As per Mickey: Spears spending time at NT in practice?

[TheCount]

Kind of interesting, and this is from yesterday's podcast I think (I listen to them a day late), but some had been saying Spears should move to NT and they wanted to see Hatcher and Canty at DE.

Makes less sense now that we've got Tank and Ratliff at NT, and Ferg is probably coming back, just wanted to see what you guys thought.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

They're just trying it this week since Ratliff probably won't play and Tank will need some relief.

But yeah, it does make sense to give it a try. Spears definitely has the size to play NT. Question is, does he have the mental toughness and tenacity to handle getting double teamed a lot? (Assuming he'd even be disruptive or powerful enough to require a double team.)

 

[YosemiteSam]

I've been saying this all along. Spears is closer to a NT than a DE. He lacks the ability to put a real pass rush on, but is probably second to Ferguson about holding leverage. (though Ratliff is pretty damn good also, but he has real pass rush skills marking him as a better DE)

 

[Hostile]

I've been saying this all along. Spears is closer to a NT than a DE. He lacks the ability to put a real pass rush on, but is probably second to Ferguson about holding leverage. (though Ratliff is pretty damn good also, but he has real pass rush skills marking him as a better DE)

I can back nyc on this claim. He has, and I have agreed with him several times. Still do. I would love to see a 3 man line of Hatcher, Spears, and Canty. Talk about beef.

 

[speedkilz88]

NT may be Spears' best position, at least this will give the coaches and maybe us fans an idea if he really is suited for the position.

 

[YosemiteSam]

I can back nyc on this claim. He has, and I have agreed with him several times. Still do. I would love to see a 3 man line of Hatcher, Spears, and Canty. Talk about beef.

Call me greedy, but I like the line we have now just with a slight tweak.

Rushing downs: Ratliff - Spears - Canty
Passing downs: Ratliff - Tank - Canty

Can't take Ratliff out of the lineup.

 

[Idgit]

Or to see Ratliff get a few plays at DE with Spears in at NT.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

I can back nyc on this claim. He has, and I have agreed with him several times. Still do. I would love to see a 3 man line of Hatcher, Spears, and Canty. Talk about beef.

Agreed, Spears could finally have an excuse for reaching 330 lbs...:laugh2:

 

[CrazyCowboy]

Rat may move to DE to get quick pressure

 

[Randy White]

Kind of interesting, and this is from yesterday's podcast I think (I listen to them a day late), but some had been saying Spears should move to NT and they wanted to see Hatcher and Canty at DE.

Makes less sense now that we've got Tank and Ratliff at NT, and Ferg is probably coming back, just wanted to see what you guys thought.

About time. Spears has eaten his way out of the DE possition. He's built more like a NG than even Ratliff.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Rat may move to DE to get quick pressure

This week, no. Next year, who knows.

 

[theogt]

I wouldn't be surprised to see a role reversal next year if Ferguson doesn't come back -- i.e., Spears starting at NT and Ratliff starting at LDE.

 

[Rack]

I wouldn't be surprised to see a role reversal next year if Ferguson doesn't come back -- i.e., Spears starting at NT and Ratliff starting at LDE.

If they move Ratliff to DE, Spears won't start at NG. He's backup either Tank at NG or Rat at LE.

 

[Beast_from_East]

If they move Ratliff to DE, Spears won't start at NG. He's backup either Tank at NG or Rat at LE.

Wow, a first rounder spent on a back-up nose tackle.:bang2:

 

[Smith22]

Interesting. At least we have some options next year. Having depth on the team is a good thing, especially in the trenches.

 

[Nexx]

:bang2:kljdslfjaslkfj, who was drafted after spears that we coulda, shoulda drafted instead?

 

[kmp77]

Spears at NT?! Finally! I can't wait to see this.

 

[5mics]

:bang2:kljdslfjaslkfj, who was drafted after spears that we coulda, shoulda drafted instead?

Ok, I'll bite, who???

 

[kmd24]

Wow, a first rounder spent on a back-up nose tackle.:bang2:

Sunk cost. We'd best get to finding a position where he can excel than lamenting what's been invested in the guy. He may not have met expectations, but he's hardly a bust.

 

[burmafrd]

Actually he is not far away in his impact then Greg Ellis was in his first few years.