5 Miami Dolphins players who are not performing
By Brian Miller
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
Where is Chris McCain? The coaches might very well be asking that question. McCain started the off-season very well and looked good in OTA’s and mini-camps. As training camp started McCain was as predicted by many the starting outside linebacker. He practiced well early on but lately he has not been an affective outside linebacker.
McCain has been consistent through two pre-season games. Consistent at being out of position, consistent with missing tackles, and consistent with not having the leverage to get to opposing quarterbacks. The Dolphins have also tried to use McCain as a defensive end with little improvement if any at all. Through two games McCain has logged quite a few minutes of playing time as he has been on the field with the first team units, the 2nd team units, and the 3rd.
The Dolphins thought enough about McCain’s potential that they opted to not go the LB route in the draft or in free agency adding only Spencer Paysinger to the mix. As of now, the Dolphins are seriously considering bouncing Koa Misi back outside and letting Kelvin Sheppard handle the interior. That isn’t a great option given the struggles of Sheppard.
The reality is that the Dolphins linebackers are a bigger question mark through four weeks of camp than they were coming into camp. Misi has been injured and Sheppard is being outplayed by an un-drafted rookie named Zach Vigil. When the season starts it’s anyone’s guess who will line up wear to compliment the teams other outside backer, Jelani Jenkins.
If Chris McCain is going to make an impact in 2015 he need to figure it out and get it done. He boasted throughout the off-season that he could handle the role but so far, he has come up short of his own expectations, let alone the coaches.