GREEN BAY, Wis. — Unlike former Miami Dolphins safety DeShon Elliott, Jordyn Brooks isn’t known for sharing his thoughts publicly, as he doesn’t even have a podcast.

However, after the Dolphins’ 30-17 defeat to the Packers on Thursday, Brooks expressed an undeniable truth.

“I felt like we let the weather dictate our performance as a team,” Brooks commented while leaving Miami’s locker room. “I thought we were soft. Plain and simple. We were soft today.”

While Elliott once claimed last year’s Dolphins were weak on his podcast, it’s much more impactful when Brooks, a hard-hitting player, singles out this year’s defense as lacking toughness.

In this game specifically, Brooks was spot on.

The Dolphins missed an eye-popping 20 tackles during the match, according to TruMedia.

Twenty tackles missed! Definitely not something to be thankful for.

Dolphins fail to score on three chances from Packers’ 1-yard line

At kickoff, the temperature was a chilly 27 degrees, with flurries, and it seems the Dolphins were caught off guard, particularly in the first half, falling behind 24-3.

“I’m not sure if the weather affected the guys too much,” Brooks said. “But I believe the conditions contributed to our overall performance.”

This lack of aggression was evident on both offense and defense.

The Dolphins’ defense allowed the Packers to run for 114 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry.

“We definitely need to improve our tackling,” said Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler.

On the offensive side, the Dolphins could manage only 39 rushing yards, with an average of 2.8 yards per carry.

The lowest point came in the fourth quarter, when Miami was behind 27-11.

Facing a 2nd-and-goal on the Packers’ 1-yard line, Miami failed to score.

They attempted a rush with De’Von Achane that went nowhere, followed by an incomplete pass from Tua Tagovailoa to Jonnu Smith, and then a sack on fourth down that prevented any further attempts.

So, why not try to run it in? Or at least attempt a score?

Dolphins were outmatched in physicality during loss to Green Bay

Head Coach Mike McDaniel pointed out that he noticed some technique flaws on the first couple of plays that guided him to call for passing plays instead.

“Whatever plays are called, you’ve just got to get it in the end zone,” said Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert.

NBC commentator Jason Garrett repeatedly expressed his concern that the Dolphins lack physicality. He questioned the team’s ability to win games on the road, especially against stronger competitors in cold weather.

“The narrative around us is what it is,” Dolphins offensive tackle Terron Armstead stated. “We pride ourselves on being tough up front. I’ve been a physical player in this league for 12 years. So how the narrative portrays us will remain, and today we fell short.”

The Dolphins didn’t lose purely due to cold weather.

A critical moment occurred when rookie Malik Washington muffed a punt after Miami had initially stopped Green Bay.

Ten penalties and poor offensive execution were significant contributors to the defeat.

Historically, Miami has struggled in colder games.

Additionally, Tua Tagovailoa holds a 0-7 record in games played in conditions of 46 degrees or lower.

Garrett argues that the team’s preference for speed over physicality could hinder Miami’s future prospects.

It’s also true that, regardless of location or conditions, Green Bay is a more competitive team. Miami’s resilience to make the game somewhat competitive is a positive takeaway.

Dolphins still have a chance at the playoffs

The Dolphins, with a current record of 5-7, might still manage to win four or even five of their remaining games this season.

A record of 10-7 or 9-8 would be quite an achievement following a 2-6 start.

Nonetheless, from a broader perspective, Miami’s struggles against persistent narratives are troubling.

They continue to lose against highly skilled teams, falter in cold weather, and struggle on primetime stages.

Now, with a player from their own roster claiming they were soft, there’s yet another narrative the Dolphins must face down.