This is a bit late in the week to produce this, but I haven't had time to re-watch the game and focus on Cameron Wake. Padre and a couple others have expressed interest in me dustin' off the evaluation machine and giving some feedback on what I saw the other night from him. I will mention that I am only focusing on the first preseason game and not what I have seen before which have been bits and pieces and whatever film I could scratch together. I will mention a few plays I scouted that indicate examples of Wake’s playing style rather being repetitious on every play. Anyways, enough explanation, so let’s get started. The first play Wake saw the field was at 12:17 of the 2nd quarter. I believe it was a third down in the Jags end of the field. Wake was on the weak side of the formation, facing Tra Thomas. Wake introduced himself to Thomas by simply coming right into his chest and attempting to overpower the left tackle. Wake shows what will become a trait when watching him play in his Dolphins debut; Wake plays with a great deal of leverage although he does not actually take full advantage of it. Wake comes off the ball and gets good hand placement, right above Thomas’ armpits, his arms are extended and he has a good deal of body lean. Wake has leveraged himself and proceeds to simply overpower Thomas. Thomas tries to gain a foothold on Wake, but his position is already compromised due to Wake’s advance. Wake’s leverage and pad level have made Thomas rather tall and on his heels. Wake runs through Thomas more so than he does disengage from him. Wake does not show an arm over, swim or rip move to work his way free. His hand placement does not change throughout the play and are in the same position as they were upon initial contact. There is a moment in the play right before Thomas is completely overwhelmed that Wake could have easily slipped past him if he did in fact use his hands to clear his torso. If he did I think Wake would have been able to hit the quarterback whilst he still held the ball. As it was, Wake arrives slightly after the ball has left. The next play is right before the two minute warning and is the “I believe I can fly” play. I have to mention it, as it one of the few times Wake was not the low man, overpowering his opponents. After the two minute warning Wake is in a 3 point stance on the strong side of the formation. Wake comes off the ball low and drives up the field; something he also does on a pretty consistent basis – seeking leverage. Wake attacks the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle; Tony Pashos. Wake leads with his hands and has reached the corner, but Pashos pushes Wake wide of the play. This play is the first indication of what was a trait in the game; the way Wake runs the arc. Wake does not run the arc in a classic sense. More often than not running the arc involves the defensive end driving his shoulder into the chest of the tackle and showing a great deal of body lean and leg drive to cut the corner whilst driving through the blocker. As the defender leaned in, he will commonly rip his inside arm up as well. This hand placement can be exploited as the player exits the corner. Most fans will see this as the man extending his inside arm; driving himself away from the blocker, thus creating separation and helping drive towards the quarterback. Wake does not do all utilize all of these elements. When Wake seeks to run the arc, he does not bury his shoulder into the chest of his opponent. Rather, Wake will run up the field and then turn inwards to the quarterback. It is as if Wake is running to a spot rather than driving through his man to get to the quarterback. Wake does extend his inside arm, but he does not rip it up in a violent manner as previously described. His arm extension is more for feel than leverage. More often than not Wake’s inside arm is not making a great degree of contact with the blocker. If one can imagine a center fielder feeling for the wall on a fly ball, the look is similar. If the tackle can keep pace he has a very good chance of getting back into the play and gaining a foothold on Wake’s torso. If Wake’s hands to make contact with his man, typically they do not move from their original contact position. This allows the blocker to adjust his hand position without any interference. Wake does not show an ability to cleanly disengage from his man using an arm over, swim or rip. Rather a push off is the most common, or he will rely on his speed to simply outpace his man to the rush point. Wake has the speed to make this happen against many offensive tackles, especially less nimble right tackles. But, if a tackle can reach Wake on what I call a A1+ kick slide ( a deep kick slide, that you’ll usually see on obvious passing downs, or passing plays designed to go downfield) – basically a kick slide that provides the tackle the depth necessary to handle the outside speed rush, the tackle can win many matchups. The reason is Wake’s hand use. Out of the 30 plays Wake logged on Monday night, he flashed and arm over twice. To me, that is simply not enough for a player of his athletic ability. If wake were to truly take advantage of his leverage with solid hand use, he would literally be unstoppable. I want to mention again though that Wake is typically the lower man in these matchups, and will rely on that leverage if his initial advance is stymied by his blocker. The next play in the series sees Wake’s advance stymied. Wake proceeds to jolt Pashos, then sink his hips and drive his man into the offensive backfield. Wake does dip his head, but I saw him do this only on this play, so I cannot label it a trait of any kind. Wake dips his head and Pashos hog ties him and rides him downwards. I highlight the play to show an example of Wake’s secondary move; overpowering his opponent with his leverage base. I can’t say it enough: Wake seeks to play with leverage. When Wake was asked to defend the run I must say he is amazingly fundamental in his base, body lean and arm extension. He also consistently gets his hands inside of his opponent’s pads, usually around the armpits. Those aspects of his run defense are very solid, and honestly he showed more than I expected in this part of his game. However, once again he relies on a jolt or push to create separation rather than using a rip, swim, arm over or even jerking his man sideways. If he senses he can drive his man into the play or overpower him, he will try. Wake’s jolt is sufficient to create some separation, but he could capitalize on it so much more if he simply activated his hands and cleared his torso, or simply manipulated his man’s torso. From what he showed me on Monday he does not do this. Wake reads the run pretty well and surprisingly showed consistency in honoring his backside responsibilities on runs away from him. Considering how much wake does drive up the field, his consistency in this regard cannot be overstated. Wake clearly diagnosed run quickly and reacted in a controlled manner, which showed me something. He does need to work on keeping the correct shoulder free when setting the edge, and his hand use would allow him to shade his man rather than staying rather head up in running situations. Don’t get me wrong, wake wasn’t just badly out of position to the point where one would consider him a liability. His hand use is worrying, but if he can improve it….look out. Wake is clearly athletic and has the speed and base to play right now. But, he is still very raw in terms of his hand use and his ability to disengage from blockers. Wake’s primary and secondary rush moves are based on speed and power, not so much technique outside of leverage and body lean. Those components are very important, but with the ability to play off of blocks a defender is only a shell of what he can be. Wake does not need to be a technician, but if he could feature a swim or average arm over, his power and quickness would be hard to control. Padre, I maintain my position on Wake that I have mentioned to you before. I appreciate his physical skill and ability, but some technical aspects of his game must be nurtured and improved if he is to really flourish. His speed will get him noticed, but chip blocks, screens and tight ends will be utilized to slow Wake down. He will not be able to power his way through this league, although he can win a good deal of matchups. Wake’s hands go dead on contact far too often for my liking and I will look to see if it changes any on Saturday. I’m sure this will generate some discussion, so I have kept the game on file and my notes on every play should situations be explained or debated further.
Nice Conu, and thank you for the write up. As for his technique, vis a vis his hands, Cam is closer than you may think he is, I maintain that was his first game and he was playing to his strengths only, but if he can consistently gain a Olineman's chest with his combination of speed and leverage (notice I did not say power) he can become something really special.* When HC Sparano said "Yeah, I look at Cameron as a rookie, and I'm not sure if that is a good or a bad thing" he was not waisting words, Wake offers tremendous upside, that is "if" what has worked in the past for him can be added to, when a player has their *** kissed because their one trick is oftly good, they tend not to be willing to experiment. I fully think that if he is willing to listen to JT on how to really shed a blocker at full speed, Wake will be the largest bargain in FA...perhaps ever..Wake and JT share some traits except JT plays with leverage AND power, Wake with speed and leverage you are correct in that analysis. Correct me if i'm wrong, it's not that Wake does not use speed, and the ability to get low around the tackle, but what he lacks and JT can do is Taylor can come in high and just use leverage and power, Wake when he comes in high can manhandle a OT, but can't shed them? I do know their is a padwan Guru who did not believe NFL Olineman would give up their chests to Wake as easily as CFL ones did... And I noticed you did not mention his use of a spin move? I know CK gushed over Wake's spin back inside to make cover a running play, but what I saw was a sort of high spin move, a good pass rushing spin move the rusher drops their hips and throws an elbow and spins away from the elbow action..Wake spun around like a dancer on that c gap play.. Interesting Conu, especially about Wake's Run Discipline, he is a product of PSU and that used to be taken as a given for Lb's coming from there, you did mention once that LB coaches had changed and the supremely athletic were no longer coached up with the same discipline. It's good to see Cam W is fundamentally THAT sound on run defense normally speed rushers head upfield and stop the run through disruption not through breaking down and reading and reacting. *BTW, I also think Wake is what I call a "Confidence player" at this point in time, once he makes a play and feels he can do it, he than plays better for that series, once he learns that even as a raw player he can play in the NFL, his confidence will grow and the other things will come out. The example I can give is some Qb's just need that first completion even on some dinky 5 yd out route, Wake reminds me of that..
Richard, thanks as always. A few basic/dumb questions, some of which I am certain have been answered many times. Why did Cam wind up in the CFL in the first place? Do you see his technical shortcomings as something that can be readily fixed with time/practice/coaching? Or is it less clear to you that he will be able to fix these shortcomings? Technique aside, and judged purely as a physical talent, how do you rate him against, say, Joey Porter? Other elite linebacker/pass rush specialists?
The use of hands mate. I firmly believe that any defensive front 7 player must have the ability to shed blockers. If they cannot, they will struggle to make plays consistently. Watching Porter and Taylor rush is completely different. They angle their bodies differently, sometimes shading plays certain ways so as give them the best chance to be involved in it, or to peel off and make a play back inside. Thier hands are typically active, especially Taylor. The spin move was pretty nice, it showed good agility and recognition of the play. I would still prefer him to be in a bit better position to start with. If he could use his hands a bit more and could have been in a bit better position to start with. I'm picking there, so take it for what it's worth. Regardless the athletic ability is there. He does have a rare level of power and speed, and he does sell out to rush the passer staying low and showing good body lean.
Great post Richard, thanks for sharing your thoughts on Wake. I see him like Sparano, as a rookie, one who didn't cost us a high DP and IMHO if he had been in the draft with his current skill set, he would have been a first or second round pick. Give him the rest of TC with JT and JP mentoring him, I think he can become something special for us. I am particularly happy to hear about his ability to play the run, I didn't expect that from him at all.
I question why some of the techniques were not improved in the CFL, but he didn't have them in college I would imagine. Regardless, these techniques can be taught, Taylor was hardly well versed in disengaging from blockers when he arrived in the NFL. He will need time, as they will suddenly appear, but there is no reason why he could not learn them. He doesn't have to become a technician, but simply be more active with his hands in general and show an ability to slip blockers a bit better than simply pushing them off. His hands are very static. In terms of sheer athletic ability I'd say you have elements of both Freeney as CK mentioned and IMO Jevon Kearse (young of course). I remember Kearse being a leverage machine off the edge as well. Using his speed to gain the advantage and then running the arc. The sheer athletic talent is there, but he appears raw in his repertoire of hand fighting techniques and pass rush moves. Therefore I would have to rank him below a great many rushers simply due to the technical limitations. But again, he can learn them, and he has two pretty veterans to learn from. I think we'll see improvement, but it may not be until next year in terms of his ability to use his hands better. He will have built up some muscle memory by then and he should be more comfortable in general. But again, this is only one game that I analyzing, so he can change by next week in some areas. One game to another variables do exist. But from that game that is what he displayed. If his traits in this singular game continue and compound, then we have a base line in NFL terms. I know he will have a nice test in Gross and Otah. Otah has the power to match Wake IMO, so we will see how he reacts and what he does to work his way free. I don't see Otah being knocked around, but Wake could certainly rise to meet the challenge. We'll know more after Saturday night.
Which sort of makes Wake what he is, a DE trying to convert to OLB. Well, it also was only one game, the thing I saw I did not like was a lack of awareness of the field, when the Te whacked him, he never saw it coming, when he whacked Bouman, he had time to come in higher and go for the chop/strip. Wake does lack a sort of passrushers awareness, more live snaps could cure that though. I don't neccessarily agree with the 'power" part, Wake is an odd duck in that he has rare flexibility, when he gains the corner he can sort of limbo lower and lower and negate the typical "accordianing" a powerful tackle can do, Wake can sort of be doubled over at the waist, and still gain the corner and hit the Qb, it's the oddest thing I've seen and expect to see more and more of it as he plays more. 56 hours until the next game is over, we all should have a great idea what Cam Wake is about, right now he is a good looking player with movement who is surprisingly solid in run support. To me, he is also the kind of player that is feeling his way along, once his confidence grows, and he really does learn he is an NFL player, that is when imho we will see the other things.
IMHO he has power to spare. Now he does need his leverage, but once he has it he can cause some issues. What he did to Tra Thomas was great, he just simply moved him out of the way. Wake can create a nice jolt; that takes power, it isn't based solely on momentum as he can continue to drive. But we'll certainly see this weekend when he faces Otah. Otah can handle the slobber knocking style, so we'll see how Wake reacts to getting hit back pretty good. I doubt Otah gets leveraged like Tra Thomas did. I agree about the head on swivel comment. He does need to become a bit more aware to the fact that it's live all the time, but the speed of the game may have hit him a bit too. I noticed he did not seem as explosive in the second half as the first and he appeared to be a bit tired, but that can be camp legs due to camp "No bull****" this year.
Really? And that is why your write ups kick butt Conu, my little beady eyes were focused on #91 when he played against Pashos, I couldn't really follow him when he played on the other side of the field so the power never really flashed to me. He'll get it, if given the opportunity, this week is a key week in HC Sparano's career Conu, three games in ten days, two 32+ OLB's who must perform, does he play JT and JP trying to make sure they are in Game Shape? Or does HC Sparano create pretexts for JT and JP to have the night off? This three game stretch also happens during the season, in many many ways this is a key stretch from "Sparano miracle worker" to "Sparano knows how to run things". I bet we see tons of Wake and Moses and Anderson and Walden and George. I think Wake actually played better in the second half, that last 1:32 of the Jags game could down in Dolphins lore as the time Cam Wake showed what he can do, however Cam Wake the OLB played better, with more savvy when he wasn't pinning his ears back. After the Morlon Greenwood's, Wake's blend of athleticism was good to see, he has forward and reverse gears and diagnosis quickly. Fun stuff, but Kirwin and Ryan claimed Wake would stand up and JT would be in a 5point stance...did you think that as well? Or JT standing up and Wake in a 5 point sounds more reasonable? I noticed we were splitting our DE's wide with a OLB standing inside the split, would JT be standing or would Wake?
First play of the game for him. 12:17 of the 2nd Quarter. That's him out there. Just laugh when you see it, cause you know Thomas was saying "oh ****".
As for Kirwin I could see Wake standing. One reason is he's younger, so the extra mileage wouldn't hurt as much. Plus I think Wake is just freakishly athletic, so athletically he is a better option dropping back. By the way what's a 5 point stance or do I really want to know what the "other" point is?
Eh, what I could see Wake doing is what he does best, speed rush, JT if he was standing could read the blocking scheme and come underneath Wake. I see Bermudians are not endowed the way North Carolinians are... Seriously though it was "the 5 technique".
Ssshhhh!!! Soon people will figure out I have no idea what I'm talking about if you keep up the inaccuracy expose. I only looked for him on defense, cut an onion a break.
Don't hate us because we are beautiful or the Empire will assume direct rule of cloud city... you know, I cannot help but wonder if we are not overanalyzing Cam Wake, he is 6'3 260, surounded by two of the most prolific pass rushers of the last 10 seasons with a VP of operations who has an eye for Lb talent. At some point, like with Big Jake's kick slide, Phinsfans maybe forced to take a "he's really good" for an answer?
I still contend that his ingrown toe nail will keep him out of the Pro Bowl this year. Recessionary cuts have forced the athletes to trim their own toe nails, and since Wake has removed all other distractions from his life, he no longer owns a mirror or toe nail clippers. Maybe, but everyone has traits.
I was going to go more along the lines "When Wake cashed his check in American Dollars and discovered they were worth .3 cents on the Looney, he left Miami in a huff to set up a massage therapy practice with Errick Williams" But yours sounds much nicer. True, but I must admit I love watching the "Horse in the starting gate" aspect to Cam Wake, it's like watching a sprinter get down in the blocks, I just don't know what I'll see and find the whole thing fascinating. Honestly though, how ofter will Cam Wake play once the season starts? I'd imagine not very much, and certainly not every down, not yet.
I think he'll play a bit. He can certainly play DE when we face obvious passing downs. I think they will want the threat of his explosiveness on the field as a complement and change up to the style of Porter and Taylor. I could easily see him getting 20 snaps a game. It may be more than that, maybe less, but it certainly would help to keep the other OLB's healthier and fresher.
So it would be Wake with the "25 snaps a game" that role was meant for JT back in June... And my largest worry about Wake was handled Monday night...Special Teams..it was impossible to say how he would play on ST and he did well with a couple of tackles, that was the one thing Walden and Anderson had over him. But as I think about that, the 2 time CFL DPOY is covering kicks, and is cool with it, that speaks highly of his makeup as a football player. And back during mincamps, Sparano was gushing about Matt Roth with a "it will never be a question of tshirts and shorts with Roth" and now Sparano has just moved on...that is stunning to me.
I think they will be creative in finding ways to get him on the field. I'm sure they will give him a bit more to chew on this week. See how he reacts, as JT is said to be out of commission this weekend. Only one way to find out what he can handle, and we maight as well know now. I can't stress enough how important going against two high quality tackles will be for him. Otah has that power, so i am looking forward to that one.
Well, JT and JP are going to have to play nearly an entire preseason game, especially heading into Atlanta a power running team, they must be in Game Time condition one way or another. Bro, that is what makes the NFL worth watching...
Slow day more than likely so Guru Conuficus's notes on Cameron Wake's preseason play should be fun to read and compare to what we have seen from Wake so far this season.
Oh yeah... Conu pointed out that the preseason game against Carolina would be important because of Wake v Otah, Otah is a upper level RT in the NFL. Jeff Otah "won" that preseason matchup, Thursday night Wake won his head to head with Otah and it was not even close, and Wake bull rushed Otah right into Delhomme. Great sign of continued improvement from Cam Wake this season.
My question is with Wake having only one rush move to the outside Is it that difficult to line up the right tackle a step or two back and just push Wake to the outside or force him to the inside which is not his forte??
Wake has shown more than just a speed rush this season. I've noticed him using a spin move and a bull rush as well.
With Cam Wake's success over the first 5 games I think this is a fun thread to bump up to page #1 to see what was being spoken about Cam Wake during last yr's preseason. This was after the Jaguars game were Wake was just destroying the Jags RT.
One random thing I've been curious about. It has been said multiple times that Wake is more comfortable rushing off the left side of the defense. However, didnt he rush off the right side the 2 years in the CFL? Why on this level does he feel more comfortable from the opposite side... besides the fact that hes working against less talented pass blockers (RTs)...
They moved him around last yr on the nickel rush line, but I do recall most of his success comes against RT's..which is really the new trend in the NFL, why try to beat a multi millionaire left tackle when right tackles are not nearly as talented?
