Perfect72
It's Only Happened ONCE!
It was logical to think this would be the end for Cameron Wake.
A little over a year ago, the Dolphins watched one of the most dominant sack artists in their history sit on the back of a golf cart with his head in his hands. He’d torn the Achilles tendon in his left leg, and the prospect of coming back from that at 34 wasn’t promising.
Wake was determined to defy that, but grit can only do so much. He was out much of the preseason, and the Dolphins planned to hold back his playing time with the thought that it was the only way to ensure he made it through the season.
Every bit of that thinking has dissipated. Wake is back, he is ferocious and he’s got Miami’s defensive line looking worthy of its league-high price tag. He might’ve been the only one who didn’t believe he was in decline and he’s not surprised by his resurgence.
“Because I’m me,” Wake said. “Confidence has never been an issue for me. I’ve always known what I’m capable of and that hasn’t changed since the first time I put on a helmet.”
Wake could’ve limped into retirement, and everyone would’ve understood. He’s certainly given the Dolphins enough with 73 sacks, second in franchise history, over eight seasons heading into Sunday’s home game against the Jets (1 p.m., CBS), and would have been more than comfortable with an estimated $35 million in career earnings.
Wake wasn’t ready for that, though, and Miami is grateful he remains such an asset. He’s been so impressive this season that the team bailed on its maintenance plan. After averaging 24 snaps per game the first five weeks, bottoming out at 15 in the loss at Cincinnati, the Dolphins turned him loose for 73 plays against the Steelers and Bills.
Miami totaled six sacks and 15 quarterback hits in those games, with Wake having a hand in three of those sacks. His play, along with the ever-steady presence of Ndamukong Suh, solid play by defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and the rise of new starter Andre Branch has revitalized the defensive front and possibly the season.
“He’s back to being Cam,” defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said. “When he’s healthy, he’s a special player in the run and pass game alike. He’s proved to be healthy and he’s playing well for us.
“He wants to be out there first, second and third down. He’s just going to play… It helps our defense when Cam’s out there more often.”
Wake doesn’t seem to have given much thought to it, but the way he’s played lately has flipped the conversation so sharply that the new question surrounding him is whether he might have several more productive seasons left in his body.
More at LINK: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports...his-anything-possible/RDgFzm7gzknntbjDPt56RI/
A little over a year ago, the Dolphins watched one of the most dominant sack artists in their history sit on the back of a golf cart with his head in his hands. He’d torn the Achilles tendon in his left leg, and the prospect of coming back from that at 34 wasn’t promising.
Wake was determined to defy that, but grit can only do so much. He was out much of the preseason, and the Dolphins planned to hold back his playing time with the thought that it was the only way to ensure he made it through the season.
Every bit of that thinking has dissipated. Wake is back, he is ferocious and he’s got Miami’s defensive line looking worthy of its league-high price tag. He might’ve been the only one who didn’t believe he was in decline and he’s not surprised by his resurgence.
“Because I’m me,” Wake said. “Confidence has never been an issue for me. I’ve always known what I’m capable of and that hasn’t changed since the first time I put on a helmet.”
Wake could’ve limped into retirement, and everyone would’ve understood. He’s certainly given the Dolphins enough with 73 sacks, second in franchise history, over eight seasons heading into Sunday’s home game against the Jets (1 p.m., CBS), and would have been more than comfortable with an estimated $35 million in career earnings.
Wake wasn’t ready for that, though, and Miami is grateful he remains such an asset. He’s been so impressive this season that the team bailed on its maintenance plan. After averaging 24 snaps per game the first five weeks, bottoming out at 15 in the loss at Cincinnati, the Dolphins turned him loose for 73 plays against the Steelers and Bills.
Miami totaled six sacks and 15 quarterback hits in those games, with Wake having a hand in three of those sacks. His play, along with the ever-steady presence of Ndamukong Suh, solid play by defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and the rise of new starter Andre Branch has revitalized the defensive front and possibly the season.
“He’s back to being Cam,” defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said. “When he’s healthy, he’s a special player in the run and pass game alike. He’s proved to be healthy and he’s playing well for us.
“He wants to be out there first, second and third down. He’s just going to play… It helps our defense when Cam’s out there more often.”
Wake doesn’t seem to have given much thought to it, but the way he’s played lately has flipped the conversation so sharply that the new question surrounding him is whether he might have several more productive seasons left in his body.
More at LINK: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports...his-anything-possible/RDgFzm7gzknntbjDPt56RI/
