I know this. What I'm saying is Ratliff was a DE in our 3-4 he probably would've been even more dominant. He was a great NT for us but this defense had issues that stemmed from him not being a bigger NT.Ratliff was Parcell's & Wade Phillips' NT.
Now if he had hung around for Marinelli then maybe he could have switched to 3T and had even more production.
Rats was only good for a couple of years. He wore out quickly due to build.I know this. What I'm saying is Ratliff was a DE in our 3-4 he probably would've been even more dominant. He was a great NT for us but this defense had issues that stemmed from him not being a bigger NT.
And its worth noting that Ratliff was here when Maranelli was here but that was the same year we cut him because of the whole charade that went down with him and Jerry.
Get Surtain at 10 and draft Jamin Davis with our second pick even if we have to trade up a little.I agree. I believe most people (including myself) want the run defense shored up, so they point the finger at DT. It’s not as simple as “plug a fat guy” in the middle, as some suggest. A understanding of how “4-3 Under” scheme popularized by Monte Kiffin, would clear things up. The linebackers played a big part in our poor run defense.
That said, the FO has already made a few major moves, albeit under the radar or less inspiring to some. Ridding ourselves of Mike Nolan’s garbage scheme, and returning to a familiar scheme that most these players were drafted for.. is a major improvement in and of itself. Also, letting washed up player like Poe and Crawford go and replacing them with Urban and presumed draft pick is a upgrade regardless of name recognition. The emergence of Gallimore and getting Tristen Hill back from injury also helps. And Dallas will surely add another before or after the draft when veterans are forced to lower their salary demands.
My biggest worry is at LB. Jaylon is a big hitter, but he has proven he can’t shed blocks. He certainly be moved to Sam LB. I’d say they should cut him, but now that his salary is guaranteed.. I don’t see that happening. LVE proved his best fit is Will LB, so that leaves a big vacancy at the most important LB position.. the Mike LB. Again, the Mike has to be able to shed blocks, be a proven tackler at the LOS, and show coverage ability.
I know that’s the long route to say.. If the rumors of KJ Wright are just rumors.. then LB may be just as big of need as CB and it wouldn’t surprise me one bit to see a LB drafted within the first two rounds. Another scenario that should be considered.. Maybe, Dallas can trade a early Mid Rd pick for a proven LB off another team.
It isnt easy to come up with 2 like you describe ! It could be done, but with jones boys, dont expect to see that in this decade.I’m sick of hearing about nose tackles. We do not need to sign or draft a NT. We don’t have to have 1 fat run stuffer and 1 penetrating playmaker.
Look at the history of great Dallas defenses....you do not need a run stuffing nose tackle like NE’s Wilfork in a 4-3. If you have two really good DTs, you’re set.
Lilly and Pugh
Pugh and White
White and Dutton
Maryland and Casilas
Maryland and Lett
You just can not run garbage DTs out there who wouldn’t start on most teams.
Crawford and Hayden?
Collins and Crawford?
Collins and Woods?
Poe and Crawford?
Give me 2 good, athletic DTs who can penetrate, chase, make plays behind the line and chase plays down the line, and I’ll take that any day over all the 1 and 3 tech talk. We brought in FA DTs who will add to the rotation and improve our run defense, but our current hopes are on Hill and Gallimore, who are both athletic and big. Draft another good DT. I don’t care if he’s a star or a Jimmy Jones, but add one more young guy who can actually play.
(History: Randy White was drafted in 1975, #2 overall, at 6’4” and 257 lbs. He was a backup at MLB for two seasons, playing only on special teams while Larry Cole played out of position at DT. He didn’t even play DT until his 3rd season whenCole was finally able to return to DE)
Its not about "Size" its about "build"? Ughhh what? I Swear some of y'all will argue 2+2=4 is wrong lol.Rats was only good for a couple of years. He wore out quickly due to build.
It's not about size, it's about build.
Shocking how many fans don't comprehend the NT position and what it does for a D.
By CJ Anderson of all people and they don't think DT is a issue......just damn.Intelligent thread
As this defense routinely gives up 250 yards rushing
Why do you feel the need to make fun of something you don't understand? Your answer is childish.Its not about "Size" its about "build"? Ughhh what? I Swear some of y'all will argue 2+2=4 is wrong lol.
You just disagreed with my post saying its not about "size" its about "build" and then continue to bring up a players size as why he has problems. You made a childish post and got a childish response. You are just arguing to argue. You say size isn't an issue yet you say a guys height causes problems.......you are contradicting whatever point you are trying to make.Why do you feel the need to make fun of something you don't understand? Your answer is childish.
Taller guys have leverage problems. This isn't a secret. How in the world do you not know it? Do you read?
Ratliff was one of the first to stand up to Jerry and was soon gone after that.
Bringing up our DTs from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s makes no sense regarding today’s game. There were no (or very few in the 80’s) 300+ lb. offensive or defensive linemen then. I’m not even sure if DTs were called 1Techs or 3 Techs then. The game has changed. Players sizes have greatly changed. I do believe we need a run stuffing 1Tech.
I’m sick of hearing about nose tackles. We do not need to sign or draft a NT. We don’t have to have 1 fat run stuffer and 1 penetrating playmaker.
Look at the history of great Dallas defenses....you do not need a run stuffing nose tackle like NE’s Wilfork in a 4-3. If you have two really good DTs, you’re set.
Lilly and Pugh
Pugh and White
White and Dutton
Maryland and Casilas
Maryland and Lett
You just can not run garbage DTs out there who wouldn’t start on most teams.
Crawford and Hayden?
Collins and Crawford?
Collins and Woods?
Poe and Crawford?
Give me 2 good, athletic DTs who can penetrate, chase, make plays behind the line and chase plays down the line, and I’ll take that any day over all the 1 and 3 tech talk. We brought in FA DTs who will add to the rotation and improve our run defense, but our current hopes are on Hill and Gallimore, who are both athletic and big. Draft another good DT. I don’t care if he’s a star or a Jimmy Jones, but add one more young guy who can actually play.
(History: Randy White was drafted in 1975, #2 overall, at 6’4” and 257 lbs. He was a backup at MLB for two seasons, playing only on special teams while Larry Cole played out of position at DT. He didn’t even play DT until his 3rd season whenCole was finally able to return to DE)
I could not disagree more.
The NFL has changed and is playing more defensive backs on defense and getting more spread out.
That means the 1T DT is becoming more of a need because smaller LB's and the DB's don't shed blocks they run around them creating holes.
Therefore, keeping the O-Line busy is very important because, it allows your LB's and DB's to run and hit.
The '70's thru 90's Cowboys also depended on Fullbacks as a key part of the offense.
Things change so, the importance of positions change.
Quality athletic DTs keep OLs plenty busy. Think the Rams would look for a 1 Tech if they had two Aaron Donald’s? I get your point and agree that you need a hog if your 3 tech is getting blown off the ball, but the good DTs, whether 280 or 340, are not being blown back. Donald is 6’1” and 280. Every DT on our current roster is between 304 and 320 except Urban, who is 295. I still think it’s about talent, not size.I could not disagree more.
The NFL has changed and is playing more defensive backs on defense and getting more spread out.
That means the 1T DT is becoming more of a need because smaller LB's and the DB's don't shed blocks they run around them creating holes.
Therefore, keeping the O-Line busy is very important because, it allows your LB's and DB's to run and hit.
The '70's thru 90's Cowboys also depended on Fullbacks as a key part of the offense.
Things change so, the importance of positions change.