ESPND: Jay Ratliff is not moving to end

[WoodysGirl]

May 7
11:14
AM CT
By Calvin Watkins (http://search.espn.go.com/watkins_calvin/) | ESPNDallas.com

A conversation with Cowboys defensive line coach Brian Baker revealed the team has no plans on moving Jay Ratliff (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/8638/jay-ratliff) from nose tackle to end.

Ratliff wore down as the season progressed because of a rib muscle strain. Baker said Ratliff played the fewest snaps percentage wise in 2011 since he's been a starter.

"Jay got hurt," Baker said. "Jay was busted up that's why we had to get him through it."

Baker said to keep Ratliff fresh, taking him off the field on some first and second downs might work because the team has confidence in the abilities of Josh Brent (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13923/josh-brent) and Sean Lissemore (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13406/sean-lissemore) to play some nose tackle.


Read more: http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post?id=4692668

[CoCo]

One of the most tired discussions is "moving Ratliff to end."

[speedkilz88]

The next story Calvin is breaking,"water is wet".

[MichaelWinicki]

One of the most tired discussions is "moving Ratliff to end."

Bingo.

[jnday]

Bingo.

I would bet that another thread is started on the subject within the next three days.

[visionary]

One of the most pertinent discussions is "moving Ratliff to end."

FIFY :)

[MichaelWinicki]

I would bet that another thread is started on the subject within the next three days.

Of course.

Then you'll hear from folks that Ratliff sucks as a NT, because they've watched a couple Cowboy games.

[zrinkill]

Of course.

Then you'll hear from folks that Ratliff sucks as a NT, because they've watched a couple Cowboy games.

:laugh1:

[Seven]

Really? That's weird. :rolleyes:

[silverbear]

I think Jay's mistake last year was losing weight... I think that's why he was ineffective last year, he just got too light...

I believe he should play at right around 300 pounds...

[gimmesix]

May 7
11:14
AM CT
By Calvin Watkins (http://search.espn.go.com/watkins_calvin/) | ESPNDallas.com

A conversation with Cowboys defensive line coach Brian Baker revealed the team has no plans on moving Jay Ratliff (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/8638/jay-ratliff) from nose tackle to end.

Ratliff wore down as the season progressed because of a rib muscle strain. Baker said Ratliff played the fewest snaps percentage wise in 2011 since he's been a starter.

"Jay got hurt," Baker said. "Jay was busted up that's why we had to get him through it."

Baker said to keep Ratliff fresh, taking him off the field on some first and second downs might work because the team has confidence in the abilities of Josh Brent (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13923/josh-brent) and Sean Lissemore (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/_/id/13406/sean-lissemore) to play some nose tackle.


Read more: http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post?id=4692668

Undisclosed injuries is one of the reasons I don't like being overly critical of any player, especially if that player has already established he can play.

[jnday]

I think Jay's mistake last year was losing weight... I think that's why he was ineffective last year, he just got too light...

I believe he should play at right around 300 pounds...

Even at 300 pounds, I think that the coaching staff needs to make every effort to keep him fresh. Brent needs to step up this year. Late in each game and late in the season Ratt seems wore down and ineffective.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Of course.

Then you'll hear from folks that Ratliff sucks as a NT, because they've watched a couple Cowboy games.

I have watched more than a few Cowboys games. I do not think he sucks. I also think that he would be better served at DE rather than face constant double teams.

I know you can double on the outside but if you want to pull a TE or guard over the double with the tackle you are letting our LBers free. Putting him on the inside shoulder of the tackle pay dividends. If they send the tackle great. If try to block him with the guard great.

Everyone wants to talk about how he cannot beat OT one on one but if you block him with a tackle then that Spencer or Ware manned up on a TE. If the tackle goes to protect the edge then that leaves him against the guard which one on one we know he can beat.

I'm really not worried about him holding up at the point of attack at all. He has been dealing with double teams inside for years.

I'm not arguing that Ratliff is not our best NT. All I am saying is that I could see the benefit of a talent such as he has at the end.

I don't really see anyone who thinks that he 'sucks' other than Eskimo who just wants to find a reason to not pay the man. I never understand wage or salary earners that do that.

[big dog cowboy]

:horse:

[TheCount]

I think Jay's mistake last year was losing weight... I think that's why he was ineffective last year, he just got too light...

I believe he should play at right around 300 pounds...

He didn't lose weight, he said he'd always been about 290 last year when that broke. Chances are we just fudged the numbers when they asked. 300 looks better on the stat sheet.

[Future]

Phew, glad it's all settled.

It still doesn't end the discussion of whether or not he should though :laugh2:

[burmafrd]

Jay at DE facing quicker Tackles loses his edge

[Idgit]

Well, who else is flabbergasted?

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Jay at DE facing quicker Tackles loses his edge

If Ratliff plays on the weakside. He is never going to see a tackle. If he plays strongside then Spencer gets matched up with a TE. In 3-4 sets the tackles go after our OLB not the DE.

[Aven8]

The problem isn't always Rat at nose. The real problem IMO is the depth behind Rat sucks. We only have Brent, who always seems to be on the trainers table, and Lissy who we have seen very little of.

[big dog cowboy]

Lissy who we have seen very little of.

That's not a very nice way of talking about one of your starting DE's.

[burmafrd]

If Ratliff plays on the weakside. He is never going to see a tackle. If he plays strongside then Spencer gets matched up with a TE. In 3-4 sets the tackles go after our OLB not the DE.

Depends on how it is done. I see a lot of 3-4 DE's battling tackles