Miami Dolphins bench Cameron Wake…sort of
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins are expecting big returns from Cameron Wake in 2016 after his Achilles injury sidelined him in 2015. And that is why they have decided to bench him.
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The Viking Age
Vance Joseph has opted to start defensive end Jason Jones over Cameron Wake in the teams base defense. In obvious passing downs, Cam Wake will take the field. Wake is perfectly fine with the not-really-a-demotion-demotion.
The best part of Wake’s game is his pass rush ability. While he is adequate against the run it’s not his forte. Getting QB’s on the ground is.
Joseph believes that the use of Wake on those passing downs will keep him fresh and increase his sack production.
"“In our first and second-down package, which is obviously more run and mixed play-action pass, Jason Jones will be the starting end along with Mario Williams,” Joseph said. “Cam will be used some on first and second down but mostly in pass-rush situations.” – Via the Miami Herald."
Wake is coming off the season ending injury at the age of 32 and the Miami Dolphins see a lot of value in the edge rusher. Just not on the more likely running downs.
"“I think if we chose to, he could be a starter on every down,” Joseph said. “But I think, just keeping him healthy and allowing him to be a dominant pass rusher — taking some downs off of him — makes us better and allows him to be fresher for 16 weeks. … So Cameron, not playing a lot of first- and second-down reps, when the game is on the line, he can finish it for us.” Read more at the Miami Herald."