So, compared to last year, Brown was asked, do you feel, stronger, faster or shiftier?
''All of the above,'' he laughed confidently.
Confident words and a confident air hang around Brown more often than in his past Dolphins seasons. Or, maybe ''comfortable'' is the better word. As in, he's more comfortable with his own body.
Two years ago, Brown's weight and conditioning were questioned. Too much of one and too little of the latter, went the whispers. While that never was proved one way or the other, no such questions remain today. Brown allows that he would like to be a little leaner, but when those passing the Dolphins practice field gawk at the size of Brown's thighs or arms, fat isn't a factor.
''As far as shape goes, he's outstanding right now,'' said Dolphins coach Tony Sparano, who often indicates when he thinks a player carries too much tonnage. ``That sounds like a company line, but I mean it. In the weight room the guy is super right now. He weighs 230 pounds, he's running better, he is stronger, so all of those things from a progress standpoint I see as positives.''
Last year, of course, Brown was just getting to know his body again after the ligament tear that aborted what had been a spectacular individual 2007 season after seven games. He had been on pace for 2,265 combined rushing and receiving yards when he got hurt Oct. 21 against New England. Last summer, he was just hoping to get back for some of training camp.
