Ellis situation is a huge endorsement of Anthony Spencer

[21Savage]

I've made a thread in the past that I though Spencer has been everything we expected in run D and pass coverage but just hasn't turned the corner yet as a pass rusher.

In addition to that, watching game tapes of Ellis rushing the passer last year, it was clear he didn't have the elite speed needed to run by RTs, but his bull rush was still way better than Ware's -the old man has a sick bull rush and a game like the 2nd Commander game comes to mind where he just about pushed the RT back into Campbell on nearly every passing play. He was noticeably a better pass rusher than Spencer, which is why I thought he'll no doubt be on the team this year.

Add these together, with Wade's defensive philosophy, knowing he'd be one to sacrifice run D before he did pass rush, and it's clear that Spencer must have been showing a lot in terms of rushing the passer. We could argue that the rookies will also be a factor, but I doubt we'll be going into the season relying on rookies for that role.

I've only had doubts about Spencer's pass rushing skills. But now, it looks like the coaches share none of those doubts.

 

[speedkilz88]

To be fair to Spencer, he was taken off the field on third downs. Hard to get better at it on the sideline.

 

[Bluefin]

Anthony Spencer's time has come.

We need him to be the ace of spades to compliment the diamond on the other side.

 

[Hostile]

I expect big things from Spencer in 2009.

 

[AbeBeta]

I think Spencer taking major snaps from Ellis last season was the real "huge endorsement."

Had Bradie James not become a major pass rushing force, we would have seen Spencer in on many more pass rush situations (the 3 rushing LBs set was developed to get Ware, Ellis, and Spencer on the field all at once)

 

[BlueStar II]

Yes, Spencer's time has come, and with Ellis getting ever closer to being gone, hopefully, Spencer is ready.

 

[Bluefin]

Had Bradie James not become a major pass rushing force, we would have seen Spencer in on many more pass rush situations (the 3 rushing LBs set was developed to get Ware, Ellis, and Spencer on the field all at once)

Good point.

Bradie James went bonkers when he took Anthony Spencer's spot in our 46 set.

The coaches didn't want to disrupt that when Spencer recovered from a dinged hammy.

 

[Everlastingxxx]

If Spencer wasn’t such a bum he would have started his first season. Tired of getting my hopes up for this guy. He has all the talent to be a top player but the brain cells are MIA. So when is Bobby going to explode?

 

[Matt]

I expect big things from Spencer in 2008.

What are your expectations of him in 2009?

 

[Monster Heel]

If Spencer wasn’t such a bum he would have started his first season. Tired of getting my hopes up for this guy. He has all the talent to be a top player but the brain cells are MIA. So when is Bobby going to explode?

He did start...until Ellis decided not to go collect his insurance money.

I do understand what you're saying though. Spencer is one of those guys that needs to SHOW ME, but how he's ever going to do that if the coaching staff has to keep Ellis pacified?

 

[Hostile]

What are your expectations of him in 2009?

Between 8 and 12 sacks and 50 to 65 tackles.

 

[AbeBeta]

Between 8 and 12 sacks and 50 to 65 tackles.

How many skipped rehab sessions?

 

[NextGenBoys]

I expect big things from Spencer in 2008.

 

[gimmesix]

But now, it looks like the coaches share none of those doubts.

I don't know if this is the case or if Ellis is privately complaining again.

The Ellis situation could just be a product of the Cowboys being tired of Ellis fussing about his role, rather than an endorsement for Spencer ... in the sense that they have no doubts about him. They have to have some faith in Spencer to make the move, but if Ellis is whining, the Cowboys wouldn't have to have much faith in Spencer to be tired of Ellis' act.

 

[KingintheNorth]

Hopefully Spencer steps up.. if not we got this guy...

 

[Hostile]

How many skipped rehab sessions?

Why not ask me a real question instead of this?

 

[bbgun]

Ellis situation is a huge endorsement of Anthony Spencer

Actually, we don't know that at all, but it will certainly be the company line.

 

[Hoofbite]

Actually, we don't know that at all, but it will certainly be the company line.

Could be a indictment against Ellis.

Maybe the team doesn't think he can do any better than what they have just drafted.

 

[Hostile]

Actually, we don't know that at all, but it will certainly be the company line.

Wrong, the company line is "Romo friendly."

You're behind on your homework if you don't know that. No sleep for you.

 

[Hoofbite]

Wrong, the company line is "Romo friendly."

You're behind on your homework if you don't know that. No sleep for you.

Well played.