Cameron Wake effective despite lack of sacks

Miami Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake has yet to record a sack this season. In fact, the Dolphins defense as a whole has only recorded four total. But, looking at the defense overall shows that they have been effective this season.

The defense has held opposing to quarterbacks to a 52.4 completion percentage, the third lowest in the NFL. The defense has also held rushers to 2.4 yards per carry.

In last Sunday's game against the New York Jets, Wake disrupted the quarterback 11 times on 40 pass-rush snaps, including eight pressures according to Pro Football Focus, a website that breaks down every play of a given game. Dolphins defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle told Harvey Fialkov of the Sun Sentinal that Wake is providing the quarterback pressure the team needs:

"[Wake's] taking good angles,'' Dolphins defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle said. "The quarterbacks have been feeling the pressure and stepping up into the pocket, so we have to generate some more push up inside that won't allow them to step up into the pocket to get away from the outside edge rushers.''

Wake is not at all satisfied with how he has played this season so far, but he has also drawn 22 holding penalties the last two years, which can be just as if not more effective than a sack. This is not lost on Wake:

"But it affects the game. Whatever you can do to help your team win, whether it's a holding play ... It's not glamorous, but it's a penalty and they lose yards.''

The Dolphins play the Cardinals on Sunday, with kickoff scheduled for 4:05 p.m. and the game will be televised on CBS.