Former Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain was one of the more decorative players to come from head coach Nick Saban. He missed the first four games of the NFL season, due to suspension (violation of substance abuse) but McClain returned for the Dallas Cowboys in Sunday’s match-up at AT&T Stadium against the undefeated New England Patriots.
McClain did not miss a beat in his absence. He finished tied for the team lead in tackles with eight, and totaled four solo stops, two tackles for loss, a sack and a quarterback hurry.
McClain led a defense that held New England to 109 rushing yards as a group on 23 carries.
Dallas loss to the Patriots 30-6, but seeing McClain productive on the field is promising. He has struggled with mishaps off the field, yet McClain can have a good career with a balanced mental and physical work ethic. A sound McClain bodes well for the Cowboys moving forward.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.
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