Can JRat play a LITTLE Def. End?

[newlander]

Yeah, he's been our best defensive player, just love the guy and his motor. And I also realize Butler had a couple late sacks vs. Carolina and he'll get some reps in the future as well. But Jay is such an impressive physical specimen that it seems to me he could cause some serious mismatch problems if lined up at D.End 4 or 5 plays per game. Would this be possible if Saivili(sp?) or Igor or Hatcher can man his nose tackle spot while he's out there? Just seems to me this wouldn't be a huge risk or gamble plus he could be pretty effective in drawing double teams away from Ware and it would also keep him a little fresher. Thoughts?

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

Yeah, he's been our best defensive player, just love the guy and his motor. And I also realize Butler had a couple late sacks vs. Carolina and he'll get some reps in the future as well. But Jay is such an impressive physical specimen that it seems to me he could cause some serious mismatch problems if lined up at D.End 4 or 5 plays per game. Would this be possible if Saivili(sp?) or Igor or Hatcher can man his nose tackle spot while he's out there? Just seems to me this wouldn't be a huge risk or gamble plus he could be pretty effective in drawing double teams away from Ware and it would also keep him a little fresher. Thoughts?

The cowboys have toyed with the idea of him playing DE in the 3-4. So could it happen, possibly. But in the end they felt his best position for the team right now is to remain at NT. Now with Spears becoming a FA next year and if they decide to get a big run stuffing NT in the draft, maybe they will explore putting Ratliff at DE again. But for now it seems they have looked at it and decided to keep him where he is at.

I don't think it is a bad idea one way or the other. I don't mind it for a few plays a game. However he has proven his worth at his current position so I am not sure you mess around with a pro bowl player as far as a permanent switch until you get someone that is good enough to replace him.

 

[newlander]

fair enough brain paint. He's spectacular. One of the best interior linemen this team has had in a LONG time. Was just pondering how we pick up the sack totals and ease the pressure on dware.

 

[Yeagermeister]

A tackle is usually, not always, more athletic than a center or guard so it might negate the advantage he has. I'm not saying Rat wouldn't still be good but I don't know if he could beat a T as often.

 

[Doomsday101]

I'm sure Rat could play the DE spot but his quickness up the middle is my view is important.

 

[EPL0c0]

I"d be curious to see Spencer line up at DE in place of spears and Butler at OLB on a pass-rush. Spencer at OLB and Ratliff at DE in place of Spears, Saivii at NT would be interesting too, though I suspect the middle would get blown up.

 

[DallasEast]

I wouldn't mind seeing him play some at defensive end and he may do so in certain very rare situations, but he's cemented at nose tackle. He is helping to anchor a defensive line which is gashed for 174 yards by the Buccaneers (25th ranked rushing offense), but soon followed with stonewallings of the Giants (97 yards | 8th ranked rushing offense) and the Panthers (73 yards | 21st ranked rushing offense). If the linemen can continue to help the defense average those numbers, Ratliff will be there to stay.

 

[DallasEast]

I"d be curious to see Spencer line up at DE in place of spears and Butler at OLB on a pass-rush. Spencer at OLB and Ratliff at DE in place of Spears, Saivii at NT would be interesting too, though I suspect the middle would get blown up.

Spencer is way undersized as a 3-4 defensive end and would be blown off the line.

 

[zrinkill]

Nobody can stop him at his position now ..... why on earth would you move him?

 

[CATCH17]

I wouldn't mind see'ing him do some blitzing as a linebacker on passing downs too.

I think he is so big and fast that we could do a lot of creative things with him.

 

[CowboyMike]

Keep him where he is. Rat is best shooting gaps between guards and centers.

The primary duties for our 3-4 ends are to eat space, clear the way for our pass rushers (OLBs) and stuff the run. Ratliff would be taking on tackles all the time, and we don't want him doing that.

 

[DemonBlood]

Didn't Rat also make it clear that he doesn't want any part of playing DE at all?

 

[JBell]

Didn't Rat also make it clear that he doesn't want any part of playing DE at all?

Yup.

If it ain't broke....


I want a Richard Seymour type DE in the draft. I love what Igor bring as a run stuffer, but we need one more guy on the line who's a threat to get after the QB. Spears isn't that guy.

 

[DaBoys4Life]

So you want to move our Probowl Nt to DE y stop there Dware play Safety

 

[DallasDomination]

This idea has been tossed around many times here...Probably isnt going to happen.

 

[Garret]

Keep him where he is. Rat is best shooting gaps between guards and centers.

The primary duties for our 3-4 ends are to eat space, clear the way for our pass rushers (OLBs) and stuff the run. Ratliff would be taking on tackles all the time, and we don't want him doing that.

Not with wades d. He can play any position on the line.