Do you trust Hatcher if Rat is injury prone this year?

[cowboys2233]

I don't really understand this thread, both players are DT's in this scheme (am i right?) So they will be playing their our spot. A NT in a 3-4 is not the same as a DT in a 4-3.

So the question is if Ratliff goes down can Bass/Lissemore play well.

If Lissemore isn't cut this year, I will know that we have zero depth on our d-line. That may sound harsh, but that guy flat out sucks. He is about as active as a hibernating bear.

 

[ElGatoGrande]

I don't really understand this thread, both players are DT's in this scheme (am i right?) So they will be playing their our spot. A NT in a 3-4 is not the same as a DT in a 4-3.

So the question is if Ratliff goes down can Bass/Lissemore play well.

+1.... I believe the OP is laboring under a misconception or at least some odd connection of causality between the two starting positions.

 

[JohnsKey19]

I'm just assuming Hatcher will play Rat's spot in his absence. I have been impressed with Hatcher in the past and in the pre season. He has also been a force in practice. I'm not an authority on Kiffins scheme so I'm not sure if my question makes sense. I guess what i'm saying is I think Hatcher can play Rats spot very well and the drop off from Rat to Hatch is not that great IMO. What do you think? I know Hatch is no spring chicken but he seems ready and able to play wherever and do a good job there...Thanks

The questions and doubt should all be surrounding Ratliff. Hatcher has been a dependable good DL the past few seasons. He's not going to be Warren Sapp or anything like that but neither is Ratliff. With that said, we do need Ratliff healthy and contributing in some fashion this season. As for Hatcher, it would not surprise me if he has a career season.

 

[JoeyBoy718]

I don't really understand this thread, both players are DT's in this scheme (am i right?) So they will be playing their our spot. A NT in a 3-4 is not the same as a DT in a 4-3.

So the question is if Ratliff goes down can Bass/Lissemore play well.

I might be wrong, but I think there is some difference between the two DT positions in a 4-3. Some defenses, like Cincinnati, have one guy called the NT who plugs the hole and eats up OLmen similarly to how a 3-4 NT would do. The guy next to him, I think the 5-technique, shoots through the gaps and rushes the passer. That would be Geno Atkins in Cincy. The guy next to him, I think his name is Peto or Peko, plays more like a big body NT. But not all 4-3s are the same. It seems like our line is just 4 "rushmen", so I don't know if there's too much difference between the two DTs or the two DEs. Regarding DEs, usually the WDE is the smaller speedier pass rusher and the SDE is the bigger body run stopper. Then you have defenses like Denver who have a pass rushing SLB, like in Von Miller. I think it's just all about using your players to their best ability. If Rat is healthy and plays even half as good as in his All Pro years, we will be SCARY.

 

[Redball Express]

I'm just assuming Hatcher will play Rat's spot in his absence. I have been impressed with Hatcher in the past and in the pre season. He has also been a force in practice. I'm not an authority on Kiffins scheme so I'm not sure if my question makes sense. I guess what i'm saying is I think Hatcher can play Rats spot very well and the drop off from Rat to Hatch is not that great IMO. What do you think? I know Hatch is no spring chicken but he seems ready and able to play wherever and do a good job there...Thanks

No..we need to draft DL next year to help the D.

Hatcher is not an answer.