IRVING, Texas – In theory, the Week 6 bye might have been good timing for Rolando McClain after making his season debut against the Patriots.
McClain admits, though, that he's still trying to get himself into the rhythm of the season. Makes sense, given that the veteran linebacker missed training camp and preseason following a knee scope, then began the regular season with a four-game NFL suspension, then played one game before the team got a week off.
To top it off, McClain said he developed flu-like symptoms on the trip to New York last week. He played sick with a normal workload against the Giants – six tackles (one for loss) and a quarterback pressure – but believes he could have played better.
"That's no excuse," he said, referring to the flu. "We didn't get the job done as a team and I didn't do enough as a linebacker. I expect more out of myself and we need more from everybody."
In two games starting at middle linebacker, McClain has 15 tackles (two for loss), a sack and two quarterback pressures. He was a major factor in the Cowboys' 30-23 win at Seattle last October, recording eight tackles (one for loss) and a breakup on an interception that sealed the game.
McClain's feeling better this week, and he'll look to continue finding a flow with the defense against a versatile Seahawks offense.
"You have a week, first time really practicing since really the Packers (playoff game) last year, then you have a week, then you have a bye week, and then last week you're sick as a dog going into that game, so trying to get into rhythm – it's hard," he said. "But (Linebackers coach Matt Eberflus) has been doing a good job. I've been pushing myself to be ready and get used to it. Just keep pushing."
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