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BR: Why the Dolphins Quest for LB Help is Already Solved

rob19

rob19

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In 1,054 snaps, Wheeler hit the quarterback just five times. That is not acceptable for any starting linebacker...

Enter Chris McCain.

McCain was signed nearly one week after the first batch of undrafted free agents (UDFA) were signed, so he wasn’t even considered a priority free agent.

The pass-rusher from Cal primarily played defensive end for a bad Cal Bears defensive unit, but he was kicked off the team in late September 2013. Because of the lack of film and his character concerns, McCain went under the radar through the draft process.

One training camp and four preseason games later, McCain has made the Dolphins’ 53-man roster. But that’s not the end of his story, if the Dolphins’ coaches are willing to play the budding linebacker over more veteran options.

In fact, McCain should be considered the answer to the Dolphins’ biggest question: Who will step up as a playmaker at linebacker?
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McCain has been effective no matter where he lines up, which provides the Dolphins defense much more versatility with their personnel than with Wheeler. Just in Weeks 3 and 4 against the Dallas Cowboys and St. Louis Rams, respectively, McCain saw snaps at all edge-rush positions. That includes weak-side linebacker and defensive end, and strong-side linebacker and end…

As the weak-side linebacker, McCain will be responsible for “cleaning up” plays from behind and rushing the passer. Straight-line speed and hip flexibility are extremely valuable. Take a look at this GIF, which shows McCain sprinting through the B-gap and nearly tackling the running back for a loss.
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He didn’t make the tackle, but he flashes the physical traits to make a difficult play. That’s the potential Miami must invest more into.

Later in the game we find McCain once again bending around the edge to force an early throw. He didn’t notch a sack on the above plays, but his disruption helps the defense force turnovers and minimize chunk-play potential.
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The Dolphins defense has the potential to be very good, but right now the starting linebackers are holding this unit back. Outside linebackers Ellerbe and Wheeler have been put on notice by the strong play of McCain. If neither veteran shows progress through the first few weeks of the season, the Dolphins should allow McCain to develop on the field.
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http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...s-quest-for-linebacker-help-is-already-solved
 
Hey, it's ok. Wheeler wouldn't have brought that RB down either. He wouldn't have even gotten through the gap. Anyone but Wheeler.
 
That's great news. I didn't watch all of pre season this year, but were many of his good plays against starters?
 
It's a bummer he's not on the new madden
 
Two plays he didn't even finish the play on? Don't we already have that in Dion Jordan? Lot of "almost" plays.
 
I already started an offline franchise :( owell ha.
 
Omar Kelly ‏@OmarKelly · 9m
Chris McCain is on the Dolphins' injury report with a hip injury. (sad face from me)
 
there's so much more to lb play in a 43 than splash plays at the los...the authors as lost as mccain is off the los right now
 
Down the road he may be the answer but if he has coverage responsibilities Brady and the other QBs will exploit that. Kind of like he did Wheeler last year. Jenkins is pretty good at coverage and might get the nod if Wheeler can not play.
Mccain probably will be in Dions role until he returns. Just rushing the passer.
 
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