The Dolphins do not know with certainty if Chris McCain is better off at defensive end or linebacker — he’s playing the former now.
But they do know this: With Cameron Wake out for the season, McCain offers something that’s needed: speed off the edge as a pass-rusher.
“I just think the guy is unique,” defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo said. “To use the guy in some different roles is what we’re trying to nail down for him, whether it be rushing the passer or dropping in coverage. Whatever it is, he brings a unique skill set and we’re going to try to take advantage of it.”
The Dolphins hoped McCain would win a starting linebacker job in training camp, but Kelvin Sheppard beat him out. McCain, in the process, went from potential starter to barely playing at all, inactive for four of Miami’s seven games.
So McCain didn’t mind when Miami moved him from strong-side linebacker to defensive end after Dan Campbell took over as interim coach nearly a month ago. McCain said he initially learned about the position switch from a fan on Twitter, then confirmed it with Campbell the next day.
He’s happy about the switch because at defensive end “there’s not too much thinking. You can play freely and loose.”
