DMN Blog: Who will be this year's Jay Ratliff?

[WoodysGirl]

Who will be this year's Jay Ratliff?

11:07 AM Thu, May 08, 2008 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Tim MacMahon http://www.***BANNED-URL***/blogs/images/email-icon.jpg E-mail http://www.***BANNED-URL***/blogs/images/email-icon.jpg News tips

I'm referring to a guy who goes from being a solid backup to a key cog. I could have used Patrick Crayton as the example, but a lot of you folks haven't forgiven him for his poor playoff performance.

Injuries to veterans opened the door for Ratliff and Crayton last season, but I'd prefer to steer clear of predicting injuries. I do see one guy who I think could earn a starting job the old-fashioned way -- by outplaying the incumbent.

DE Jason Hatcher has shown flashes in his first two seasons after being drafted in the third round. He made as many big plays in October last season than Marcus Spears has in his career.

Hatcher pulled his hamstring during last year's training camp, so he didn't have a legit chance to challenge Spears for the starting job. He should get a shot this summer.



http://www.***BANNED-URL***/images/ice3/icons/blog.gif Comments (8) Leave comment | http://www.***BANNED-URL***/blogs/images/email-icon.jpg E-mail entry

 

[JIMMYBUFFETT]

Tank Johnson !

 

[adamknite]

I can tell you who I hope steps up this year...... Bobby Carpenter. He needs to find a way to get on the field.

 

[DaBoys4Life]

DE Jason Hatcher has shown flashes in his first two seasons after being drafted in the third round. He made as many big plays in October last season than Marcus Spears has in his career.

when can we ship carp and spears off to miami

 

[superpunk]

You could see it coming with Ratliff. He had already shown he had mad skills as a pass rusher out of the 3-4. We just didn't know he had so much stamina.

My guess would be Anthony Spencer. That guy is going to be a pass rushing fiend.

 

[Doomsday101]

Who will be this years Jay Ratliff? Jay will not be Jay this year? Who will Jay be? :laugh2:

 

[theebs]

You could see it coming with Ratliff. He had already shown he had mad skills as a pass rusher out of the 3-4. We just didn't know he had so much stamina.

My guess would be Anthony Spencer. That guy is going to be a pass rushing fiend.

Spencer looked very good down the stretch last season.

It would be great if he really turned out to be a force.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Who will be this year's Jay Ratliff?

I'm referring to a guy who goes from being a solid backup to a key cog.

We have been pretty lucky of avoid injuries along the o-line so I'll guess one of those backups and go with Free.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

I believe Hatcher and Tank Johnson will be much improved!

 

[dallasfaniac]

Since Barber started the last game of the year, gotta rule him out.

I'll go with Patrick Watkins. Read into it what you will.

 

[AdamJT13]

He made as many big plays in October last season than Marcus Spears has in his career.

It might have been an intentional use of hyperbole, but everything about that sentence makes MacMahon look like an idiot.

 

[pgreptom]

I would absolutely LOVE it if Watkins stepped up, and forced Hamlin into the "SS" slot.

I would .. I don't know. I would be without words, that's for sure.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

Spencer......he will rise to the top

 

[This is Our Year]

Burnett

 

[tomson75]

I'm hoping we're not limited to one guy stepping up. I'd like to see more from Spencer, Carpenter, Watkins, Hatcher, Tank, and one or two of the young OL guys.

...but I'm probably asking too much.

 

[Hoofbite]

It might have been an intentional use of hyperbole, but everything about that sentence makes MacMahon look like an idiot.

I was gonna say it sounded like a foreigner phrased that sentence but I thought it might have been a little too gentle.

 

[dogunwo]

Stanback

 

[Muhast]

I think Burnett will, Watkins will show a lot.

And T.Choice

 

[Kolemmitt]

Stanback

Hope so. That would be the best one we could hope for.

 

[Seven]

I'm hopin' it's Stanback. Kinda tired of waiting...........