News: TLH: Dallas Cowboys Find A Winner With An Underdog (R McClain)

CCBoy

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Dallas Cowboys Find A Winner With An Underdog
by Brittanie Odum 14h ago

http://thelandryhat.com/2014/10/09/dallas-cowboys-find-winner-underdog/


For an athlete whose history in the NFL isn’t the most stable, this one has seemingly found his niche. Dallas Cowboys’ linebacker Rolando McClain is certainly making a name for himself. He has already won over many Cowboys fans as well as personnel despite the obstacles in his way.

Let’s backtrack for a moment here. Is this the same Rolando McClain who retired just last year to focus on personal issues? How in the world could he have made such a statement in this short period of time? He hasn’t played in the NFL since 2012 with the Oakland Raiders.

Well, I’m glad I have your attention, young grasshopper. After running into some trouble off the field, he felt the best thing to do was to retire from the Baltimore Ravens in 2013 in order to restart his life. That’s completely understandable. However, not everyone is as forgiving as others.

This past July, the Cowboys decided to conditionally trade the Ravens a 6th round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft in exchange for McClain and the Raven’s 2015 7th round pick. As a fan, I often scratch my head at the decisions that stem from the front office. This was one time that I felt comfortable with what Dallas’ owner/general manager Jerry Jones was doing.

During the offseason, the Cowboys made some major moves without it being a Ringling Brothers performance. It was a beautiful experience. Signing McClain ranks high on that list. At that point in time, Dallas needed to focus on beefing up its defensive line. McClain played with the Raiders for three seasons (from 2010 to 2012). With 41 games played and 246 combined tackles accrued with Oakland, why not add him to a defense that could use the help?

Now fast forward to September. The Cowboys are playing on the road against the Tennessee Titans. McClain was responsible for a sack on Titans’ quarterback Jake Locker as well as an interception. Two weeks later, the ‘Boys are at home against the New Orleans Saints. McClain forced a fumble against Saints’ tight end Jimmy Graham. Both of those games were wins in our column, by the way. Rolando, can you tell how much we appreciate you?

Unfortunately, McClain missed the St. Louis Rams game due to a groin injury. Sunday against the Texans, he left during the 4th quarter after aggravating that same groin. However, McClain’s trainers have seen improvement in his mobility which means he may be active against quarterback Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks in Week 6.

Those same fans who weren’t as open to McClain joining the Cowboys’ active roster are singing a new tune. During these five weeks, Rolando has made his presence known with a total of 23 tackles in four games. And his importance to this team was even more evident when he left the Texans game on Sunday, and the Dallas defense had a hard time recovering. Since July, I’ve been supportive of this decision. McClain’s personal history isn’t as important as what he can bring to the team now and in the future. Whatever you do, Rolando, you’ll prosper...
 

Setackin

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What exactly was going on with him? What were the personal issues?
 

DogFace

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You have to give one thing to the people on this site that were very negative about the signing.

They are extremely consistent in their views.
 

Fredd

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I think most people were fine with this move in the summer because there was no chance it would hurt the team...if he didn't work out, the trade basically went away...as it turns out, it was a steal for Dallas....this guy is a serious difference maker....his football juices are flowing...I am looking forward to how well the defense can play with him in there, and when we get Lawrence, et al back, the D could be very good....assuming Ro is here next year, teaming him with Lee (if he can stay on the field) and carter/Durant is a pretty exciting prospect for the team....
 

Outlaw Heroes

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Thanks for posting, CC.

Ro's been a real difference maker, for sure. The deal was a can't-lose proposition: nothing but upside. Of course, it was also a deal born of necessity: we don't even look for such a deal if Lee doesn't get injured. Strange how life's curses can turn out to be blessings.
 

Bullflop

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There's no question but what Rolando McClain has been beyond a pleasant surprise to any fan paying attention to the fortunes of the Cowboys in 2014. Here's a guy who has all the makings of an All Pro to be, whenever those who see fit to award such deserving players care to consider him. What a stroke of luck that guy has been to a defense that needed a break so badly!

His official recognition may not come this year but I'm expecting it not to take too very long before many kinds of accolades should rightfully be destined to come his way. His presence in the Dallas defense has been a major blessing, just when it has needed someone like this outstanding middle LB the most. For him to be performing at the level he is now, it has not only been amazing but a testament to his great talent as well. The Dallas fans are incredibly blessed to have him aboard.
 
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perrykemp

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What exactly was going on with him? What were the personal issues?

From Wikipedia:

On December 1, 2011, McClain was arrested by Decatur police and charged with third-degree assault, menacing, reckless endangerment, and discharging a firearm inside the city limits, all of which are misdemeanors, for a shooting incident that occurred the night before.[30][31] On May 17, 2012, McClain was found guilty on all counts, ordered to pay a $500 fine for each charge, totaling $2,000, and sentenced to spend 45 days in jail for each charge, 180 in total. He was freed on bond, and will begin serving his sentence on June 1.[32]

On November 18, 2012, while the case was on appeal, the charges were dismissed by the Judge after the victim decided not to press charges. According to lawyers involved, a financial settlement was reached between McClain and the victim.[33]

On January 8, 2013, McClain was arrested by Decatur Police in Morgan County after an officer pulled him over for a window tint violation. McClain provided the officer with a false name and he was arrested and booked into the Decatur City Jail. McClain bonded out of jail later that day.[34]

On April 21, 2013, McClain was arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.[35]
 

big dog cowboy

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Unfortunately, McClain missed the St. Louis Rams game due to a groin injury. Sunday against the Texans, he left during the 4th quarter after aggravating that same groin. However, McClain’s trainers have seen improvement in his mobility which means he may be active against quarterback Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks in Week 6.
Having Ro available for Seattle would be huge. Beast Mode will be a challenge with Ro but without him I'm deeply concerned.
 

CCBoy

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Having Ro available for Seattle would be huge. Beast Mode will be a challenge with Ro but without him I'm deeply concerned.

No argument, as that could open a door for their QB to play around as well...
 

waving monkey

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Those same fans who weren’t as open to McClain joining the Cowboys’ active roster are singing a new tune. During these five weeks, Rolando has made his presence known with a total of 23 tackles in four games. And his importance to this team was even more evident when he left the Texans game on Sunday, and the Dallas defense had a hard time recovering. Since July, I’ve been supportive of this decision. McClain’s personal history isn’t as important as what he can bring to the team now and in the future. Whatever you do, Rolando, you’ll prosper...

no further comment
 
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