Cameron Wake deserves winning, not mediocrity
By Tyler Olson
Cameron Wake. We know who he is, we know what he’s done, and we know what he’s worth.
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The former Penn State Nittany Lion came to South Florida eight years ago with a determined look in his eye that few have ever seen. Wake brought a will-to-win with him that has ceased to exist anywhere else throughout Hard Rock Stadium aside from locker #91.
Now in his eighth season as a professional football player and a member of the Miami Dolphins, Wake hasn’t been able to experience what so many other greats – and not so greats – have: win.
That needs to change this year.
But there’s a catch: It won’t come in Miami.
After a week five loss to the Tennessee Titans, Wake and the Dolphins are staring at an ugly 1-4 record. According to playoffstatus.com, Miami has a 7% chance of making the first round of the playoffs.
For a 34 year old coming off an achilles injury, the clock is ticking on the clock of one of the greatest to ever suit up in the teal and orange. Not only is Wake’s durability a concern but we also don’t know what kind of faith rookie head coach Adam Gase has in the four-time pro bowler; in five games this season Wake is averaging just 24 snaps per game.
24 snaps per game is far too few for someone of Wake’s caliber. After all, Wake has 71 sacks throughout his career and was on his way to his best season before the injury in week eight last year.
2016 is just another blown opportunity going to waste. The lack of trust Gase has in putting the leader of the defense on the field is disheartening to not only the defense but the team, the Dolphins fanbase, and the NFL.
Fire to succeed from the organization is most evident. But hey, that’s what happens when your fire is on the bench 75% of the time, right?
It’s time for the Dolphins front office to return the favor. Give Wake a glimmer of hope to taste something you’ve promised him for eight years. Let him showcase his worth on the national stage.
To Stephen Ross and Mike Tannenbaum, you owe it to him. Wake no longer owes you or Dolphins fans anything. After eight years of work, it’s time to trade him to a contender so he can have a shot. A shot you’ve promised but fail to hold up on each season.
A farewell to a Dolphins legend may be premature at this point but it’s only with good intentions. If, indeed, these are the last couple weeks Wake dresses in a Dolphins uniform we should enjoy it. If he sticks around, however, let’s rally as fans and support our team.