Doug Free = Jay Ratliff?

[TheSport78]

I remember this board when we lost Jason Ferguson in Week 1 of the 2007 season, and we all know what happened after that. We found our diamond in the rough in Jay Ratliff.

This coaching staff, especially Wade, has a history of not giving young players the opportunity to get serious playing time. It's been evident with Ferguson/Ratliff, Henry/Jenkins, etc.

Colombo has been a great player for us, but cheers to Doug Free being our next Jay Ratliff!

:beer2:

 

[67CowboysFan]

Now that would be a pleasant suprise.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

A BIT PREMATURE. Ratliff has turned into one of the best defensive tackles in the league. I'll take just being a solid right tackle. Being a reliable offensive lineman we can rely on.

 

[calico]

we can only hope he turns out to be just a fraction as good as ratliff...

 

[masomenos]

we can only hope he turns out to be just a fraction as good as ratliff...

I guarantee that he'll be a fraction as good as Ratliff, I just hope it's a large fraction.

 

[SaltwaterServr]

I guarantee that he'll be a fraction as good as Ratliff, I just hope it's a large fraction.

I'd be happy with 371/435ths.

 

[davidb257]

He ain't want none of Ratliff.

 

[Eddie]

I'd be happy with 371/435ths.

3/2 of people are confused by fractions.

 

[DeaconBlues]

3/2 of people are confused by fractions.

And the other half aren't.

 

[cowboyjoe]

I remember this board when we lost Jason Ferguson in Week 1 of the 2007 season, and we all know what happened after that. We found our diamond in the rough in Jay Ratliff.

This coaching staff, especially Wade, has a history of not giving young players the opportunity to get serious playing time. It's been evident with Ferguson/Ratliff, Henry/Jenkins, etc.

Colombo has been a great player for us, but cheers to Doug Free being our next Jay Ratliff!

:beer2:

Doug Free has to get alot stronger, add a little more pounds in his lower body, but yes, doug free could be a very good offensive linemen, like anything he has to keep working at it and improving like jay did after his first couple of years.

 

[tunahelper]

Was it the Minnesota preseason game where their scrubs were running right by Free?

 

[sbark]

Doug Free has to get alot stronger, add a little more pounds in his lower body, but yes, doug free could be a very good offensive linemen, like anything he has to keep working at it and improving like jay did after his first couple of years.

Yup, I expect him to get pushed back into Romo lap several time, unless he has great technique and can anchor without looseing the step on the speed rush.......

 

[YosemiteSam]

I remember this board when we lost Jason Ferguson in Week 1 of the 2007 season, and we all know what happened after that. We found our diamond in the rough in Jay Ratliff.

This coaching staff, especially Wade, has a history of not giving young players the opportunity to get serious playing time. It's been evident with Ferguson/Ratliff, Henry/Jenkins, etc.

Colombo has been a great player for us, but cheers to Doug Free being our next Jay Ratliff!

:beer2:

From what I can tell, Doug Free doesn't have punch. ie, while he can pass block, he lacks any real ability at this point to run the ball. That pretty much says, he is going to be nowhere near Ratliff at this point as Ratliff could handle both the run and the pass.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

If he turns out to be as good a tackle as Ratliff is a NT then I'll be so over joyed I might attempt a back flip.

Well...probably not. Can't afford to break my neck, but I'll be pretty darn thrilled.

 

[superpunk]

http://i32.***BLOCKED***/albums/d2/superpunk2884/Cowboys/ratliffeyes-o.gif

 

[MichaelWinicki]

3/2 of people are confused by fractions.

That made me laugh-out-loud Eddie...

Just so you know.

 

[Stautner]

From what I can tell, Doug Free doesn't have punch. ie, while he can pass block, he lacks any real ability at this point to run the ball. That pretty much says, he is going to be nowhere near Ratliff at this point as Ratliff could handle both the run and the pass.

That's always been the concern about him. Great feet, athletic, good in pass protection, but not strong enough to be very good as a run blocker.

 

[CCBoy]

I didn't see any problems with him getting into position to tie up his block. We are usually talking about creases, outside or misdirection...and he gets in front of speed rushers coming from the outside on pass protection. He had a solid game this previous game. I would be happy with solid play and not causing anyone else to move around to compensate. Even Flozell still blows reads as long as he's been around the league...so the youngster looks the part. He's at a journeymen level, and should have some familiarity in these areas. I douldn't feel that he was too far behind as to size and strength now. He was rated as the sixth best offensive lineman for Dallas, and should be able to handle business. With focus in the skill positions, and Tony Romo not missing Austin, Bennett, and Witten for possible touchdowns, that would mean even more...

 

[jazzcat22]

I'd be happy with 371/435ths.

And if not, we all will just do a 5th of Jack....

 

[ArmyCowboy]

That's always been the concern about him. Great feet, athletic, good in pass protection, but not strong enough to be very good as a run blocker.

Exactly, in run blocking technique will only take you so far.

With that said, I believe Doug Free is more of a "natural" left tackle than right. Hopefully he plays well, as he might very well be Flozell's replacement next season.