DC.COM Blog: As Ratliff Returns, Siavii Gets Some Props

[WoodysGirl]

Posted by jellis at 6/9/2010 10:08 AM CDT on truebluefanclub.com

Jay Ratliff will return to practice today after rehabbing his surgically-repaired elbows most of the offseason.

While Ratliff was gone, the Cowboys had plenty of reps for the guys competing to be his backup. Incumbent Junior Siavii benefitted from Ratliff's absence, according to Wade Phillips, along with undrafted rookie Junior Aumavae.

Seventh-round lineman Sean Lissemore, who was mainly an end in college, doesn't sound ready to play the nose. If Jason Hatcher makes a run to start at end, it could put Marcus Spears in position to play in the middle, something he's done before.

That would apparently result from a numbers crunch along the line, because it doesn't sound like the team was dissatisfied with the nose tackle situation as it existed.

After not playing for three years, Siavii made the roster last season and subbed for Ratliff in every game. He's not an All-Pro, but the Cowboys say he provided quality depth in 2009.

"Junior played well last year for us," Phillips said. "Until I looked at the end of the season I didn't realize how well he did play. You get caught in the season and a guy plays 10-12 plays a game, you don't see an impact or the things he did well - he just got throught until Ratliff came back in. Well that really wasn't the case. He made some plays and he did some things well."

 

[TD-33]

Letting Rat get a breather without a big drop off in performance is huge. Another great job scouting/drafting.

 

[lkelly]

I think it only makes sense to have his name legally changed to Junior Ratliff. We could cycle through the depth chart and design every play for a Junior without missing a beat.

 

[Staggerlee]

Nonsense wade, people on here have been calling him a JAG and calling for him to be replaced since hes been here, i think you sir have been misinformed.

 

[CCBoy]

Yep, Jerry is going to hang up his GM shoes any day now. Must be the heavy breathing and loud footsteps by Stephen for sure. Think he never should have left the oil fields? Maybe he has an opinion on BP...

To think 'camp cupcake III' is just around the corner for the 'doughboy' Phillips.

Maybe the billboard complainers will erect one just across from the new stadium to ask for Jerry's immediate surrender of the team.

 

[Four]

ever since hard knocks when you could tell how much Wade like Junior I have been pulling for him.

it's been good for all involved.

 

[pupulehaole]

Good to hear, now madden needs to up Junior's ratings haha cause hes crap

 

[big dog cowboy]

Considering he left Kansas City with a "bust" label, I was highly skeptical of bringing him in. Since I have heard no other critic speaking of Siavii, I guess I have to take Wade's word about his play. But I would still be anxious of something were to happen to Rat and he had to sit for 4 or 5 games.

 

[AbeBeta]

Seventh-round lineman Sean Lissemore, who was mainly an end in college, doesn't sound ready to play the nose.

He's gonna need at least a year to redshirt. People compare him to Rat, but Jay played against far stronger competition in college. Lissemore is an early choice to hit the PS.

If Jason Hatcher makes a run to start at end, it could put Marcus Spears in position to play in the middle, something he's done before.

He should have stopped typing at the part where he says "if Jason Hatcher" ... we all no the answer to that is "he's not gonna"

 

[234bear]

Best do your homework. Lissemore played tackle at college 90+ percent of the time.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Best do your homework. Lissemore played tackle at college 90+ percent of the time.

to the CowboysZone!!!!!!!!!

 

[jobberone]

He's gonna need at least a year to redshirt. People compare him to Rat, but Jay played against far stronger competition in college. Lissemore is an early choice to hit the PS.



He should have stopped typing at the part where he says "if Jason Hatcher" ... we all no the answer to that is "he's not gonna"

Hatcher was hurt all last year. It wasn't until the very end of the year that he was well. You can't judge him by last year's work except at the very end.