FWST: Spears says getting Ratliff back is like 'getting three guys back'

[WoodysGirl]

-- Carlos Mendez

The Cowboys are excited about the return of nose tackle Jay Ratliff.

“Getting Jay back is like getting three guys back,” defensive end Marcus Spears said Monday as the Cowboys got in an extra practice at Valley Ranch. “In the nickel packages, in the base packages and then teams actually game plan for Jay Ratliff. It’ll give other guys the opportunity to probably make more plays and have more success because he’s in the game.”

The Cowboys hope it means a boost for their run defense and pass pressure up the middle. With Josh Brent and Sean Lissemore playing in the place of the four-time Pro Bowl veteran, the Cowboys rank 15th in rushing defense and ninth in sacks per pass attempt.

Read more here: http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.com...#storylink=cpy

[diehard2294]

I wish the same could be said for Spears

[blackbull]

Brent should start in base defense still.

[justbob]

Originally Posted by blackbull

Brent should start in base defense still.

Wonder if that will happen some --Brent clogging the middle and Rat rushing ?

[Dash28]

Will we see Rat at end some?

I'm fine with leaving Brent at nose and using Rat all over to rush.

[supercowboy8]

I'm done with this 3-4 anyways. We don't have the correct DL to run the 3-4. I wish we would just switch back to the 4-3 and play ware like Denver does Miller.

[JoeyBoy718]

Originally Posted by supercowboy8

I'm done with this 3-4 anyways. We don't have the correct DL to run the 3-4. I wish we would just switch back to the 4-3 and play ware like Denver does Miller.

Yeah. I don't follow the Broncos at all, but I was looking at their depth chart a while ago, for some reason, and was surprised to see Miller listed as a 4-3 OLB. It annoys me when teams runs creative defenses-like JPP playing NT at times.

[supercowboy8]

Originally Posted by JoeyBoy718

Yeah. I don't follow the Broncos at all, but I was looking at their depth chart a while ago, for some reason, and was surprised to see Miller listed as a 4-3 OLB. It annoys me when teams runs creative defenses-like JPP playing NT at times.

Yep, miller is a great 4-3 OLB and I think ware can be as well on the weak side or Spencer. Lee and carter can play any LB position. Spencer and Hatcher at DE with Ratliff, Spears, Coleman, Brent, Lessimore, and Crawford rotating at DT

[Future]

Originally Posted by justbob

Wonder if that will happen some --Brent clogging the middle and Rat rushing ?

I like it for a couple reasons....brent is as good against the run and, more importantly, it will keep ratliff fresh later in games when this defense has been consistently awful.

As for getting in 3 guys, he really will make everyone better. If he can get a pass rush up the middle, itll really help the outside rushers as well.

Ive said it before, but this defense could be scary good.

[BraveHeartFan]

I'll be glad to see Rat back in the lineup.

[Risen Star]

Originally Posted by supercowboy8

I'm done with this 3-4 anyways. We don't have the correct DL to run the 3-4. I wish we would just switch back to the 4-3 and play ware like Denver does Miller.

We never had a legit NT or a compliment to Ware on the other side. Until that changes our defense won't be legit.

[Risen Star]

Originally Posted by BraveHeartFan

I'll be glad to see Rat back in the lineup.

I don't think it's much of a factor, to be honest. He's a bad 3-4 NT and he's been in decline for three years now.