10 players Miami Dolphins need for playoff run

Aug 22, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) runs after making a catching a pass while Miami Dolphins linebacker Chris McCain (58) pursues during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

CHRIS MCCAIN

Chris McCain has said that he is ready for full time starting action on defense. Through two pre-season games he has mixed results. McCain is vital because the depth behind him is suspect. The Dolphins may at some point be forced to move Misi back outside and elevate Sheppard or Vigil to the middle if McCain can’t handle the duties.

Jordan Tripp is still injured and spent last year on the IR so it’s not like the Dolphins can rely on him to give the linebackers a boost. This is McCain’s job and he needs to take it and run with it.

Protecting the outside edge is important. It goes without saying but recognizing coverage responsibilities is also important. McCain needs to not over commit to runs and not bite on inside fakes. His job is the edge and if he does in fact control that edge it will force offenses to take the ball back inside where linebacker help and interior defensemen can finish the job. McCain did just that on Saturday night helping stop a goal line attempt by the Panthers.

Like Jenkins last year, McCain is put into a position where he needs to play above his experience level and he should be able to do that. He has shown he can. Now it’s time to shoulder the responsibility and own it.

If all of the players listed here can play to their strengths they will support the players around them and the Dolphins will have solid play on both sides of the line scrimmage and on special teams. Should that happen, the Dolphins will have a very good chance at making the post-season.