Miami Dolphins fearing Cameron Wake could plateau
Cameron Wake is no spring chicken.
Will Cameron Wake consistently produce 10-plus sack seasons?
The Miami Dolphins’ best pass rusher might have just finished his second NFL season - producing a breakout season that earned him the first of what could be many Pro Bowl spots - but this CFL import is already 29.
The Miami Dolphins hope Wake’s got more than the 14 sacks and three forced fumbles he contributed in 2010, his first season as a full-time starter. But they also know there are no guarantees that 2010 won’t be his best season.
The coaches want a full season of proper edge setting from Wake (he only gave a half last year), and hope to use this offseason to find or develop a pass rushing complement that will take some pressure off him.
Wake is clearly a blossoming star South Florida should be thankful to have. But there is some concern inside the Dolphins’ front office that he could plateau, and not take the next step to becoming one of the NFL’s most feared defenders.
According to his peers, in two seasons Wake’s talent has made him the NFL’s 63rd best player in thew NFL Network’s Top 100 Player Ratings. But is there more in-store?
Despite what the NFL initially thought, Wake has the talent. His 19.5 sacks the past two seasons serves as proof he’s got the skillset. Everyone around him with testify to his work ethic.
Does that means he’ll be a double-digit sack producer like Jason Taylor was for the next decade? Nobody knows yet, including the Dolphins.
The Dolphins are hoping he becomes the NFL’s next DeMarcus Ware, which this regime drafted during their time in Dallas and helped blossom. But what could stop him?
“He could [regress] if he doesn’t do what good players in our league do, which would be to take the next step to grow,” Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said this offseason. ”There’s obviously things that Cam can improve on. Cam would be the first to tell you that.
“Cam is a guy who plays with a chip on his shoulder from the journey that it took for him to get to where he is right now. He does not forget it. If you look in his locker it paints a picture of where this guy has come from, to where he’s gotten,” Sparano continued. “He plays with that type of passion. Me and him have had conversations about not forgetting what it took to get there. It’s made him right now a good player, and I think this guy has better than good in him.”
But how good, and how does Wake get there is the question?
The Dolphins defense is built around his ability to apply pressure to the quarterback. But what happens when teams begin to consistently chip him with a tight end or fullback?
What happens when a nagging injury forced him to lose some of that eye-opening explosion that allows Wake to rip past left and right tackles?
Where will the Dolphins be if they don’t find a consistent pass rushing threat to put opposite Wake, taking away some of the attention opposing defenses will indeed play him in 2011, now that his star is shining brightly?
Wake recently bought a $1.45 million home in Plantation, which means he’s putting down South Florida roots that happen to be right around the corner from the team’s Davie facility.
He and his agent have been lobbying for a new contract, one that will replace the initial four-year, $2.318 million deal he signed in 2009 when he was an unknown Canadian import. That deal features another $2.582 million that’s available through incentives, but even with that pocket padding he’s still FAR underpaid for his expected level of contribution.
However, it’s doubtful the Dolphins tear up that old contract, which has two years left on it, and pay Wake market value until they see Act Three of his NFL career.
G.A.G.T.G.
OMAR KELLY was unsuccessful at achieving his childhood dream to become a super hero, so he figured he'd do the next best thing and become a journalist who fights against injustice, and searches for truth. After being bored to death reporting news and covering politics, he switched to sports.
SHANDEL RICHARDSON has worked for the Sun Sentinel since 2003. After three years of covering high school sports in Broward and Palm Beach County, he spent three seasons on the Miami Hurricanes beat. He served as the Miami Heat beat writer for one season in 2010 before joining the Dolphins coverage team at midseason.
Son,
I enjoyed that game so much, because I freaking hated the Yankees so much. The crowd was like a bunch of animals, they tore that stadium up! People were walking outside the stadium with boxes and bags of turf. It was crazy!!!
Son,
Imagine Kaep throwing 50 passes to Ronnie, 3-5 for TD’s. Wouldn’t that be something?
K-9 will be chompin at the bit, waitin for his turn.
Ronnie should be catching that many balls to use him effectively, I think
I agree – Yet we didn’t do it. Like Sonny from “A Bronx Tale” said – “There’s nothing worse in life than wasted talent”.
I should start doing a full court press for Reggie Bush the way M13 is for Manny
makes O-Rob’s quest for Dan Williams seem minor.I think if we got Reggie, suddenly we become a factor and we get the pub and the talk, he’d be a huge gain for us.
I think the Lawson to ILB is a waste of time. He’s not an ILB he’s a slim edge guy like a Jason Taylor. Lawson is not a replacement for Crowder. The two have nothing to do with each other. Lawson has not been a big time pass rusher in the NFL. 14.5 sacks in 6 seasons for a 3-4 OLB is not good. Wake, Taylor and Porter have done that and more in one season.
Crowder is healthy in an offseason for the first time in 3 years. Let’s hope he can run with that. If he gets hurt and misses time again someone else will have to step up and he’ll probably be gone next year. But he is not some big problem in the defense. In fact, the defense is better with him in there and it showed the last two years.
Focusing on sacks with Crowder is a waste of time also. He doesn’t rush the passer, maybe he blitzes a couple of times a game. Okay he’s not a good blitzer either but again, that’s not what he does. He’s now a 2-down ILB who helps call the defense and at times he might be out there on 3rd down. Hopefully Edds shows something this year on STs and in coverage at the least. Maybe Spitler will surprise.
Tim – I don’t want to belabor this “dead horse” topic, but the fact that the defense did better when he was in there is such a meaningless statement. We had crap to replace him with, so he was better than crap. Great, let’s give him a 5 year contract! LOL !
Tim, I think people will be surprised with actually how little we do in FA. Outside of a couple of guys I don’t think we’ll do much. They’ll round out the 80 man with undrafted guys but I don’t see us going after too many guys in the market.
I say Reggie, but at least a back + Ricky or Ronnie
maybe a QB unless we trade for a guy like McGee and that’s about it. Well sign the teflon Don, Q. Moses also.
Agreed.
Mike E, the run defense is better with Crowder period. To say that means he’s better than crap is pretty silly.
Dobbins was better than Crowder when we picked him up. Everyone said that. Then when they found out he’s not now he’s crap. Okay! LOL
Son, I think our FA may look something like this.
QB – a vet to push Henne
RB – a vet with speed
OG – a lesser known guy who they believe is on the upside
OLB – a Moses type who maybe is better than Moses if not Moses himself
TE – a blocker
I believe Fasano and Clay will be the main pass targets at TE with Clay as an H-back/FB/TE/WR.
I don’t see them signing a TE – they paid Fasano, drafted Clay, and have Shuler, Epps, and Mastrud to battle for 3rd TE. With them resigning Incognito to a big contract and drafting Pouncey, i don’t see them spending more money on the OL.
I definitely see a QB and RB. A 2nd tier backup OLB also makes sense. I could also see a wild card signing – like an ILB, DS, or even a 3rd DC. Hard to tell with this FO – they don’t tip their hand too often.
See even what you have listed is beyond what I suspect they’ll do. I don’t see a G coming in nor do I see a TE. Besides Clay we still have Shuler, Epps and Mastrud, they’ll find their 3rd TE from among them. They’ll find the starting O-line from what’s here now as well. This is how I see it.`
one again another pile of monkey crap that Omar is trying to pass off as an article.
Unless Mankins hits the market that is, then all bets are off. I doubt he hits the open market.
patriots franchised him – so no chance.
Son, you could be right but 5 FA players is not a lot especially since at least 3 of them will be 2nd tier.
I’m not sure those young TEs we have are what we’re looking for. Why draft Clay when Shuler and Epps are that type of receiving TE? Mastrud might be the best blocker of the group but he’s limited as a receiver and he’s not a big time blocker either.
Tim, you are right 5 isn’t that many, that’s about where I am with my count anyway.
QB trade(NO high pick) or FA
Ricky or Ronnie
Reggie
Q. Moses
Unlikely but possibly a top tier Guard, but I doubt it.
Who knows on TE, my boy Haynos is out there!
Son, Haynos could be an option. I saw him do some nice blocking against even DEs. He’s huge and has some receiving ability. How’s the foot Joey?
I still believe QB and RB are top priorities. Then some competition or targeted role players. I feel we go in another direction from Ronnie and Ricky. I still think Ronnie can be a very productive back if used properly but if he goes elsewhere I wish him well. Ricky is getting up there and age and even if he can still play I’m not sure he’s what we’re looking for. Outside of a few runs he wasn’t that productive either last year.
I do feel the OL was a big part of that but if we’re going younger, a 34 year old back is not the way to go.
Part of why I list Ricky and Ronnie is wishful thinking, I do realize both may very well be done here. It’s too bad really. However, without an offseason of coaching and no OTA’s for our rookie a vet comfortable in the system might be what we need as well.
I know the Patsies franchised Mankins but he didn’t sign it and says he won’t so there is the chance of something strange happening.
they could trade him – but they certainly wouldn’t trade him to us.
The team needs a complete rebuild. They flat out suk. They need a new GM, HC, 2 QB’s . RB and TE……and thats just for starters.
You lose some credibility when you make such statements
funny. i heard the GM, HC, QB, RB, and TE ALL say that YOU suk. small world.
DolphinFan29, Incognito signed a big deal?
Fasano isn’t making huge money either.
I explained my stance on TEs in a reply to Son at 9:09.
yeah Incognito signed a 3 yr/$9 mil deal before the lockout.
fasano signed a 2 yr/$7.75 mil extension. that is #1 TE money. they drafted clay to be their #2. you don’t pay for 3rd TEs in free agency. they will likely let those young guys battle it out for that spot.
V Young , Reggie Bush, Ronnie or Ricky back would be exactly what I feel we need to complete the offense.
DolphinFan29, that’s not a lot of money in the big scheme of things when Pennington, Thigpen, Ronnie and Ricky are coming off the books.
The OG I’m talking about might sign a 3-year deal worth $5M. He’s been a nobody but stood out last year and will finally get paid seven figures as opposed to six.
The TE I’m talking about might sign a 2-year deal worth $1.5M, but he can block.
I’m not talking big signings.
you won’t find a starting OG for 3 yr/$5 mil in FA. you won’t find a starting TE for 2 yr/$1.5 mil either. the money will go flying once FA starts. unless you are talking about a backup OG or 3rd TE, you won’t get one for that low of money.
for example. john gilmore is a blocking TE ONLY. 2 years ago he left chicago for tampa bay. he signed a 3 yr/$4 mil deal. he is a 3rd TE.
Tim Knight
June 30, 2011 at 8:40 pm
Mike E, the run defense is better with Crowder period. To say that means he’s better than crap is pretty silly.
Dobbins was better than Crowder when we picked him up. Everyone said that. Then when they found out he’s not now he’s crap. Okay! LOL
Tim – Crowder sucks! C’mon brother – Just say after me, it’s easy . . .
1…2….3 Crowder sucks! LOL
Who are these people that said Dobbins was better than Crowder? I’m sure we had some optimistic fans, as expected, but I think you’re stretching it. No worries, this will be corn Chowder’s last year in Miami, and we’ll see how fast the other 31 teams run to sign him.
Jeff says:
June 30, 2011 at 9:42 pm
The team needs a complete rebuild. They flat out suk. They need a new GM, HC, 2 QB’s . RB and TE……and thats just for starters.
ok come on, now just come on mobsters. you have to admit, this is absolutely the most brilliant thing ever said on here. it is accurate, bright, well thought out, and pure genius. as a matter of fact Jeff, it is so genius i dont think you could ever top this comment. nothing you ever say again can be this astute. so maybe you should go back to the basement and your moms hind tata and suckle it some more. there is never a need for you to show up here again, you cant possible say anything brighter then what you just did
Mike E, let’s use the proverbial we can agree to disagree.
Crowder has been hurt the last two years and not 100%. You can deny it all you want but you’d be wrong.
Markeyh you are seeing it about the way I am although i don’t think VY is coming at one point I thought maybe but I tend to think not now. I would love for us to get Reggie!
Ffr, Jeff is a troll who talks out of his arse to stir trouble. That’s it. He’s also many other names who insults Omar on a regular basis. Everyone knows this including the SS.
I wonder if Chris McCoy gets another tryout this year. Anyone know if he’s playing in the UFL or in Canada?
tim,
aaahhhhh, i know that, i was being sarcastic, thus the back to the basement to suck on his moms hind tata.
Tim,
I should show you my posts from last year at this time, I was sitting in your seat wearing shoes! LOL! I thought Crowder was going to bust out with Dansby, he just busted instead.
Should I bring all my shoes? I meant wearing your shoes. LOL !
Missed the first 4 games with a foot injury suffered in the last game of 09. Did you forget that? LOL
Whatever – It’s like Henne, lots of excuses – no good play.
DolphinFan29, competition and depth. I never said a clear starter at OG or TE. Yes I mean a 3rd TE who can block. The young TEs we have on our roster make nothing. They’re all undrafted.
I expect Fasano to start and Clay to play here and there. As for the OG I mean a guy to compete with Jerry, Berger, Feinga and maybe Garner. You’re too caught up thinking I mean a major signing. I don’t!
What did Incognito sign for last year?
3 years/$8.35m
$1-2M signing bonus too.
Incognito signed for one year deal worth about $1.3M in 09. That’s nothing. So there are no solid guards available in that range? LOL
Tim – you are not getting what I’m saying. They are not going to spend money on a 3rd TE or a backup OG. It’s not going to happen.
At TE, Fasano is the starter and Clay is the #2. They will let the CHEAP YOUNG guys battle for the 3rd spot – you don’t pay for a 3rd TE – it’s not good value.
At OG, they don’t need more depth. Between Jerry, Garner, Feinga, Berger, etc – they have all the depth they need.
Again, this is FA market. You are going to pay out the butt for players, even backups. There is only so much salary cap room to spend. Allocating even $1 mil for a 3rd TE or $1.5 mil for a backup OG makes no sense.
Mike E, Crowder was f’n injured. What is so hard to understand about that?
Yeah I always think a guy who rode the bike through OTAs, minicamps and training camp coming off of a foot injury in the last game of 09 was ready to bust out with Dansby in 2010 while missing the first 4 games. LOL
Excuses or reasons? That’s life and reality.
OK, so he’s always hurt. Does it make a difference WHY he can’t play, or can’t play well? No, it just matters that he DOESN’T. Results are what matters, not reasons why you don’t get the results.
I want Mark Herzlich on the Dolphins. Bring him in this year, and then bring in his former teammate, Luke Keuchly, next year.
Mike E, you seem to have a diversion for understanding what I’m saying. I’m done. I can repeat the same thing over and over but it seems to fall on deaf ears.
Injuries for Crowder is an issue, but when healthy he’s a solid LB who makes the team better. Simple right?
2011 is the first time since 08 that he’s been healthy during an offseason. That’s reality.
I hear you loud and clear Tim. Has he played a game yet? Practiced? It’s great that he’s healthy now, but he hasn’t even practiced.
How do you feel about Fernando Martinez? Great 5 tool outfielder right? Will we ever get to see the kid play a whole season healthy? Will he ever be as good his hype?
Tim,
Goodnight brother! Looooong day. Peace to you!!
Okay Mike E, you don’t live in reality I guess. Things that are what they are don’t matter. It’s all about what you want. That’s cool I guess.
Would I like a better ILB than Crowder, yes, where is he? Edds? Maybe!
You lost what the debate was about along time ago.
It’s not about Crowder being great or having upside. It’s about the reality of the situation.
I have no idea if Crowder will be good, bad or ugly in 2011. I’m just saying this is the first offseason he will be healthy since 08. Long time ago ay?
Peace, Mike E.
Chrowder has been a HUGE disappointment overall IMO. I do not feel he is NEEDED I particularly don’t like his mouth especially when I feel he dose not back up anything. He should retire and get into comedy because he is one funny non playing always injured load mouth talking the talk but not walking the walk player!
Is OMAR trying to pin players against the staff. I see no reference to Nolan in this article and we all know he is by far one of the best defense coordinators in the league and is due credit for knowing how to get the most out of Wake.
On a side note. What’s with all the Dallas regime reference? When was the last time they did anything but sitcoms on HBO. I highly doubt anyone in the Dolphins front office wants to model themselves after the Cowboys. SMH
With all due respect Omar, and I mean that as I generally enjoy your articles, this one is about the most lame I have ever read.
1) “Does that means he’ll be a double-digit sack producer like Jason Taylor was for the next decade?” Of course not! He’s 29! The next 6 years yes since he’ll be 34 then and that is an absolute bargain for the Fins as they did not waste a draft pick on the guy and signed him intially for peanuts.
If I can’t have 10 years I’ll certainly take 6. And who’s to say he won’t become a “specialist” in his final years, say age 35, 36, and still make a huge impact as a pass rusher for the Fins?
2) “Where will the Dolphins be if they don’t find a consistent pass rushing threat to put opposite Wake, taking away some of the attention opposing defenses will indeed play him in 2011″ Teams were already chipping Wake last year. And just how many teams have two premier pass rushers anyway? Who does GB have to compliment Clay Matthews, or the Boys to compliment DeMarcus Ware?
Misi will improve I have no doubt about that but what the Fins need to do is more blitzing, ala the Steelers, GB and Ravens. From the corner, the MLB and safety position. Mix them up. Nolan knows how, just did not see too much of that last year. Probably cause of Mr Conservative – Sparano.
3) “What happens when a nagging injury forced him to lose some of that eye-opening explosion that allows Wake to rip past left and right tackles?” You have got to be kidding with this one. You can say the same thing about every key player the Fins have since such injuries are just part of the game. So why lose sleep over it or even give it consideration.
4) “I think this guy has better than good in him.” – Sparano
“But how good, and how does Wake get there is the question?”
Wake is already better than good. And you can ask that same question about any and every player the Fins have. Will Vonte improve, how will he get there? Sean Smith? Hartline? John Jerry? Odrick, Misi, Incognito and on and on. As if we can have the answer to “how does he get there” re Wake or any other player.
Talk about an article looking at all the negatives, or unanswered questions. Where’s the glass half full approach of jumping for joy that the Fins have a premier pass rusher, a game changer who was “just an acorn” under a rock 2 years ago?
Geez.
i read the thread on Te’s like haynos and our major 3 with i believe fasano or jolt as most plays plz, wish we could have a guy like martin from 2yrs ago.TE is a crucial part of our potential but definetly past systems of play calling. Why not get a low first tier plyr orhigh 2nd. Anyway its not henne’ms fault the pllay calling was atrocious and. B.Marsshall. BETTER have 100 catches and 12td minimum.
Ronnie. Brown needs to practice wild cat andnot always hold it.
Mce
Ftr, mjz your right and wrong that artcle wasa greaat but we have to do something to keep him maybe an incentive based contrCt like williams originLly with master p lol jk
Another Mike E bprn and taised in fl so ill go mike c e. Or McE