Starting defensive line - Page 2 - Dallas Cowboys Forum

DWAREZ · 03-04-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Risen Star

They'd have to be. An old, declining DL with no quality depth. Maybe Crawford emerges but when you start mentioning guys like Calloway and Ben Bass as youth behind your starters, you got a real problem.

I think they will definitely draft a 3 technique DT to add to the mix.

TheRomoSexual · 03-04-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Risen Star

There's nothing trivial about it. Our starting DL next year is old and in decline. That's an issue and factoring in the ages of spare parts like Lissemore doesn't lessen the need there.

I will say that, yes, if we stand pat, our line is somewhat old. But I doubt we stand pat, so it's a ridiculous discussion.

gimmesix · 03-04-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheRomoSexual

Add a first or second round DT to that lineup, and a weakness suddenly becomes a strength.

I don't consider the line a weakness. Age is an issue we'll have to address over the next few years, but I think we have good group of six linemen.

Obviously, we'll have to see how they pan out in a four-front, but Hatcher was almost a Pro Bowler last year (and will be more free to rush the passer in this scheme) and Spencer was added to the Pro Bowl because of his big year while injuries slowed up Ware and Ratliff.

Injuries are always a concern, so we need to keep building the line, but if this group is healthy, it's a pretty solid starting line. I actually think this group of linemen are better build for this defense than they were for the 3-4.

**Idgit** · 03-04-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWAREZ

I think they will definitely draft a 3 technique DT to add to the mix.

We will. But for now, the idea is to complain about the age of the DL while it averages out to an old number. After the draft, we can switch to complaining about how it's a mix of 'old' and 'untested.'

Risen Star · 03-04-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheRomoSexual

I will say that, yes, if we stand pat, our line is somewhat old. But I doubt we stand pat, so it's a ridiculous discussion.

It's a ridiculous discussion to state our projected DL next year, guys that we will be heavily invested in, are all old and in decline?

I suppose you can't say Spencer's in decline yet, but any long term deal he signs will include years where he most definitely will be a declining player.

This is an issue. It needs to be addressed now, not later. The problem is our OL is in even worse shape and we blew our resources last year on a couple of cornerbacks. We got 6 picks and no FA money this year. It's going to be tough to do.

FuzzyLumpkins · 03-04-2013

They have not cut Brent.

speedkilz88 · 03-04-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by FuzzyLumpkins

They have not cut Brent Price.

I think you mean Josh Brent.

FuzzyLumpkins · 03-04-2013

Current depth chart

SLB: Albright, Wilber, Spencer
SDE: Spencer, Crawford, Hatcher
NT: Ratliff, Brent, Lissemore
3T: Hatcher, Ratliff, Lissemore
WDE: Ware, Spencer, Wilber

This is what I am getting at in terms of flex.

Despite the moral outrage I like keeping Brent.

FuzzyLumpkins · 03-04-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedkilz88

I think you mean Josh Brent.

yeah i will edit

supercowboy8 · 03-04-2013

Who said Spencer will be a DE, I wouldn't be surprised to see him a SOLB in the 4-3

gimmesix · 03-04-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by supercowboy8

Who said Spencer will be a DE, I wouldn't be surprised to see him a SOLB in the 4-3

Well, they did franchise him as a linebacker, but I don't see it. His best fit in this scheme is DE.

theranchsucks · 03-04-2013

If, IF Brian Price gets healthy he might just be our 3 technique......or a first round selection.

gimmesix · 03-04-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by FuzzyLumpkins

Current depth chart

SLB: Albright, Wilber, Spencer
SDE: Spencer, Crawford, Hatcher
NT: Ratliff, Brent, Lissemore
3T: Hatcher, Ratliff, Lissemore
WDE: Ware, Spencer, Wilber

This is what I am getting at in terms of flex.

Despite the moral outrage I like keeping Brent.

That's probably fairly accurate, except I don't see Brent ahead of Lissemore. This scheme relies on the quickness of its linemen, and Lissemore has more than Brent.

If Crawford is viewed as a strongside end, I could see keeping Brent. If not, I think we'll end up adding depth at DE and cutting Brent.

xwalker · 03-04-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by gimmesix

Well, they did franchise him as a linebacker, but I don't see it. His best fit in this scheme is DE.

I "think" that the Franchise tag is always based on the position from the previous year.

DFWJC · 03-04-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by supercowboy8

Who said Spencer will be a DE, I wouldn't be surprised to see him a SOLB in the 4-3

I don't think so.