Cameron Wake Ready To Produce After Injury-Shortened 2015
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Cameron Wake has been one of the most dynamic and productive players on the Miami Dolphins for almost a decade, so losing him was a huge blow to the team last season.
"The minute it happened I knew exactly what it was," said Wake.
Wake remembers that fateful play in late October like it was yesterday.
He was trying to put the heat on New England's Tom Brady when his Achilles gave out.
"In the moment I took a minute or so to kinda gather myself, but my thoughts were already on getting back to do whatever I could to be ready going forward."
The injury forced Wake to idle down a motor that he used to rev up in the offseason.
"The mental part is the hardest part, I've always been a guy that goes all out and wants to empty the tank, whether it's in training camp or otherwise.
"You have to find that place between doing too much and setting yourself back long term."
Now 34 years old, Wake realizes his career is entering a different phase. The pass rushing demon could just become a situational player.
But Wake, who has recorded more than 70 sacks in seven years, believes he will still be able to hunt down quarterbacks.
"For me it's been the longest off season probably I have ever experienced. My offseason started in November, having a lot of time to think, having a lot of time to do a lot of different things.
"I've worked tremendously hard making sure, building that strength up, getting back to that my ways of old. It's something that I have always prided myself on, part of my game is getting that job done and I don't think this year will be any different."
Wake knows the Dolphins are a different team now. New head coach Adam Gase is just a few years older than he is.
And while Gase was brought in largely to jump start the Dolphins offense, Wake still believes it's his side of the ball that will ultimately make the difference.
"I think defense wins and offense sells tickets, so to get that trophy, it's going to take the guys to my right, to my left. Guys behind me, everybody making sure when the time comes, when its 4th & 10 or whatever it may be, you can count on the guy to make the play, whoever it is"
