating Tyrel Dodson and K.J. Britt as potential contributors in the linebacker corps. Gay's ability to make an impact in training camp is crucial for the Dolphins as they aim to fill these gaps and strengthen their defensive lineup.

Jordyn Brooks has emerged as a significant force on the Miami Dolphins' defense following a standout 2025 season. His impressive statistics, including a high tackle count, put him in a prime position to be named a team captain, especially after the departure of veteran leaders. The Dolphins are transitioning towards a new culture, and Brooks' leadership qualities are expected to play a pivotal role in guiding the team.

With the Dolphins actively seeking new leadership, Brooks stands out as a strong candidate to fill this void. His prior experience with the Seahawks, where he played a fundamental role in their defense, suggests that he possesses the necessary skills and mentality to lead the Dolphins into a new era.

The 2025 Miami Dolphins are fortunate to have a talented group of inside linebackers, including Jordyn Brooks, Tyrel Dodson, Willie Gay Jr., and K.J. Britt. Collectively, they are the deepest unit on the team, surpassing even the wide receivers, edge rushers, and running backs. Brooks, the team leader in tackles last season, emphasizes the importance of their role in the defense's success. Despite the need for various playmakers, these linebackers may not individually win games for the Dolphins, but their depth and skill are significant assets.

Brooks and Dodson are expected to be the primary starters, with Dodson having the added responsibility of wearing the 'green dot' helmet for communication. Both players have shown promise, with Dodson recording impressive stats after joining from Seattle. The backups, Gay and Britt, have experience and potential, making this unit one of the strongest in the league. As the Dolphins adjust their defensive strategy, they rely heavily on their inside linebackers to step up, with the coaching staff expressing confidence in their capabilities.