Here were some of the comments from Thursday that stood out, along with some perspective:
"He's sharp with what's going on within the game."
— Head Coach Adam Gase listed some of the attributes that have keyed linebacker **Kiko Alonso’s** success, and he came up with a combination of mental and physical attributes. Alonso has been among the biggest playmaking linebackers in the NFL this season, with 106 total tackles, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
"Hopefully I get Pro Bowl, All-Pro and all the things that come with it; right now I'm not worried about that. I'm worried about winning these four games so we can make a playoff appearance."
— Tackle **Laremy Tunsil** is enjoying the best season of his three-year career and has put himself in line for individual recognition, but that's not the priority for him. What's important is continuing to play well not for individual accolades but to help the team be successful.
"Obviously it's an honor to be even mentioned in the same breath as Walter Payton and just to be recognized with 31 other guys across the league for their work they're doing in their communities and across the country."
— Wide receiver **Kenny Stills** has been selected as the Dolphins' nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year for a second consecutive year, a fitting tribute for all the community work that he does.
"Making a few more plays gets you excited, but I'm just doing my job. It's pretty simple."
— Defensive end **Robert Quinn** has made his presence felt in the past few games, getting back to the form he displayed in the first few weeks of the season. Quinn naturally is happy to be contributing, but he's looking at everything through the notion of doing what he's supposed to do. The Dolphins certainly could use another strong effort from Quinn against the Patriots on Sunday.
