Can Dolphins Cameron Wake Return to Form?

[DKphin]

In 2008 Wake showed his rookie season was no fluke. This time he picked up 23 QB sacks while winning Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award.
Now the NFL was really taking notice of Wake. Several teams showed real interest in him and he got an opportunity to work out for eight of them. It was the Miami Dolphins, however, that won the prize of Cameron Wake’s services.
Although he didn’t break into the Dolphins starting line up in his first year of 2009, he showed off his pass rushing skills in limited playing time, picking up 5 ½ QB sacks. In 2010 Wake did break into the Dolphins starting lineup as a linebacker and lead the team with 14 sacks. He was also voted to his first pro bowl, as an outside linebacker.
In 2011 the Dolphins used Wake at both defensive end and outside linebacker. Although he only picked up 8.5 sacks, his presence alone caused offenses to alter their game plans. While the Dolphins as a team were struggling, Wake’s game was ascending.
In 2012 Wake signed a new deal with the Dolphins and was asked to be a full time defensive end. He responded with 15 sacks, and was voted to his 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] Pro Bowl, becoming only the second player in Dolphins history to make the Pro Bowl at two different positions.
Over the next two seasons in 2013 and 2014 Wake picked up 20 more sacks and a couple more pro bowl selections. He was arguably the best player on the team.
In 2015 things started out a bit slowly for Wake. He didn’t pick up his first sack until the 5[SUP]th[/SUP] game of the season against Tennessee. But Wake also picked up sacks 2, 3, and 4, while dominating the entire game. In the next game against Houston he got to the QB two more times and if everyone hadn’t noticed, Wake was back in Pro Bowl form. But the 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] quarter of his next game against New England would be both the end of Wake’s season; and his left Achilles tendon. Wake had already sacked Tom Brady once in the game and it seemed to be only a matter of time before he would get to him again. While Wake was rushing Brady it happened. The way Wake explained it, he simply couldn’t put any more weight on his left foot. He knew something was wrong as he went to the ground and stayed there until he was assisted off the field.
The diagnosis that he would miss the remainder of the season was a huge blow to Wake, but it was an even bigger blow to the Dolphins who only won 3 more games for the season.

http://www.scout.com/nfl/dolphins/story/1686991-can-dolphins-cameron-wake-return-to-form?s=87

 

[ANUFan]

I hope they have a backup plan and I hope they use him sparingly!

 

[The Finster]

With this particular injury, and his age, it's highly unlikely he'll return to form, I've been a Wake fan since we signed him, I was one of the few people that predicted success for him, most thought he was just another Canadian player, but this injury can ruin a young mans career, and Wake is in his mid 30's, the chances of him retuning to form are unfortunately, miracle small.

 

[susser2000]

With this particular injury, and his age, it's highly unlikely he'll return to form, I've been a Wake fan since we signed him, I was one of the few people that predicted success for him, most thought he was just another Canadian player, but this injury can ruin a young mans career, and Wake is in his mid 30's, the chances of him retuning to form are unfortunately, miracle small.

These are my thoughts, exactly. I really hope he returns to form; I was really high on him coming out of the CFL, too. I just can't see him being as dominant at 34. This is usually an age where you see a lot of dominant players regress or simply fall off a cliff; the injury doesn't help.

 

[beanh8er]

All reports I've seen are he's already 100%. He has perfect nutrition and fitness year round. With him slated to be a situational pass rusher, I think he's in for a good bounce back year. 8+ sacks. The fact he was practicing 8 months after the injury is miraculous by itself.


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[AL R]

With this particular injury, and his age, it's highly unlikely he'll return to form, I've been a Wake fan since we signed him, I was one of the few people that predicted success for him, most thought he was just another Canadian player, but this injury can ruin a young mans career, and Wake is in his mid 30's, the chances of him retuning to form are unfortunately, miracle small.

Yes unfortuntely its highly unlikely, he does seem to really take of his body and all but father time (and injuries) always win in the end.

Lets hope for the best, he may be an effective pass rusher for a few plays a game when we really need it.

 

[AL R]

These are my thoughts, exactly. I really hope he returns to form; I was really high on him coming out of the CFL, too. I just can't see him being as dominant at 34. This is usually an age where you see a lot of dominant players regress or simply fall off a cliff; the injury doesn't help.

There was an article I read someplace that talked about older pass rushers etc - let me see if I can find it, it was a little more encouraging than I would have thought.

Here it is, Mario is mentioned in here ..

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/sacking-father-time-elite-pass-rushers-productive-into-their-30s/

 

[brumdog44]

'Can' and 'will' seem to be particularly different questions.

 

[SCLSU Mud Dogs]

Wake definitely isn't an every-down defensive player anymore, but he's got my vote of confidence. The dude takes care of his body and it shows.

 

[Buff]

He will play fine, his form will be as good as usual, but he won't play every down. He should still get 6-8 sacks for the year.

 

[fansinceGWilson]

These are my thoughts, exactly. I really hope he returns to form; I was really high on him coming out of the CFL, too. I just can't see him being as dominant at 34. This is usually an age where you see a lot of dominant players regress or simply fall off a cliff; the injury doesn't help.

Agreed. Anyone here over 40 knows physical deterioration isn't a slow process. At some point, 12-24 months means a DRAMATIC fall in skill/endurance. Matter of fact, that's the norm. Yet, everyone talks about Brady as if he can play to 45. Ummm, no. Same is true with Wake. He's been very good and should be good in pass rush this fall, I'm optimistic for him but time is not kind.

 

[royalshank]

Achilles injuries aren't what they used to be, meaning it is possible for a player to come back strong (remember Suggs coming back in the same season). When Marino came back his ankle had atrophied badly and the same w Lawrence Taylor. But now the surgery and the rehab are more advanced. I think there is a good chance Wake can get his pass rushing mojo back.

 

[susser2000]

There was an article I read someplace that talked about older pass rushers etc - let me see if I can find it, it was a little more encouraging than I would have thought.

Here it is, Mario is mentioned in here ..

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/sacking-father-time-elite-pass-rushers-productive-into-their-30s/

I'd say it's encouraging for the top rushers in history, but coming off of an achilles injury may be troubling. I'm hoping for the best. Great article, by the way.

 

[39wildman]

when wake plays good the dolphins usedly win

 

[Eesti]

Cam Wake is not your normal player. He's a freak. I would never bet against him.

Terrell Suggs tore his Achilles on May 3rd in 2012 and came back to play on October 21st of 2012. That's about 5 1/2 months. He only had 2 sacks in the remaining 8 games. He went on to have 10 sacks in 2013 and 12 sacks in 2014. He was 30 when he tore it (3 years younger than Wake).

Wake was injured on October 30th and will have a little over 10 months to get back to week 1.

I would not be surprised if he was in the discussion for CBPOY.