Linebacker group set to play different roles against the Patriots

Written by Matthew Cannata | Twitter: @PhinManiacs
The Dolphins’ linebacker group saw some changes in the offseason with Koa Misi moving to the middle and Dannell Ellerbe moving to the outside. Now, with Philip Wheeler out for the game today, they will have to adjust to more changes. One person who is ready for the challenge is Chris McCain and Jason Taylor has high praise for the rookie.

“It’s a little reminiscent of looking in the mirror. I saw McCain when I first got there during minicamp and I asked Kacy Rodgers who that was,” Taylor said to the Miami Herald. “Tall, lanky kid. He really flashed. Plays his butt off. I saw a couple games where he made a mistake. Some young kids would go in the shell after making mistakes and he did not do that. He bounced right back and continued to play fast.”

McCain said that he has been splitting his snaps between linebacker and defensive end, which is similar to the role that Dion Jordan plays. It is expected that McCain will replace Jordan during his suspension for the first four weeks of the season.

As far as Misi goes, Taylor think that the middle is a great fit for him and that he’s going to be a better player than he was on the outside.

“He’s built for that. A big, physical, strong guy. He’s got the height and speed to play there and he loves to hit. It’s a better fit for him to be there than maybe on the edge.”

Last year, the linebacker group was the weakest link on the team and had a lot of trouble stopping the run. If they can improve this year, they’ll be well on their way to helping the Dolphins win a few more games.

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