@craigballard77

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Cam Wake

In his four seasons with the Miami Dolphins Cameron Wake has alternated good seasons with great seasons, but I like his chances of following his 2012 great season with an even better one in 2013. Wake was fantastic last season as he led the 'Phins in sacks for the third straight season with a whopping 15.0 quarterbacks take-downs.

Wake has long been the only sack producer on this team, but offseason changes to the linebacker group plus the drafting of stud-in-the-making Dion Jordan should give Miami pass-rush threats all over the field. There will be several times this season where an opposing QB is chased out of the pocket by a blitzing LB or Jordan only to land in the waiting arms of Wake. There will also be times when the team will move Jared Odrick into the interior of the defensive line where he is effective as an additional pass rusher which will also help Wake get to QBs who have been forced off their spot by Odrick.

The signing of Brent Grimes will also help Wake get up to the lofty 15+ sack mark as Grimes Island is a shutdown cornerback who will cause opposing QBs to hold the ball longer than they want too. This provides opportunities for Wake to get an extra second or two to complete his trek to the quarterback.

In the last three seasons Wake has averaged 12.5 sacks while the no.2 Dolphin on the sack sheet has averaged just 5.5, but this season should see a more balanced (and frankly better) pass-rush from this defense. Wake has massive skill and in 2013 will finally get some help as far as attacking the QB goes which should really help the 31 year old veteran get even more opportunities to be the beast that he has become.

I look forward to another massive season with big-time production from no.91 who will surely earn his third Pro Bowl birth.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Mike Wallace

The Miami Dolphins have a ton of money to spend this offseason, and they have a wide receiver group that is underwhelming so they are likely going to be tied to every free agent wide receiver in the coming weeks. Guys like Wes Welker, Mike Wallace, Dwayne Bowe, Greg Jennings, and Danny Amendola will be linked to the 'Phins, but according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald there is more than just rumors when it comes to Miami's interest in Wallace. This is a guy who is looking for a massive payday above all else (winning...who will be his QB...will he be featured in the offense etc).

In his four year career Wallace averages 1,010 receiving yards with eight touchdowns per season which is significantly more production than Miami usually gets from their receivers (especially the scoring). Brandon Marshall had gaudy numbers with Miami, but Wallace can be even better.

Wallace will be 27 when next season starts, and he is a player that has developed in my opinion (and others). This guy was once a deep threat - only - but he has developed into a legit receiver who is dangerous all over the field. What I value about him is he is a guy who opposing defenses have to game-plan for on every play. If Brian Hartline returns he would benefit greatly from having Wallace opposite him, and Davone Bess would surely reap great benefits from adding Wallace.

Wallace will have several suitors, but the Dolphins should very much be in play as they look like a franchise that can satisfy his contract demands (and a franchise that would be fine agreeing to Wallace's massive demands). Miami needs to pair Ryan Tannehill with Mike Wallace as I think the results would be thrilling.

Craig Ballard is a NFL/NBA/MLB writer for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @craigballard77, and you can find all of his NFL articles HERE