Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Linebacker Chase Allen is in a good zone right now.
DAVIE — Last season, Miami Dolphins linebacker Chase Allen had no idea what to expect.
He was an undrafted rookie free agent with everything to prove. A year after honing his skills, Allen remains just as competitive but with a relaxed approach.
“Yes, 100 percent [more comfortable],” Allen said. “I feel like everyone who goes through a rookie year, their second year they’re much more comfortable and they know what to expect and they can just play faster because of that.”
While proving himself was the biggest obstacle last year, this time Allen is trying to show he can play all three linebacker spots. The benefit is he knows nearly the entire playbook.
“It helps you,” Allen said. “I feel like, know the details and the ins and outs of what everyone’s job is. I think it’s helped me as a player.”
Allen has been a quick study at all positions. The biggest adjustment is being able switch at any point, sometimes on the same series.
“You have to be able to flip your mind from knowing Mike (middle linebacker) and knowing what your coverage is or whatever to moving to Sam (strongside linebacker),” Allen said. “You just have to be able to flip that mindset and be able to know what you are on that play and focus in.”
Allen worked his way into the hearts of the Dolphins’ coaching staff last year after going undrafted out of Division I-AA Southern Illinois. He had 40 tackles and one forced fumble in four starts and played in all 16 games.
“I’m just much more comfortable with the defense,” Allen said. “I know what to expect now rather than coming in and being an undrafted rookie and just running around and trying to impress somebody. This year, I’m much more comfortable and more relaxed.”
Just don’t expect him getting too comfortable. He is still the same player who arrived with aspirations of silencing the doubters.
“You just have to work,” Allen said. “You have to … when the opportunity comes, you have to prove it. That’s how this league is.”
Allen played a large number of snaps in Saturday’s preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens, but coach Adam Gase said it wasn’t an indication of the depth chart. Rookie Jerome Baker remains the starting outside linebacker alongside Kiko Alonso and Raekwon McMillan.
“We’re always going to be moving guys in,” Gase said.
“We’ve got [Allen] playing a couple different positions, so we’re just trying to make sure that he’s settled in at multiple spots. Defensive guys are always doing a good job putting pressure on the guy that might be starting a game and making sure everybody … if something happens in a real game, guys have to be ready to step in and play with a different group of guys that they might not practice with all the time.”
When the Dolphins play their final preseason game Thursday night at Atlanta, Allen hopes to use it as an opportunity to solidify his place in the linebacker rotation. Many of the offensive and defensive starters will not play, leaving backups with the opportunity to make their case.
“You just have to treat it like any other game, come out and do your job and make some plays,” Allen said. “I’m just focusing on my job and whatever position they ask me to play, just do the best I can at that position.”
“When the opportunity comes, you have to prove it.”’
Chase Allen