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A nose for the ball carrier
[SIZE=+1]Cowboys' Ferguson knows his role: 'My job is ... stop the run'[/SIZE]
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[SIZE=-1]10:24 PM CDT on Sunday, September 24, 2006
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[SIZE=-1]By CALVIN WATKINS / The Dallas Morning News [/SIZE]
IRVING – One of the keys to the Cowboys making the 3-4 defensive scheme work is nose tackle Jason Ferguson.
At 6-3 and 310 pounds, the interior lineman doesn't get as much exposure as some of the more glamorous defensive positions – such as cornerback, safety and end – but that doesn't mean he's not making an impact.
Ferguson has six tackles through two games.
"He's doing his thing right now," defensive end Marcus Spears said. "I think Jason is one of the leaders on this defense in stopping the run."
Ferguson's ability to control the center and guard at the line of scrimmage are crucial. If he does that, it allows the linebackers and safety Roy Williams to move toward the line and make tackles on run plays or put pressure on the quarterback.
Ferguson's role is even more important because there isn't a lot of depth behind him – just one season after sharing the position with La'Roi Glover – can coach Bill Parcells makes sure the 31-year-old doesn't get overworked.
"I have to watch his plays," Parcells said. He's not a 70-play player. He's about 35 or 36 plays. A lot of players, once you get to that 45 mark, you're going downhill pretty quick."
Ferguson started getting experience in the 3-4 after Parcells' New York Jets drafted him in the seventh round in 1997.
In 2005, when the Cowboys decided to switch from a 4-3 scheme, Parcells knew what he was getting when they signed the free agent to a five-year $21.5 million deal with a $9 million bonus.
The Cowboys believed the money was warranted because Parcells expects linemen to clog up holes to stop the run. He also wants the linemen to be durable.
Ferguson missed the Jets' 2001 season with a torn right rotator cuff. But he rebounded and has started 54 of his last 66 regular-season games.
"My job is first and second down, and stop the run," Ferguson said. "Anything that comes inside, try to make plays on it."
Ferguson is also a joyful presence in the locker room. Before games, he keeps the younger players loose by telling them jokes. But he knows when to get serious.
In Week 2 against Washington, he made a key tackle – stopping Washington receiver Antwaan Randle El for a 5-yard loss at the start of the fourth quarter.
"I'm not a guy who stays tight," Ferguson said. "I like to keep things loose but stay focused so we can all make plays."
E-mail cwatkins@***BANNED-URL***
JASON FERGUSON
Age: 31
Height: 6-3 Weight: 310
College: Georgia
Notable: As a member of the Jets, he had a career-high 10 tackles against Oakland in 2003. ... Last season, he tied for fourth on the Cowboys in quarterback pressures with six. He had 27 solo tackles last season and one fumble recovery. ... He played basketball and was a shot putter in high school.
Cowboys (1-1) at Tennessee (0-3), noon Sunday (Ch. 4)
LINK
[SIZE=+1]Cowboys' Ferguson knows his role: 'My job is ... stop the run'[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]
[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]10:24 PM CDT on Sunday, September 24, 2006
[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]By CALVIN WATKINS / The Dallas Morning News [/SIZE]
IRVING – One of the keys to the Cowboys making the 3-4 defensive scheme work is nose tackle Jason Ferguson.
At 6-3 and 310 pounds, the interior lineman doesn't get as much exposure as some of the more glamorous defensive positions – such as cornerback, safety and end – but that doesn't mean he's not making an impact.
Ferguson has six tackles through two games.
"He's doing his thing right now," defensive end Marcus Spears said. "I think Jason is one of the leaders on this defense in stopping the run."
Ferguson's ability to control the center and guard at the line of scrimmage are crucial. If he does that, it allows the linebackers and safety Roy Williams to move toward the line and make tackles on run plays or put pressure on the quarterback.
Ferguson's role is even more important because there isn't a lot of depth behind him – just one season after sharing the position with La'Roi Glover – can coach Bill Parcells makes sure the 31-year-old doesn't get overworked.
"I have to watch his plays," Parcells said. He's not a 70-play player. He's about 35 or 36 plays. A lot of players, once you get to that 45 mark, you're going downhill pretty quick."
Ferguson started getting experience in the 3-4 after Parcells' New York Jets drafted him in the seventh round in 1997.
In 2005, when the Cowboys decided to switch from a 4-3 scheme, Parcells knew what he was getting when they signed the free agent to a five-year $21.5 million deal with a $9 million bonus.
The Cowboys believed the money was warranted because Parcells expects linemen to clog up holes to stop the run. He also wants the linemen to be durable.
Ferguson missed the Jets' 2001 season with a torn right rotator cuff. But he rebounded and has started 54 of his last 66 regular-season games.
"My job is first and second down, and stop the run," Ferguson said. "Anything that comes inside, try to make plays on it."
Ferguson is also a joyful presence in the locker room. Before games, he keeps the younger players loose by telling them jokes. But he knows when to get serious.
In Week 2 against Washington, he made a key tackle – stopping Washington receiver Antwaan Randle El for a 5-yard loss at the start of the fourth quarter.
"I'm not a guy who stays tight," Ferguson said. "I like to keep things loose but stay focused so we can all make plays."
E-mail cwatkins@***BANNED-URL***
JASON FERGUSON
Age: 31
Height: 6-3 Weight: 310
College: Georgia
Notable: As a member of the Jets, he had a career-high 10 tackles against Oakland in 2003. ... Last season, he tied for fourth on the Cowboys in quarterback pressures with six. He had 27 solo tackles last season and one fumble recovery. ... He played basketball and was a shot putter in high school.
Cowboys (1-1) at Tennessee (0-3), noon Sunday (Ch. 4)
LINK
