Cedric Thornton vs other free agent DTs

[waldoputty]

A lot of us hope Thornton will provide more pressure in an one-gap scheme.
If he can help collapse the pocket, that would help the DEs a lot.
Is he the best value for DT or the best DT available?

Is Jaye Howard a better choice?
Jaye Howard seems to get more pressure even in the 3-4 Chiefs scheme.
Howard's contract is about 1 million more per year.

Anyone can compare the two 3-4 DEs going to a 43 scheme?
Eagles were expecting more performance from Thornton in 2015 but he was injured...

 

[JBS]

Can't compare...but I will say that your line of thinking is off...while yes, CT is moving from a 2 Gap scheme to a 1 gap...he's still just a run stuffer...pocket pusher is going to have to come from someone else

 

[waldoputty]

Can't compare...but I will say that your line of thinking is of...wow yes, CT is moving from a 2 Gap scheme to a 1 gap...he's still just a run stuffer...pocket pusher is going to have to come from someone else

i seen a few mentions that he penetrates well in runs.
hope that translates to pressure in pass situation in a one-gap.

“The former Eagle has only four sacks in four NFL seasons, so there’s a perception that he’s a lower-tier signing. Not true,” wrote Andy Benoit on MMQB.com Friday. “On first and second down, Thornton is as good as almost any NFL D-lineman. He has brute strength, lateral mobility and a knack for locating the ball. He can also penetrate against the run…The Cowboys got a very good player.” http://thelandryhat.com/2016/03/13/cedric-thornton-best-bang-dallas-cowboys-buck/

 

[speedkilz88]

Can't compare...but I will say that your line of thinking is off...while yes, CT is moving from a 2 Gap scheme to a 1 gap...he's still just a run stuffer...pocket pusher is going to have to come from someone else

He's actually good at pushing the pocket and he has the quickness to penetrate and chase. Broaddus has mentioned that he could play some 3 tech.

 

[waldoputty]

He's actually good at pushing the pocket and he has the quickness to penetrate and chase. Broaddus has mentioned that he could play some 3 tech.

Marinelli is all about getting pressure up the gaps.
Got to think and hope that they stay true to that.
Perhaps they think Thornton will provide the same penetration in a one-gap for the pass rush as well as for the run...

 

[RS12]

Based on how he played versus the Cowboys it was an intelligent signing.

 

[waldoputty]

Based on how he played versus the Cowboys it was an intelligent signing.

he just blew by Free to sack romo
so he has some motor, or Free fell asleep

 

[waldoputty]

He's actually good at pushing the pocket and he has the quickness to penetrate and chase. Broaddus has mentioned that he could play some 3 tech.

Did you see his games or going by internet reviews?
Curious whether this is a big sleeper signing.

 

[CF74]

At this point he's an upgrade over Haden even though he's really a 3-Tech trying to play the 1 now...

 

[speedkilz88]

Did you see his games or going by internet reviews?
Curious whether this is a big sleeper signing.

I haven't gone back and watched his games no. Broaddus did show some of his tape playing different positions/techniques when he was signed. Read up on him from what is out there.

 

[speedkilz88]

fan high light videos on youtube but language issues and I can't seem to link without the video showing up.

 

[gimmesix]

Marinelli is all about getting pressure up the gaps.
Got to think and hope that they stay true to that.
Perhaps they think Thornton will provide the same penetration in a one-gap for the pass rush as well as for the run...

Dallas got Thornton to replace Hayden as the NT in this scheme. His job is to force double-team blocks so Crawford and the DEs can take advantage to get into the backfield. I think if we're expecting a lot of pass rush out of him, we're looking at his role wrong. He's the brute in the middle who makes things easier on everyone else.

The bonus with him is that he can do that and still make plays against the run and get enough penetration to keep defensive coordinators from ignoring the need to double him.

 

[gimmesix]

Did you see his games or going by internet reviews?
Curious whether this is a big sleeper signing.

I think he'll be very important to our run defense improving and will contribute to improve pass rushing by the 3-techs on early downs. I don't expect him to be on the field much on passing downs.

 

[Chuck 54]

See Jason Hatcher's 3-4 vs 4-3 stats.

 

[waldoputty]

Dallas got Thornton to replace Hayden as the NT in this scheme. His job is to force double-team blocks so Crawford and the DEs can take advantage to get into the backfield. I think if we're expecting a lot of pass rush out of him, we're looking at his role wrong. He's the brute in the middle who makes things easier on everyone else.

The bonus with him is that he can do that and still make plays against the run and get enough penetration to keep defensive coordinators from ignoring the need to double him.

I dont know which way he will play.
Perhaps they will mix up who takes on the double team if possible.

If he takes on the double team, then he would have done the job because everyone else will be 1-on-1.
Though I suspect he would get more pressure than Hayden.

If he goes after penetration instead, then I suspect he could get a lot more pressure on.

 

[JohnsKey19]

Dallas got Thornton to replace Hayden as the NT in this scheme. His job is to force double-team blocks so Crawford and the DEs can take advantage to get into the backfield. I think if we're expecting a lot of pass rush out of him, we're looking at his role wrong. He's the brute in the middle who makes things easier on everyone else.

The bonus with him is that he can do that and still make plays against the run and get enough penetration to keep defensive coordinators from ignoring the need to double him.

Bingo. Thorton was signed to blow up the running game of opponents. While he has some ability to penetrate, folks will be disappointed if grading this signing based on sack numbers. I think it was a great signing.

 

[The Natural]

this line would be a real problem for teams if they put a real DT next to him

 

[waldoputty]

Bingo. Thorton was signed to blow up the running game of opponents. While he has some ability to penetrate, folks will be disappointed if grading this signing based on sack numbers. I think it was a great signing.

not expecting sack numbers. just pressure would be nice instead of hayden zero.
do we really know he is going to play to get the double team though?

 

[speedkilz88]

not expecting sack numbers. just pressure would be nice instead of hayden zero.
do we really know he is going to play to get the double team though?

1T lines up shade over the OG on the center side. If he's good he pretty much forces a double team.

 

[Corso]

1T lines up shade over the OG on the center side. If he's good he pretty much forces a double team.

It would be a beautiful thing to see some Ratliff-like production (albeit in the 4-3) from this cat. Oh mama, there goes... my imagination! Running away with me!