ESPND: How about a Cowboys' move to a 4-3?

[WoodysGirl]

Jan 4
10:28
AM CT
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com

IRVING, Texas – What is Jerry Jones talking about when he mentions doing something “almost unconventional,” in attempting to shake the Cowboys from their 16-year state?

It would be nice to get to talk to the owner and general manager, but he’s not been around Valley Ranch since the season has ended.

So let’s raise some possibilities:

Change the general manager? We know that answer.

Change the head coach? He has backed Jason Garrett all season.

Change the guys who call the offense and defense? Maybe, but I’m wondering if it goes a little deeper than just the play callers, especially on defense. Maybe it’s the scheme.

Could the Cowboys scrap the 3-4 and become a 4-3 team in 2013?

Read the rest: http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowbo...-move-to-a-4-3

[cowboys1981]

I'm for it! Move Ware to DE.

[Wolfpack]

Moving deck chairs on the Titanic.

[CowboysYanksLakers]

Originally Posted by Wolfpack

Moving deck chairs on the Titanic.

Great analogy...

[cowboyeric8]

Originally Posted by CowboysYanksLakers

Great analogy...

No it wasn't.

[cowboyeric8]

I personally wish we had never changed. But Parcells wanted to.

[Galian Beast]

I've never really liked the idea of the 3-4. Three things: First I don't think our defense fools anyone or gives QBs a hard time recognizing the rusher. Second I don't see the point of having either Spencer or Ware in coverage. They aren't good at it. Third we don't have that big body nose tackle who can clog up the middle.

I think a move back to the 4-3 could really help us out.

Steps:
1. Sign a 4-3 defensive end in free agency. Depending on the cost and parameters of the deal, maybe Osi Umenyiora.

We also have to decide what to do with our 3-4 defensive ends. Do we bulk them up and ask them to play tackle or do we slim them down and ask them to play defensive end?

Makes Ratliff an even bigger question mark.

I'd keep Lissemore and Crawford. Convert Crawford to a 4-3 DE, and scrap the rest. Maybe keep Hatcher, maybe not.

Probably have to sign or draft a weak side linebacker too. Maybe Wilber can fit that spot.

[Teague31]

Any plan that calls for moving Lee out of the middle is crazy talk

[VACowboy]

Originally Posted by Galian Beast

I've never really liked the idea of the 3-4. Three things: First I don't think our defense fools anyone or gives QBs a hard time recognizing the rusher. Second I don't see the point of having either Spencer or Ware in coverage. They aren't good at it. Third we don't have that big body nose tackle who can clog up the middle.

I think a move back to the 4-3 could really help us out.

Steps:
1. Sign a 4-3 defensive end in free agency. Depending on the cost and parameters of the deal, maybe Osi Umenyiora.

We also have to decide what to do with our 3-4 defensive ends. Do we bulk them up and ask them to play tackle or do we slim them down and ask them to play defensive end?

Makes Ratliff an even bigger question mark.

I'd keep Lissemore and Crawford. Convert Crawford to a 4-3 DE, and scrap the rest. Maybe keep Hatcher, maybe not.

[View Full Quote]Probably have to sign or draft a weak side linebacker too. Maybe Wilber can fit that spot.

Ratliff is a prototypical three-tech DT. I think it would be his best position and probably extend his career.

I also think Crawford/Hatcher are built to play three-tech. What we'd need is a pocket pushing NT and an athletic LDE. I think we have the LB's to play a 4-3...

RDE: Ware
NT: Johnathon Hankins (R)
DT: Ratliff
LDE: Michael Johnson ($$$ FA)

WILL: Carter
MIKE: Lee
SAM: Albright

[lostar2009]

Originally Posted by VACowboy

Ratliff is a prototypical three-tech DT. I think it would be his best position and probably extend his career.

I also think Crawford/Hatcher are built to play three-tech. What we'd need is a pocket pushing NT and an athletic LDE. I think we have the LB's to play a 4-3...

RDE: Ware
NT: Johnathon Hankins (R)
DT: Ratliff
LDE: Michael Johnson ($$$ FA)

WILL: Carter
MIKE: Lee
SAM: Albright

what about Cornellius Carradine? DE from Florida State..

Dude was having a great season but was hurt....He is going to fall on draft day..

[rocyaice]

Originally Posted by Galian Beast

I've never really liked the idea of the 3-4. Three things: First I don't think our defense fools anyone or gives QBs a hard time recognizing the rusher. Second I don't see the point of having either Spencer or Ware in coverage. They aren't good at it. Third we don't have that big body nose tackle who can clog up the middle.

I think a move back to the 4-3 could really help us out.

Steps:
1. Sign a 4-3 defensive end in free agency. Depending on the cost and parameters of the deal, maybe Osi Umenyiora.

We also have to decide what to do with our 3-4 defensive ends. Do we bulk them up and ask them to play tackle or do we slim them down and ask them to play defensive end?

Makes Ratliff an even bigger question mark.

I'd keep Lissemore and Crawford. Convert Crawford to a 4-3 DE, and scrap the rest. Maybe keep Hatcher, maybe not.

[View Full Quote]Probably have to sign or draft a weak side linebacker too. Maybe Wilber can fit that spot.

You want "maybe" keep Hatcher but go and get the overrated Osi?

[rocyaice]

I find it odd that we finally have the personnel for a effective 3-4 and NOW we want to scrap it? Should've scrapped it long before we got Sean Lee and Bruce Carter. I don't see how much more effective this defense will be switching to the 4-3. At the end of the day we still need offensive line help.

[BEMYDADJERRY]

Originally Posted by Wolfpack

Moving deck chairs on the Titanic.

Bahahhaaha !!!!!!
That's a great comparison !!!!

[cowboys#1]

Originally Posted by Wolfpack

Moving deck chairs on the Titanic.

this....

[brooksey1]

Originally Posted by WoodysGirl

Jan 4
10:28
AM CT
By Todd Archer | ESPNDallas.com

IRVING, Texas – What is Jerry Jones talking about when he mentions doing something “almost unconventional,” in attempting to shake the Cowboys from their 16-year state?

It would be nice to get to talk to the owner and general manager, but he’s not been around Valley Ranch since the season has ended.

So let’s raise some possibilities:

Change the general manager? We know that answer.

Change the head coach? He has backed Jason Garrett all season.

Change the guys who call the offense and defense? Maybe, but I’m wondering if it goes a little deeper than just the play callers, especially on defense. Maybe it’s the scheme.

Could the Cowboys scrap the 3-4 and become a 4-3 team in 2013?

[View Full Quote]Read the rest: http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowbo...-move-to-a-4-3

Jerry said it's not the scheme, it's a fundamental issue in blocking and tackling and he wants to make sure Tony is in a system that fits his talents.

This sounds like a coaching change to Gruden, Holmgren or Callahan.