Easing into Dolphins' camp, Jalen Ramsey says he, Xavien Howard can do 'special things'
MIAMI GARDENS — Jalen Ramsey was waiting on Xavien Howard to wrap up his post-practice media availability on Tuesday afternoon.
"One more minute!" Ramsey joked to reporters, smiling as he peered over Howard's shoulder.
In reality, everyone is going to have to wait one more minute to see the fierce Jalen Ramsey vs. Tyreek Hill team drills matchup we all anticipate in Dolphins training camp.
As for spring organized team activities and mandatory minicamp, which began Tuesday, let's just say Ramsey and Hill have had very clean aqua jerseys after practice.
"I think I've had the same plan like for the past three offseasons," Ramsey said, referring to protecting his health and ramping up slowly in the spring.
Ramsey, Miami's prized offseason trade acquisition, has been present but limited in participation.
"What matters is when the time is right that I'm ready to go, full go, and that's not even a question in nobody's mind," Ramsey said. "We're all on the same page with that."
The same goes for Hill.
How Tua Tagovailoa’s helmet cam helps the Dolphins
How George Kittle helped Dolphins tight end Tyler Kroft
As for Howard, he has been routinely participating in spring practice after contract issues prevented that in 2021 and 2022. He appears fit and determined and he's liking this Vic Fangio defense.
"Very quiet," Howard said of Fangio. "But when he talks, everybody listens."
Ramsey has played in a Fangio-style defense with the Rams.
"It's very complex," Ramsey said. "So like, you're looking on the outside, y'all may think that it's zone. but it's not. Like it's very it's a very complex defense and it's a lot less zone than you think."
Howard did say that the last time he had his eyes on the quarterback this much was 2018.
Miami has incredible talent across the board on defense and Ramsey endorses the scheme.
"I mean, it excites me just in general like having these guys on the team," Ramsey said. "This is the best defense I've played in. I have played in it for the past three years anyway, so I'm excited for that."
Even when he's not on the field, Ramsey feels he can help his teammates with the new defense.
"This offseason, this minicamp, if anybody has questions about the defense," Ramsey said. "There's certain ways that Vic wants it to be very specific, but there's also certain ways where you can have your own flavor and get comfortable within the defense."
Though Ramsey and Howard aren't spending a lot of time opposite each other this spring, that will change in the summer. And Ramsey knows how good the duo can be.
"We can do some special things," Ramsey said. "We can be elite. Put it all together. When the time is right, it'll happen how it needs to happen."
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 Twitter @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: Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard ramping up for Dolphins season differently
