Josh Brent has exceeded my expectations.

[Ultimategamer5567]

Honestly, when Ratliff got hurt, I had an uneasy feeling about it, and I wasn't really sure what to expect from Josh Brent. But he's played very well overall these past three weeks, and with that said, we should try and work out a contract extension with him. Secure your young D-lineman now so we aren't having to stick some cheap journeyman in there once Ratliff calls it quits.

 

[Numbers921]

This just in. Ratliff is not a particularly special nose tackle anymore.

 

[blackbull]

His nickname is beast mode!

 

[SportsGuru80]

This just in. Ratliff is not a particularly special nose tackle anymore.

I'll take him on my team....

 

[Yoshimitsu]

This just in. Ratliff is not a particularly special nose tackle anymore.

I don't think he said that.

But Josh Brent is the typical 3-4 NT. Eats up space so it keeps the middle linebackers clean from the guards. He also has a lot of potential. He is very strong and he is now starting to actually use technique to go along with his strength. Once Ratliff gets back its a good change of pace and duo. I'm excited about this defense.

 

[Ultimategamer5567]

This just in. Ratliff is not a particularly special nose tackle anymore.

It's no secret that Jay has lost a step in his game, and he isn't the Pro Bowl-level player that he once was, but he can still bring an element of pass rush that no other D-lineman on this team can provide.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

I always felt good about him. He was a great use of a seventh rounder, as was Lissemore.

He doesn't need to replace Ratliff, but he can give him breaks so Jay can be more rested to rush the QB on passing downs.

 

[Yoshimitsu]

It's no secret that Jay has lost a step in his game, and he isn't the Pro Bowl-level player that he once was, but he can still bring an element of pass rush that no other D-lineman on this team can provide.

Ratliff never lost a step he just never had a service backup to keep him fresh. He has such a higher motor that it takes a toll on him especially playing the hardest position along the defensive line and being undersized at that.

 

[gdogg24]

I think Rob won't just stick Ratliff back at NT he'll spin him around to DE and that'll kick the D up a notch. Brent has done well enough in the NT roll that he can afford to move Ratliff around. A front of Hatcher Brent and Ratliff with Lissemore coming in for depth sounds pretty good to me.

 

[CowboyMike]

I've always liked Brent. He's the big space eater 34 NT everyone has always called for nut didn't realize we already had on our roster.

I believe we lose the unique and special pass rush from Rat at the nose, but Brent allows us to be a classic 3-4. I think it'll be good as a change up once Rat is back.

 

[28 Joker]

I think the Cowboys should continue to start Josh Brent and rotate Ratliff in for pass rushing situations (when he gets back). The significant deterioration in Ratliff's play occurred in 2010. Honestly, the Cowboys need to know if Brent is the answer at starting NT. However, that aspect will not matter much to me.

I don't see this happening due to egos and Jason Garrett and Rob Ryan overrating some of their players, including Jay Ratliff. JMO

 

[Staxxxx]

I don't think he said that.

But Josh Brent is the typical 3-4 NT. Eats up space so it keeps the middle linebackers clean from the guards. He also has a lot of potential. He is very strong and he is now starting to actually use technique to go along with his strength. Once Ratliff gets back its a good change of pace and duo. I'm excited about this defense.

Not trying to throw cold water on anything here because I like what Brent brings to the table but I thought Brent's play at the nose was one of the defenses biggest disappointments go the Seattle game. Unger was able to neutralize him by himself, freeing up the guards to block the linebackers and double the ends. I want to see Brent play better against upper echelon centers before I get too excited though.

I think we really missed Ratliff in that game. Like what Brent did against the Giants and this Game at first glance but Ratliff brings an entirely different skillet to the table. I think we miss Ratliff even more in our nickel package though. Hatcher and Ware are playing phenomenal ball right now and I can't wait to see what Ratliff adds to that. Especialy if Brent can keep him fresh.

 

[Ultimategamer5567]

It would be nice to see Ratliff back against the Bears.

 

[Cowboys&LakersFan]

This just in. Ratliff is not a particularly special nose tackle anymore.

This just in you have no idea what you're talking about.

 

[Ultimategamer5567]

This just in you have no idea what you're talking about.

He can still bring some push from the middle and create pressure. But we're better off rotating Brent (and on occasion, Lissemore) in often to keep him fresh.

Agreed?

 

[speedkilz88]

Sometimes all these young guys need is playing time.