@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.