Blame linebacker Rolando McClain’s struggles against the Giants on the flu

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain is not making any excuses.

He didn’t play well in the Cowboys 27-20 loss to the New York Giants last week and knows he must be better in holding up against the run when Dallas takes on running back Marshawn Lynch and the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

McClain will feel better and stronger in the game because he will no longer be dealing with flu-like symptoms that caused him to be “sick as a dog” heading into the Giants game.

“I had the flu,” McClain said. “It set in on the plane ride. We had certain medicine, but flu medicine. But no excuses. We didn’t get the job done as a team. I didn’t do enough as a linebacker. I expect more of myself. We need more from everybody. But I’m better. I got to get better and do a better job to help this team.”

The Cowboys gave up 132 yard rushing against the Giants, who averaged 5.3 yards per carry. McClain recorded just six tackles in the game.

He knows that won’t be good enough against Lynch and his physical running style.

McClain said he more comfortable playing and practicing again after missing the first four games of the season due an NFL suspension.

It’s the first time he has gone through a series of routine practice sessions since the week of the NFC Divisional Playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers last January. He missed the entire off season, mini camp and training camp rehabbing from knee surgery.

But he has had a full load since he returned the past two games, playing 51 of 59 snaps against the New England Patriots and 43 of 53 snaps against the Giants.

“I have been doing my job pushing myself to get ready,” McClain said. “I got keep pushing. I have only been off the field for dime. I’m playing as much as they need me to play.”

This story was originally published October 29, 2015 at 3:35 PM with the headline "Blame linebacker Rolando McClain’s struggles against the Giants on the flu."