(Video courtesy Toddgray21)
Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake should see plenty of double-teams against the Raiders on Sunday.
The former Pro Bowler had just three tackles last week in a 30-10 loss to Houston last week. But he did make an impact by constantly drawing multiple blockers. He should face similar schemes against Oakland, which will attempt to improve its pass protection after yielding three sacks in a season-opening loss to San Diego.
“(He’s double-teamed) 30-40 percent of the time (against Houston),” coach Joe Philbin said. “I think it’s certainly a weapon that teams do. One of the things you hope to do in game planning is don’t let the difference-makers perform at a high level in a ball game. Certainly, he’s been a guy that has demonstrated an ability to change a game from a pass rush standpoint, a pressure the quarterback standpoint. I’m sure we’re going to see some of it.”
Wake saw his sack total drop to 8.5 last season after posting 14 in 2010. However, Wake drew 13 holding penalties last year – six more than any other player in the league. The former Penn State linebacker failed to record sacks in consecutive games only twice last fall.
“It’s the same old, same old for me,” Wake said. “We got a lot of tough guys, a lot of guys can make plays all over the field. We know what we can do day in, and day out.”
Injury update: Running back Daniel Thomas has been cleared to practice after suffering a concussion last week in a loss to Houston, reported the Miami Herald.
And while Thomas, who had 11 yards on three carries and one catch for 32 yards against the Texans, passed his baseline, he did not practice on Thursday. Rookie Lamar Miller, who was inactive Week 1, is likely to be the top backup to starter Reggie Bush if Thomas can’t go.
“Obviously, Lamar Miller we drafted for a reason,” Philbin said. “We think highly of him. Think he’s going to be a good player in this league. Certainly, they’re not the same type of guys, but Lamar has skill too.”
Backup defensive tackle Tony McDaniel also missed practice on Thursday with a knee injury. Receiver Anthony Armstrong was sidelined with a sore hamstring.
Tuned in: The fans in Miami will get to see the Dolphins face the Raiders on Sunday.
The game will be broadcast on local television after the matchup was declared a sellout on Friday, avoiding a potential regional blackout, the team announced. The team continued sales until the 5 p.m. ET deadline and then had to guarantee the purchase of any remaining tickets to meet the minimum league requirements.
“As we’ve said many times, keeping the games on local television has been a priority of Steve Ross’ since he purchased the franchise,” said Dolphins Chief Executive Officer Mike Dee. “Any remaining unsold seats will be offered to Dolphins premium seat holders and season ticket members on a first come, first served basis.”
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