FWST: Cowboys’ happier, heavier Rolando McClain is ready to hit

[WoodysGirl]

By Clarence E. Hill Jr.

chill@star-telegram.com


IRVING
It was a happier, more relaxed and seemingly more responsive Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Rolando McClain who greeted the media Wednesday.

He initially tried to bypass the interview as he did many times last year, but did an about-face with a smile and said, “They say I have to talk today.”


McClain brings a physical presence to the run defense and pairs with weakside linebacker Sean Lee to form a playing-making duo at linebacker not seen around Valley Ranch in decades.

But he scoffs at any suggestion that his return, which coincides with defensive end Greg Hardy’s, instantly turns the maligned defense into Doomsday Y2K.

“We ain’t focused on none of that,” McClain said. “At the end of the day, Greg’s excited to be back, I’m excited to be back. We just want to contribute to the defense and do our part on this team to make this team better. But we’ve been out four games and that’s terrible. We just want to come back and play good football.”


Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article38149326.html#storylink=cpy

 

[GoCowboysGo]

Can't wait to see them out there, especially with Sean Lee (when he's back out there again)!!

 

[Seven]

Dear Jesus.....

 

[Bullflop]

After being out for four weeks apiece, I won't be expecting any miracles from Hardy and Ro-Mac. There's no way they should be in top condition and as sharp as they'd be if they'd been actively playing all along. If both of them somehow manage to simply play reasonably well, hang in there and avoid injury, I'll be appropriately satisfied. Hardy should be able to hold his own but I expect RoMac to take time to regain his conditioning and stamina.

 

[cowboys2233]

Heavier? I don't like the sound of that one bit. I remember when Von Miller tried to play "heavier and stronger." Lost his speed and then blew out his knee.

 

[gdogg24]

Heavier? I don't like the sound of that one bit. I remember when Von Miller tried to play "heavier and stronger." Lost his speed and then blew out his knee.

I think the difference is Ro usually played at this weight before he took his sabbatical and last year was technically the outlier. I'm still iffy on this too could be a plus or minus.

 

[kramskoi]

After being out for four weeks apiece, I won't be expecting any miracles from Hardy and Ro-Mac. There's no way they should be in top condition and as sharp as they'd be if they'd been actively playing all along. If both of them somehow manage to simply play reasonably well, hang in there and avoid injury, I'll be appropriately satisfied. Hardy should be able to hold his own but I expect RoMac to take time to regain his conditioning and stamina.

It will be enough to get them into the rotation. Adding the bye week to that will help them be ready for the real battle @ MetLife. They will need to be saltier than they were in the first matchup and hopefully Gregory can return as well.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

I think the difference is Ro usually played at this weight before he took his sabbatical and last year was technically the outlier. I'm still iffy on this too could be a plus or minus.

Still 10lbs below Raiders playing weight.

 

[Bleu Star]

Still 10lbs below Raiders playing weight.

Sounds like Ro Mac is just fine.

 

[gdogg24]

Still 10lbs below Raiders playing weight.

Really? Wow that's one big dude!

 

[DallasDomination]

He's a big guy naturally look at his shoulder width and his legs.

 

[Bleu Star]

He's a beast and I am beyond ready to see him back out there making rbs think twice.

 

[Bleu Star]

I know it's just practice but seeing RoMac & CMike meet in the hole would be rather entertaining.

 

[Doomsay]

Bring the house on every down, eventually you will reach the grinning cheater.

 

[remdak]

Really? Wow that's one big dude!

Well, he is the guy who ruptured Witten's spleen

 

[jordan4vols]

Still says he is excited to play football. As far as McClain goes that is big. He could retire at any time. We need him

 

[Stash]

After being out for four weeks apiece, I won't be expecting any miracles from Hardy and Ro-Mac. There's no way they should be in top condition and as sharp as they'd be if they'd been actively playing all along. If both of them somehow manage to simply play reasonably well, hang in there and avoid injury, I'll be appropriately satisfied. Hardy should be able to hold his own but I expect RoMac to take time to regain his conditioning and stamina.

I'm with you. I'm not expecting a huge impact from McClain this week. In fact, I'm not expecting him to play all that many snaps in his first week back. I think he'll be strictly a first and second down guy and not be on the field for any obvious passing situations. However hard he may have worked, you don't get in football shape until you're playing football.

Hardy on the other hand, should be a bigger factor as he did go through the preseason stuff, and I think his mere oresence out there will not only force teams to adjust their blocking, but his attitude should lift up his teammates play as well.

 

[Fletch]

Well, he is the guy who ruptured Witten's spleen

And that's no ordinary spleen. That spleen wears a freakin cape!

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

After being out for four weeks apiece, I won't be expecting any miracles from Hardy and Ro-Mac. There's no way they should be in top condition and as sharp as they'd be if they'd been actively playing all along. If both of them somehow manage to simply play reasonably well, hang in there and avoid injury, I'll be appropriately satisfied. Hardy should be able to hold his own but I expect RoMac to take time to regain his conditioning and stamina.

At this point you don't need miracles you simply need players. And though it will take them time to get their body's and conditioning ready their presence will be felt. Teams will game plan for Hardy.

 

[jazzcat22]

I know it's just practice but seeing RoMac & CMike meet in the hole would be rather entertaining.

CMike needs to do something first. We know what Ro can do.