Babe: Time To Seriously Consider Cutting McClain

[Plankton]

It could be looked at that way. Or the way I'm looking at it.
He's not a moron. If fact academically he's very smart. I think he makes the choice of staying clean for a while.

There's more evidence from his recent behavior that he would likely flunk a test again rather than stay clean.

McClain's talent gives him a lot more rope than most, but his talent isn't worth anything if he isn't on the field.

And, his real lack of personal discipline threatens his ability to do that.

I can understand people wanting to cut him some slack, and not look to cut him. You can argue that keeping him doesn't hurt the team, and it is a very supportable stance.

I'll go at it from a different point of view - he is taking a potential roster spot from someone who actually does have some personal discipline, and would be available when the team would need him. Granted, at this juncture, it would be very difficult to find a player who would approach McClain's ability that would be productive starting Week One. To me, all that Rolando McClain has proven in his stay in Dallas is that he can't be counted on. He was not in good football condition going into camp last year, and never fully overcame that. He battled nagging injuries the entire season, and was never at what I would call his best.

Then, he gets popped for a four game fine for his third drug test failure. After that, he gets popped again. At best, it shows an alarming lack of discipline. At worst, it shows someone with a drug problem.

Neither is a guy that I would be interested in having on my team. Regardless of how talented he is. If he can't make it to the field, his talent doesn't matter.

 

[lane]

Rolando was a major reason we made it to the playoffs last year.

Having said that...i really feel his heart is not in football. I think he enjoys fishing and all.

Sure was excited to watch him and Lee wreak havoc....oh well.

 

[risco]

That statement doesn't mean that one was better at one point than the other. If Ryan Leaf was coming out of college he'd go before Tom Brady in the draft. Brady James was never Brian Urlacher but his 2008 season was great, and better than McClain.

You are putting too much thought into this- LBs to QBs- the positions success or failure are not even close to being comparable. You said your statement, and I said mines. Let's just leave it and keep it moving.

 

[risco]

I agree with you that McClain, when playing at his peak, is a much better player than Bradie James playing when he was at his peak.

The question with Ro is how often does he feel motivated to play at his peak? How often does he feel motivated to practice? How often is he going to pull himself out of game?

Bradie James was a lesser talent -- he was never better than a average 3-4 ILB.

What you can say about him is that he showed up (96 straight starts at one point) and he was consistently productive (averaged over 100 tackles per season from 2005-2010).

McClain 5 years into his career has never broken the 100 tackles mark. I'm sure if you asked him he would tell you all the reasons why it's everyone else's fault too.

Coaches deeply favor guys who show up and play consistently. Coaches hate, no despise, players who they can't count on for consistent effort. Look no further than the Cowboys making zero attempt to resign Bruce Carter despite Carter leading all NFL linebackers in interceptions last year (5 of them).

My point he is it is very easy to fall in love with player's peak performance as opposed to their 'typical' performance. I'd argue, that in the end Bradie James productivity and consistency, over the long run, will make his career much better than McClain's

I agree somewhat- but Brady was too slow in pass coverage and had a very hard time covering team's opposing RBs and TEs. Sure he made 100 tackles but in the 3-4 scheme he should. Brady James in space is average at best.

 

[Rockport]

It doesn't have to be a positive test. A missed test or late sample can also be considered a failed test.

I'm not saying that happened but there could be reasons beyond just a willingness to break a rule.

He admitted it.

 

[JoeBoBBY]

It may have been already brought up in this thread, but.....

Ro, you know you can do things to hide your use; And, after the first time you were caught and with so much on the line..........???????

 

[jazzcat22]

Yes. No need to cut him.

After 4 games you got him back.
You saved $$$.
Others got a chance to play.

Everyone is sooooo perfect.... Especially the executioners.

Right, everyone plays they are perfect...
I haven't read all the posts, just skimming through them Especially mega threads...LOL..

Babe needs to say things like this, rather he truly believes it or not. But he probably does, nothing to indicate he doesn't from past reporting in general. But he does reversals sometimes on opinions. The latest being Romo is done, to now Romo looks his best.
But also he is on the broadcasts with Brad Sham, as well as the local CBS sports guy. So he needs to says things like this as not to make all the viewers mad from a ratings standpoint. It's probably not the case, but certainly can be seen as a possibility. So maybe he is playing to the crowd on this one. Just a thought though.

 

[tyke1doe]

There's more evidence from his recent behavior that he would likely flunk a test again rather than stay clean.

McClain's talent gives him a lot more rope than most, but his talent isn't worth anything if he isn't on the field.

And, his real lack of personal discipline threatens his ability to do that.

I can understand people wanting to cut him some slack, and not look to cut him. You can argue that keeping him doesn't hurt the team, and it is a very supportable stance.

I'll go at it from a different point of view - he is taking a potential roster spot from someone who actually does have some personal discipline, and would be available when the team would need him. Granted, at this juncture, it would be very difficult to find a player who would approach McClain's ability that would be productive starting Week One. To me, all that Rolando McClain has proven in his stay in Dallas is that he can't be counted on. He was not in good football condition going into camp last year, and never fully overcame that. He battled nagging injuries the entire season, and was never at what I would call his best.

Then, he gets popped for a four game fine for his third drug test failure. After that, he gets popped again. At best, it shows an alarming lack of discipline. At worst, it shows someone with a drug problem.

Neither is a guy that I would be interested in having on my team. Regardless of how talented he is. If he can't make it to the field, his talent doesn't matter.

This is a reasonable response. Good post.

I still say the Ro situation will take care of itself. He has one more strike before he gets a 10-game suspension. At that point, he's basically done anyway. That's why I'm not really bothered by this. If he really, really needs help and wants to get his act together, he knows this is his last chance. If he is undisciplined and doesn't care, he'll get popped again, and then the natural consequences of his actions will take effect.

Besides, I don't think Ro is in the Cowboys long-term plan anyway. If we win the Super Bowl, I think he's gone regardless.

 

[khiladi]

Did Ro ever have 116 tackles, 8 sacks, 4 Passes Defensed, and 3 Forced Fumbles in a single season like James did in 2008?

He was constantly abused in Parcell's scheme, to the point that even Kitna, when he was in Detroit, said he targeted him...

Sure he had one good year, but other years he was awful, particularly in pass coverage... Guy was getting smoked on a regular, both him and Ayodele...

 

[mickswag]

 

[khiladi]

No. But i'm also not going to get self-righteous over a guy smoking weed.

I've been out of the loop and just found out he was suspended. Then I read your post that it was weed, and then I didn't care...

it's not like weed is has anti-anxiety effects, is a known pain reducer and an anti-depressant. Knowing McClain's struggles, I'm not surprised he's been violating it.

They need to just legalize it completely... This is getting absurd.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

I've been out of the loop and just found out he was suspended. Then I read your post that it was weed, and then I didn't care...

it's not like weed is has anti-anxiety effects, is a known pain reducer and an anti-depressant. Knowing McClain's struggles, I'm not surprised he's been violating it.

They need to just legalize it completely... This is getting absurd.

He broke the rules and will have to accept his punishment.

But people comparing this to Josh Brent are spouting the hottest of hot takes.