Oakland Raiders middle linebacker Rolando McClain to have limited playing time on field – NFL News
Oakland Raiders middle linebacker Rolando McClain is going to have limited playing time in coming weeks, according to head coach Dennis Allen.
McClain is trying to adjust into his new role and will have to settle for fewer snaps per game. This drastic change comes after the linebacker was limited to a mere 17 snaps during Raiders’ Week 6 game against Atlanta Falcons.
This is a sharp decrease as McClain averaged 68 defensive plays in previous four games. Allen made the decision during the bye week to use McClain as an impact player. According to the Associated Press, Allen said:
"I think when we went back and looked and saw how many plays that Rolando was playing, it had a factor in his conditioning. We felt like him not playing quite as many plays would help him to play better and be more effective, and I think it had that effect
in this game."
When McClain was drafted by Raiders as an eighth overall pick in the 2010 draft, expectations were high from the team.
Raiders were struggling to stop the running game of opponents and desperately needed a player who could do that.
Although he was successful as an impact player, McClain was unable to put up good performance as starter.
McClain had been such a decision and has taken it well. However, he is hoping to get more plays in Raiders’ Week 7 game against Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, October 21, 2012. McClain said:
"You understand the situation, you understand the transition whatever that may be. You're not naive to the fact of what's going on. But at the same time you're still a team player. If coach thinks that's the best thing for the defence then by all means do
it.”
McClain’s career stats clearly explain why Raiders have decided to shift their focus away from the player who was regarded very highly.
In his 35 career games, McClain has got a meagre one interception, 5.5 sacks and no forced fumbles.
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