DMN Blog: Anthony Spencer takes advantage of Greg Ellis' absence

[bobtheflob]

Does it really matter who the starter is anyway? We all say last year with MBIII and JJ that it can be a pretty meaningless designation. They'll be rotating and splitting time, and the better Spencer does the more reps he'll get.

 

[Sarge]

Does it really matter who the starter is anyway? We all say last year with MBIII and JJ that it can be a pretty meaningless designation. They'll be rotating and splitting time, and the better Spencer does the more reps he'll get.

That was my point, the better player will start and right now, the better player is Ellis - he had a GREAT year last year. So soon some forget.

 

[justbob]

That was my point, the better player will start and right now, the better player is Ellis - he had a GREAT year last year. So soon some forget.

Honest question --would have Spencer had just as good or better year with
ware on the other side

 

[AsthmaField]

Besides all the new secondary players, Spencer is the guy I'm most excited about on the defense. I think he's going to really break out this year. He's so strong and his hands are so strong... if he gets a grip on you, you're done.

Just focus on Spencer in Theebs 2007 highlights and watch how much he comes up in mostly a reserve role. With more reps and a year's experience, there's no telling how many plays he'll make.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Honest question --would have Spencer had just as good or better year with
ware on the other side

No. Not in my opinion. In 6 games started, Spencer had 1 sack and 20 tackles. In 10 games started, Ellis had 10 sacks and 27 tackles. You have to learn the Pro game before you can really become a force IMO.

This is not to say that this year could not be different because it could. Just that Spencer could not have produced as Ellis did last year IMO.

 

[Billy Bullocks]

I for one would rather see Spencer out there more just because Ellis is such a liability when he as to play in space.

I am quite happy that we are in a situation at this point where we are going to have to get creative with how to get all of our pass rushers on the field in passing situations as opposed the days where we didn't even have one good edge rusher.

 

[coach316]

No. Not in my opinion. In 6 games started, Spencer had 1 sack and 20 tackles. In 10 games started, Ellis had 10 sacks and 27 tackles. You have to learn the Pro game before you can really become a force IMO.

This is not to say that this year could not be different because it could. Just that Spencer could not have produced as Ellis did last year IMO.

I agree. And I think Spencer said it best himself when he said that he didn't know the position well enough to not have to think about where he was supposed to be and not make mistakes. A year in, he knows his position and can react and make plays. If he makes a mistake and gets out of position he now has time to correct himself.

 

[Sarge]

Honest question --would have Spencer had just as good or better year with
ware on the other side

IMO......no.

 

[Chief]

Ellis becoming high maintenance the past three years or so is puzzling to me, but there is no doubt that he is an outstanding football player.

 

[Vintage]

Why should he be there?

He tends to wear down as the season progresses, why is it a bad thing he is taking some extra time off?

 

[IndianaCowboyFan]

I have seen Spencer play from high school through Purdue and the one thing that stands out to me is that he got better every year. He will be fun to watch with him opposite Ware.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

I told you all, look for Spencer to really push for the starting job by the end of the 1st part of the season...

 

[AsthmaField]

Honest question --would have Spencer had just as good or better year with
ware on the other side

Last year? Probably not. This year? I think it would be pretty likely. I think Spencer just fits the defense and that SOLB position better than Ellis.

Honestly, I like both Greg and Anthony and really look forward to them playing on passing downs at the same time. Last season, Phillips had one particular set that I really liked, where Ellis moved down to DE and Spencer came in at SOLB. Clearly it is strictly something you want to use in passing situations (although I think Ellis could hold up at DE for a couple of running plays).

I remember some Dallas area writer (Vela?, Breer?) breaking down how successful that package was and how we almost always got to the QB when we did that.

I'm looking forward to watching Ellis, Spencer, and Ware going after the QB along with some combination of Tank, Ratliff, Canty, Spears, Hatcher and Bowen (who has a knack for getting after the QB).

 

[jobberone]

Old defense: 3-4 (2 DE, 1 NT, 2 OLB, 2 ILB)

New defense: 3-? (2 DE, 1 NT, 3 OLBs, 1 ILB... sort of...Ellis, Spencer and Ware on the field as rush backers and Z. Thomas playing off a bit reading and reacting like he is the best at.)

Scary ain't it. And that is exactly what they are talking about. Spencer will likely start to spell Ellis some. I'd guess unless Ellis has another great year they will start to ease Spencer into Ellis' job. But I agree with Sarge. Ellis deserves to be a starter. And they may not be able to get him off the field a great deal.

 

[wileedog]

Why isn't Ellis attending? Who excused him? What choice did the team really have? Say no?

Please. [/rant off]

You're using Greg "Hamster" Ellis as some sort of justification? Seriously?

 

[Hostile]

You're using Greg "Hamster" Ellis as some sort of justification? Seriously?

Why not? He's absent.