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While the Dolphins prepare for a home game against the Patriots, I thought we could take a moment to just appreciate what defensive end Cameron Wake is doing at age 36. 36 is an age we’re used to seeing quarterbacks play to. Defensive ends? Making it to 31 or 32 would be good enough.
What’s even more impressive is Wake is being this productive after a season ending Achilles tear at the age of 33 back in 2015. Since then, Wake has put up 26.5 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, and 63 quarterback hits in 42 games (37 of them starts). This season, Wake has 4.5 sacks in 10 games, but also 12 quarterback hits. Basically, any amount of decent production from a player in their mid 30s is impressive (just ask Wake’s teammate, Frank Gore!).
And get this; Wake at 96.5 career sacks is 3.5 away from reaching 100. He’d be the 33rd player to ever reach that mark, unless Von Miller (96.0) can beat him to it. For the moment, Wake is 3rd in sacks among active players, behind Julius Peppers (158.5) and Terrell Suggs (132.0).
AND...Wake is doing this as an undrafted player!!!
I did not think at age 36 that Wake would continue playing in the NFL at a starting caliber level, and he proved me wrong in a big way. So let’s take a moment or two to appreciate the best thing about this Miami sports legend: His bend. Somehow, some way, Wake’s bend still kicks ass after all these years, and we’re going to take a look at some of that today.
Once again Cameron Wake is 36 years young. How is he doing this?
Seeing Julius Peppers play to age 38 is an outlier in today’s league. Cameron Wake doing this at age 36 should also be an outlier. The counter move he makes against the Jets’ right tackle and the balance he displays on his turn (otherwise known as the bend) is absurd. I’m struggling just to put words together on how to describe this.
Strip sack, and the bend still looks incredible. For all the faults the Dolphins’ pass rush has had this year, it’s still fun to watch Wake wreck offensive tackles time after time again.
Wake’s athleticism near the age of 37 (becomes that old in January) is insane. His get off, speed, and overall consistency is remarkable for someone who was never even drafted. Can Wake continue to do this in the NFL? He’s been doubted before, and has constantly beaten the odds for his career, so I don’t see why not.