Spears playing time for 08'

[ethiostar]

Hatcher hasn't really done much to make me think his playing time will be increased.

I think instead of the 80-20 split that Ratliff and Tank saw in '07, they'll split about 50-50 at the nose and Ratliff will pick up that 30 from the DE spot (most likely rotating in for Canty).

It makes more sense to me that Ratliff rotates for Spears. Canty is very good against the run and can also provide pressure against the pass. I prefer to have Canty on the field more than Spears, if i have to pick one.

 

[theogt]

It makes more sense to me that Ratliff rotates for Spears. Canty is very good against the run and can also provide pressure against the pass. I prefer to have Canty on the field more than Spears, if i have to pick one.

Typically the starters are rotated out of the game all at the same time.

Thus, you'd see Hatcher, Tank, and Bowen in at the same time instead of Spears, Ratliff, and Canty.

It wouldn't make sense to have Ratliff, Tank, and Bowen on the field together with Spears and Hatcher on the bench. It'd make more sense to have Ratliff taking Bowen's snaps instead of Hatchers.

What people don't get is that Ratliff's time at DE likely won't be taking time away from Spears or Canty, but rather Hatcher or Bowen.

 

[sonnyboy]

I like Hatcher and believe that groin injury held him back.

Here's how I see the snaps.

Base Defense 50%
RDE Canty
NT Johnson
LDE Spears
OLB Ware/Spencer
MLB Thomas
MLB James
OLB Ellis


Nickel and Dime Defense 50%
RDE Ware
RDT Ratliff
LDT Hatcher
LDE Spencer
NLB Campbell (comes out of the dime for 6th DB)
DLB Burnett

I like this breakdown a lot. It keeps everyone fresh and maximizes ability. Johnson and Spears are bigger run stuffing type guys and will face a lot more runs in this split. I really like our 4 man front for the Nickel and Dime. One key factor and its something Wade discussed, we really need to do a better job spelling Ware. He should be off the field for 5-10% of the defensive snaps. I'd prefer to see that rest come when we are in the base 3-4. Ellis and Spencer can do well and Ware can be fresher for the 3rd down pass rush we need from him.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Well, my preference here is that we get a strong year out of Spears and are able to give Bowen's snaps away.

why? ..

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

Spears will never be on the field on 3rd downs.

He should be and most likely will be phased out of the starting lineup in favor of Ratliff at DE.

Then he's gone by next season.

That's my opinion on where he's headed and how much playing time he's looking at this season.

I co-sign that there scenario. And Ratliff is the better player, consistently.
I was a big fan of Spears coming out, but this team cant afford to experiment with Spears much longer. He's gotta show a lot this summer and make the most of his spot EARLY in the season. This "potential" bs has got to end at some point.

 

[AdamJT13]

I co-sign that there scenario.

The only way Spears is "gone" next season is if we trade him. We're not going to cut a starting-quality defensive lineman who'll make only $735,000.

 

[dcfanatic]

I like Hatcher and believe that groin injury held him back.

Here's how I see the snaps.

Base Defense 50%
RDE Canty
NT Johnson
LDE Spears
OLB Ware/Spencer
MLB Thomas
MLB James
OLB Ellis


Nickel and Dime Defense 50%
RDE Ware
RDT Ratliff
LDT Hatcher
LDE Spencer
NLB Campbell (comes out of the dime for 6th DB)
DLB Burnett

I like this breakdown a lot. It keeps everyone fresh and maximizes ability. Johnson and Spears are bigger run stuffing type guys and will face a lot more runs in this split. I really like our 4 man front for the Nickel and Dime. One key factor and its something Wade discussed, we really need to do a better job spelling Ware. He should be off the field for 5-10% of the defensive snaps. I'd prefer to see that rest come when we are in the base 3-4. Ellis and Spencer can do well and Ware can be fresher for the 3rd down pass rush we need from him.

We just gave Ratliff a nice extension. The guy will be on the field in the base defense. If Wade thinks Spears stays in the starting lineup then it's going to be Tank who is the '2nd team' rotational player.

Who's Campbell? Do you mean Carp or Thomas?

Where's Ellis on the Nickel and Dime? He isn't coming off the field at that point.