The new culture the Miami Dolphins have worked hard to establish this offseason gets its first test Monday morning.
The Dolphins begin their offseason workout program at their Davie training facility Monday. And while the program is voluntary for all players, the attention this gathering will receive (and should receive) will suggest a greater importance than just sheer weightlifting and conditioning.
Why?
Because the Dolphins have spent a lot of time this offseason adding players that are supposed to be leaders or "alpha dogs," to use coach Adam Gase's words.
And alpha dogs don't stay on the porch licking themselves, or whatever dogs do, when their master has an assignment. Alpha dogs get to work.
They not only want to please but are excited about the prospect, with all that tail wagging and such.
Alpha dogs report to voluntary conditioning.