FLOWERY BRANCH—Robert McClain's career was at a crossroads when the Jaguars released him in December 2011.
But McClain soon signed with the Falcons and found his niche as a versatile cornerback who played in the “nickel” package and as a spot starter. His latest task is starting on Sunday against the Browns in place of Robert Alford (wrist), who is expected to miss at least the next two games.
“I’ve come far,” McClain said. “I’ve happy with how I’ve grown but I have a lot of room to improve and grow as a player on this team.”
McClain played 57 of 66 defensive snaps against the Panthers last Sunday after Alford went down. He’s started 10 of 41 games for the Falcons since they signed him before the 2012 season.
“That’s part of being a professional: Any role you are thrown into, you’ve got to be able to handle it and do it at a high speed,” McClain said. “My role has changed a lot and I’ve just got to adapt and adjust to it.”
McClain said that in some ways, playing as the extra “nickel” back is more difficult than playing as one of the two outside cornerbacks. Slot wide receivers tend to be smaller, quicker players and nickel backs usually have to cover more ground than the outside cornerbacks because they can’t use the sideline as leverage.
On the other hand, outside wide receivers usually are bigger and more talented than slot receivers.
“Outside, you do have the sideline to protect you but it’s the NFL, you have to be precise all over the field,” McClain said.
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