Olivier Vernon: “Just Trying to Get This Win, Point Blank”

Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon joined the Joe Rose Show this morning on WQAM, with much of the focus on the challenge of beating the New England Patriots this Sunday in Foxborough, where Tom Brady’s squad is an unbelievable 27-3 over the last four seasons.

“Just trying to get this win, point blank,” he said. “We have a good game on our hands.

“We’re coming off a tough loss. Our main goal right now is to get back into position that will help us further ourselves and make it in the playoffs.”

If the Dolphins were to upset the Patriots on the road, their playoff odds would surge back to relevance, but the task will be difficult considering they haven’t beaten the Pats on their home turf since September of 2008.

A third-round selection out of the University of Miami, Vernon has been a South Florida boy for his entire football career after graduating from American High in Hialeah. Playing professionally in his hometown has created a challenge with the mass of family and friends hunting for free tickets to Dolphins games.

“I have to change my phone number a lot.” Vernon said. “That’s pretty much what happens.

“You have to limit the tickets. Everybody’s gonna ask you left and right.”

Vernon had a career year last year, leading the team with 11.5 sacks. As for how he’s been able to develop into a productive player at the game’s highest level, he spoke about the mentality needed to be successful.

“You have to be relentless out there man, because you never know when your opportunity is going to come up to make a big play and change the game. You have to take that mindset on every snap.”


(miami.cbslocal.com)