Doug Free = Jay Ratliff?

[CCBoy]

AC, as much as the off side pulls at guard, and the Cowboys continually running from the double tight end sets. Well, I doubt that there will be any problem as to strength of blocking to the strong side, even if Free is there.

 

[casmith07]

The only difference is that Ratliff > Ferguson by a long shot. If Free turns out better than Colombo, then we've really struck gold.

 

[TheSport78]

The only difference is that Ratliff > Ferguson by a long shot. If Free turns out better than Colombo, then we've really struck gold.

Right but when we first lost Ferguson in week 1, most of us on the board basically threw the towel in. "You need a run-plugging DT in the 3-4," or "We have no depth behind Ferguson we couldn't afford this season-ending injury."

All I'm saying is recently this team has a history of not playing young players, for whatever reason.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

Right but when we first lost Ferguson in week 1, most of us on the board basically threw the towel in. "You need a run-plugging DT in the 3-4," or "We have no depth behind Ferguson we couldn't afford this season-ending injury."

All I'm saying is recently this team has a history of not playing young players, for whatever reason.

What history? Jenkins and Scandrick get plenty of time. Tashard and Felix get time. Butler gets some snaps. Bennett and Phillips get a lot of play. I'm not sure where this opinion comes from of not playing younger players.

 

[TheSport78]

What history? Jenkins and Scandrick get plenty of time. Tashard and Felix get time. Butler gets some snaps. Bennett and Phillips get a lot of play. I'm not sure where this opinion comes from of not playing younger players.

I instantly think of Anthony Henry last year when he CLEARLY should have been either a safety or off the team. How about Drew Bledsoe and Tony Romo? I bet if Romo starts the entire 2006 season, we get a first round BYE. My main point is that you really never know what backup players can do until they get the opportunities. I would've taken a rookie Jenkins over a washed up Anthony Henry that teams GAME-PLANNED for to attack. This team needs to find out what the OL depth can do. I'm pretty sure McQuistan and Proctor will be on the street next year but this is Free's big opportunity.

 

[noyatta21]

I was just thinking the same same. I think free has a chance to be really good. he just needs to get stronger. he has great feet. Great feet for a tackle is very important. mr free will have a good game!!!

 

[TheSport78]

What history? Jenkins and Scandrick get plenty of time. Tashard and Felix get time. Butler gets some snaps. Bennett and Phillips get a lot of play. I'm not sure where this opinion comes from of not playing younger players.

Oh and I forgot a "decent" player by the name of MILES AUSTIN.

 

[RS12]

Uh, Ratliff had already showed ability before 2007. We are still waiting on Free.

 

[TheSport78]

Uh, Ratliff had already showed ability before 2007. We are still waiting on Free.

He showed enough at the time to warrant a roster spot but no one saw one of, if not the best nose tackles in the game and multiple Pro Bowls.

 

[pgreptom]

Uh, Ratliff had already showed ability before 2007. We are still waiting on Free.

What?? I had very high doubts on Ratliff. Ratliff was a surprise from beginning to end... in my eyes, he was a DE plugging in the NT gap for Ferguson.. and he ended up being twice the player Ferguson was.

 

[Cowboysfan570]

Marc Colombo has probably been the best O-lineman on the team for the last couple of years, so lets not minimize what he has done. Up until now he hasn't missed games and hes gone out and punched people in the mouth every game.

I'd much rather have seen us lose Flozell than Colombo, but hes not going to be here for quite a few weeks at least so I hope you're right about Doug Free. He has looked like a decent backup to me, I just don't know how he'll be as a starter.

Wait and see..

 

[TheSport78]

Marc Colombo has probably been the best O-lineman on the team for the last couple of years, so lets not minimize what he has done. Up until now he hasn't missed games and hes gone out and punched people in the mouth every game.

I'd much rather have seen us lose Flozell than Colombo, but hes not going to be here for quite a few weeks at least so I hope you're right about Doug Free. He has looked like a decent backup to me, I just don't know how he'll be as a starter.

Wait and see..

I agree. Flozell is decent but way past his prime. Colombo still had a few good years ahead of him. Maybe if Free does a great job at RT, they'll consider moving Flozell to RT and Free to LT?