The Miami Dolphins signed a slew of players who were formerly with the New England Patriots this offseason, enough so that they could easily be nicknamed “Patriots South.” Despite the number of former Patriots they signed this offseason, linebacker Kyle Van Noy claims that the Dolphins are their own entity.

Amid a conversation with Adam H. Beasley of the Miami Herald, Van Noy spoke about the former New England players joining Miami:

“I don’t now how many New England guys there are, but we’re going to get away from that … We’re our own team, this is not the New England Patriots. This is the Miami Dolphins. It’s totally different, and I’m excited for that. New beginnings.”

Altogether, the Dolphins added Van Noy, Elandon Roberts, Ted Karras and Kamu Grugier-Hill this offseason. All four of them either spent this past season with the Patriots or have been with New England at some point in their careers. With the additions that Miami made this offseason, the Dolphins now have 11 ex-Patriots on the roster.

Of course, Brian Flores — the head coach in Miami — was an assistant in New England prior to joining the Dolphins last season. Provided that, it isn't a surprise that he's luring players that he's had previous experience with.

While some people believe the Dolphins are trying to shape themselves after New England's personnel, Van Noy believes Miami is instilling a new image on the franchise all its own. With that being said, there's no doubt he's hoping to see the same level of success that he saw in his stint with New England.