Why Cowboys Had To Replace Rob Ryan, Part II: Adapting To A Changing Landscape

[Sam I Am]

I can't figure out why people keep saying the Cowboys don't have the personal to switch to a 4-3. That is bull****. They are closer to be a 4-3 than a 3-4. Hell, the team doesn't even have a real NT. Ratliff played the position, but he isn't one and now he is older too. They are also on the verge if possibly losing one of their two starting quality OLBs. (nobody else on the team is starting quality for an OLB at this point)

Switching to a 4-3 will extend Ratliff's career and Lissemore will become more effective than he was playing a 3-4 DE.

Many people question Spencer's ability to play a 4-3 DE, and I call BS there too. While he may need to add a little weight, the guy is solid and isn't easily pushed around, not to mention his ability to shed blockers is on par with D.Ware.

Linebackers? Between Lee, Carter, and Albright, you have all three linebacker positions covered. The only real question is safety and the Cowboys can address that in a draft that has quite a bit of safety talent in it or on the FA market.

The Cowboys have several players on the staff right now that can play DT in a 4-3 and some (a bet rather weak) depth for the DE position.

I think the switch to a 4-3 is a must at this point. Both personal wise (ie, who is already on the team) and scheme wise with the direction the NFL is going with the read option.