Duke Riley takes pride in responding to calls of duty.Since joining the NFL seven years ago as a former LSU standout chosen by the Duck Riley Duck Rileyn the third round of the 2017 draft, that has been the linebacker’s role.
Riley has played for the Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, and Miami Dolphins as a free agent in 2020. Despite his multiple team changes, Riley is still considered an NFL standout on special teams, an inside linebacker with excellent coverage skills, and a reliable backup quarterback.
Riley won’t merely start for the next few weeks as Jerome Baker, a six-year starter, is out due to an MCL sprain he suffered in Miami’s 45-15 victory over the Washington Commanders.
Riley will be the defensive liaison between the coaching staff and himself, speaking into his helmet, as he becomes the “green dot” player. Riley is therefore the player in charge of communicating the play call and ensuring that the defense players are all positioned correctly and using the proper scheme.
Bradley Chubb, a pass rusher, remarked, “I’ve been seeing Duke itching all year.” Each time his number was called, he made a significant contribution. One man’s downfall presents an opening for another. He has been utilizing that chance to its fullest.It’s amazing to watch him step into that role and take control of the defense, make all of the calls, and do whatever it takes to get us the victory when he entered the game.”
Riley was the best inside linebacker against the Commanders, according to ProFootballFocus, an analytical website that rates every NFL player weekly. Riley made eight tackles and forced a fumble in his thirty-one defensive snaps.
“I’m confident that Duke, or whoever needs to step up and play more, will be prepared,” defensive tackle Christian Wilkins stated. “Obviously, losing guys is never fun, but it would be great if other guys who we know are trustworthy could step up.”
Riley, who played 368 defensive snaps in 2022 and recorded 45 tackles, one sack, and two pass deflections, was re-signed by the Dolphins in the offseason for a $5 million, two-year contract. He also seemed to be vying for a starting spot at training camp and the offseason program at one point.
Coach Mike McDaniel praised Riley’s strong practices, saying, “He competed and really pushed ‘Bake’ immensely to be where he’s at.” Riley started the majority of the offseason while David Long Jr. was out due to a hamstring strain. Because he is the kind of player who is capable, we have known the entire season that if he is in there, things will go as they normally would.
It’s a position where we have some talented players. Thus, [I’m] grateful for his chance because I know he will seize it completely.
Riley still desires more for himself even though he has accepted who he is as an NFL player. He has, nevertheless, taken pleasure in carrying out his duties and serving as Miami’s special teams unit commander.
“In the end, all that matters in this league and in life is that you have to manage the things that you can control.” Riley, who has started 23 NFL games, said, “If you’re not up even though you want to be, whatever the reason, you just have to control what you can control and make the most out of the opportunity that you do have.” “I’m still getting ready to start on defense every week.” I would prepare as though I were a starter, even if I was only a fourth-string player. I simply am that way. My primary goals each and every day that I report to work are to improve upon yesterday’s performance and to bring someone with me every single day.
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