New Defensive Look

[Gaede]

Not now, after they restructured his contract. The restructure bonus plus any previous prorated bonus money would accelerate into the 2013 cap if he is traded.

Good point, forgot about that

 

[jobberone]

If you pull up the All-22, you will see that the position that Hatcher played on many snaps in 2012 was very similar to the position that Melton played in Chicago (i.e. isolated on the outside shoulder of the OG).

I would call that a 3A or 3 positive. Anyone know how Kiffin labels his DL?

 

[ghst187]

if Hatcher can't play DT then how on earth would have any role in our D next year? If that was the case we should've traded him.
I actually tend to think he'll do well as a DT. I'm not an expert or anything on the specifics and techniques along the DL but I would think that moving from 3-4 DE to 4-3 DT would mean your job just got a little bit easier, at least scheme-wise. For one, you're not having to go against the best OT. Two, you might not be double-teamed as much. Three, I wouldn't think you'd have as much responsibility for edge containment. But that's just my guess. What say the experts?

 

[AbeBeta]

if Hatcher can't play DT then how on earth would have any role in our D next year?

Better questions. If Hatcher can't play DT then how on earth was he so effective as a 3-4 DE last year? 3-4 DE is closer to 4-3 DT than it is to a 4-3 DE

 

[Verdict]

In this scenario, Crawford gets forced out of the starting lineup, and presumably would be a backup at DE, because he is a little light at DT. I could see Crawford backing up 3 of the 4 positions on the DL.

I'm not for or against Crawford, but I think we need to see what we have in him. From a salary cap stand point it would be better to see Spencer be traded and Crawford start, but it is looking like the Cowboys don't have a lot of confidence in Crawford's abilities.

The problem with some coaching staffs is that they look at how a player will be playing on opening day, but do not consider how that same player would improve over the course of the season if he were to receive starting minutes. Spencer is likely to be the same player (barring injury) on week 1 as he is in week 17, or the playoffs. Whereas a younger player may improve dramatically over the course of the season, if he gets significant playing time.

 

[DFWJC]

Off the top of my head....

DE - Ware/Wilber
DT - Ratliff/Hatcher/Crawford
DT - Hatcher/Lissmore/Price
DE - Spencer/Crawford/Hatcher/rookie?
WLB - Carter/Sims
MLB - Lee
SLB - Albright/Sims/Wilber/ draft pick
CB - Carr/Moore
CB - Claiborne/Scandrick
S - Church/ FA
S - Johnson/draft pick

 

[JeffInDC]

If you pull up the All-22, you will see that the position that Hatcher played on many snaps in 2012 was very similar to the position that Melton played in Chicago (i.e. isolated on the outside shoulder of the OG).

X, you forgot to mention the most important part of watching him on the All-22 - Hatcher played extremely well when lined up at the 3T. In fact, I would argue that most (if not ALL) of his pressures and sacks came when he was lined up there. If healthy, I could easily see him getting 6-8 sacks being able to rush the passer on basically every play.

 

[DFWJC]

Barring half the team going down with injuries again, I think this defesne could be formidable.
Must get depth and safety help though.