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

[Billy Bullocks]

Spencer looked very good down the stretch last season.

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

You get guys coming off the edge with Spencer and Ware, not to mention Ratliff and Tank inside, and this defense will be ****in scary. Ware is so good at so many things, if Spencer can really be a force in the pass rush, not to mention we still have Ellis, Ware can be used all over the place. Though I still like him the most coming off the edge.

 

[BAZ]

I would love Bradie James to turn into the player that other teams covet. Short of that, anybody beside TO standing out at WR would be awesome.

 

[Future]

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

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.

Those are the two I'm hoping for, I think they've got all the physical tools, this year will make or break them IMO. If they turn out, specifically Watkins, it will be a hug boost to our defense.

 

[Angus]

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.

Not Watkins. Courtney Brown.

Watkins does not have it upstairs to be the backfield quarterback. I think Brown does.

 

[Teague31]

courtney brown

 

[BuckyG]

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

I'd probably agree with Hatcher, though it may be next year before he gets a shot at starting. I think this is the last year of Spears' deal, so this is make or break for him. To his credit, he's very good against the run, and Hatcher's played more on passing downs. Canty had something of a breakout year last year, and I think he'll be in Dallas for another contract. I also think Bobby Carpenter might see an upgrade in playing time, mostly because I think Zach Thomas may be through. If he gets another concussion (and those things tend to snowball), he's finished, and I'm not even certain he can play effectively in a 3-4. He seems better suited in a traditional 4-3 with big, two-gap tackles eating up blockers to allow him to attack the ball carrier. 3-4 LBs have to take on a lot more blockers, and Thomas is too small for that role, in my view.

 

[zeromaster]

when can we ship carp and spears off to miami

Since Fasano and Ayodele got shipped already, I'm guessing not.

 

[reddyuta]

I hope either darrell robertson or dixon can step up and make the team.

 

[YosemiteSam]

If its on defense: Orlando Scandrick

If its on offense: Isaiah Stanback

 

[peck-sicilyisland]

The whole defense need to step up,and the offense need to close out games.

 

[Temo]

Pat MQuistan
Miles Austin

If I have to pick someone on the defensive side, I'd say Erik Walden.