Trade Barber for a NT

[Wrangler87]

Only Tampa's OC, who didn't get the job until a week ago, ever thought it would be a good idea to run at Ratliff. "Let's see...do they have any smaller guys on the line? Let's run there." Kind of an idiot savant.

..And it worked. I guess that's why he got promoted.

 

[JBond]

No, he's basing it on the fact that other teams are going to do exactly what they saw done yesterday, the same way they did when they figured out how to exploit Roy Williams lack of speed at the Safety position. It's called a copy cat league.

Why did they not do that the last two years against us? Were Canty, Ellis and Roy Williams that important? I remember many here wanting Roy and Ellis out a long time ago. Now they are gone so we can't stop the run?

 

[Wrangler87]

Why did they not do that the last two years against us? Were Canty, Ellis and Roy Williams that important? I remember many here wanting Roy and Ellis out a long time ago. Now they are gone so we can't stop the run?

Maybe somebody saw something in the last two games of 2008 and have decided that you can run the ball right up the middle on Dallas with ease. It's three straight games now that area has been attacked, if you count 2008, even with a few different players. I know some people said Ratliff just wore down last season, but I think it's his lack of size that is hurting him against the run, especially the runs coming down hill right at him with one or two blockers.

Again, I won't go back to my offseason plan but we would not have Igor, Ratliff would be starting at RDE and we would have signed the best available 330-350 lb NT we could get through, trade, FA, or draft.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Again, I won't go back to my offseason plan but we would not have Igor, Ratliff would be starting at RDE and we would have signed the best available 330-350 lb NT we could get through, trade, FA, or draft.

Okay, who would that be?

 

[JBond]

Maybe somebody saw something in the last two games of 2008 and have decided that you can run the ball right up the middle on Dallas with ease. It's three straight games now that area has been attacked, if you count 2008, even with a few different players. I know some people said Ratliff just wore down last season, but I think it's his lack of size that is hurting him against the run, especially the runs coming down hill right at him with one or two blockers.

Again, I won't go back to my offseason plan but we would not have Igor, Ratliff would be starting at RDE and we would have signed the best available 330-350 lb NT we could get through, trade, FA, or draft.

Not discounting your idea at all (personally I believe we are better suited to a 43 myself) but who could we have gotten that would have fit your plan?

 

[neosapien23]

Okay, who would that be?

I really wish Dallas could have traded up for Ron Brace. He could have easily spelled Ratliff and kept him fresh. Ratliff is a hell of a player but he needs someone to split time with. I wonder how much money it would take to get Wilfork??

 

[lqmac1]

Yesterday's game brought in a fresh perspective on Dallas's run D. They got away with not have a true NT last year because Ratliff is so hard to block he often forces the double team. However, it looks like Dallas needs a big body to clog those running lanes. Is there anyone out there worth trading for? Barber is a good running back, but I feel that Choice is a much better all around back. With Choice and Jones carrying the load, the running game won't suffer too much. However, if teams continue to run up the gut on Dallas, Ratliff could be in for a long season. Is there anyone out there worth bringing in??

good god barber for a nt, I hope you have a hella of a stud nt in mind...

 

[JBond]

I see your ^^ and raise you a

I raise...

http://i173.***BLOCKED***/albums/w42/barrow_co2/Facepalm.jpg

and this

http://i673.***BLOCKED***/albums/vv100/elijah516/triplefacepalm.jpg

 

[Wrangler87]

Not discounting your idea at all (personally I believe we are better suited to a 43 myself) but who could we have gotten that would have fit your plan?

I did a whole post on it at the end of last season and included some free agents and possible draft picks but that is not my point. A NT does not have to be a great player. He does not have to lead the team in tackles. He does not have to sack the QB. What he has to be able to do is plug up the LOS and take up blockers, allowing the LB's to fill in the holes, preferrably the smallest holes possible so the RB does not have an opportunity to cut. Ratliff is a great athlete and makes some very good plays, but if anything, the NT position handcuffs him from reaching his potential and gets him beat up to boot.

I'll try to find my post. I don't have the time to go back and find out who I had on my list. I know McKinney was on there.

 

[jr40usa]

Why can't the Cowboys since switching to the 3-4 defense found a real nose tackle. I know they don't grow on trees. But, it has been long enough that this team should have traded, draft or by FA found one that sticks. I love Ratliff but he is not built for this position long term.

 

[diehard2294]

cant believe the panic that has set in after one game, a win mind you. The run defense will be fine, the temp and humidity didn't help things yesterday.

 

[casmith07]

cant believe the panic that has set in after one game, a win mind you. The run defense will be fine, the temp and humidity didn't help things yesterday.

I've tried that angle in every thread, but everyone loves to make their own thread with a subject line cueing up some random panicky phrase.

Just let them whine - you'll know the real football threads when you see them.

 

[fanfromvirginia]

I've been on the 'Ratliff is great but I want a huge NT anyway' bandwagon for years now. But this is a dumb idea.

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

Wow. I think your knee cap just exploded from being jerked so hard.

Well, just be sure to shave the palms of the hand.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

I don't agree with this idea at all. What NT are you going to get that you're certain is going to give you at their position what Barber does for us at Runningback?

Thanks but no thanks.

 

[dfense]

Most of Tampa's big runs were off tackle. The NT would have a hell of a time running lateral 10 yards on every play.

 

[CowboyMcCoy]

It was only a matter of time before something REALLY stupid would be posted regarding the Defense. Ladies and gentlemen, that time has arrived.

When it rains it pours.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Trade MBIII for a NT?

Holy overreaction Batman.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

Wow.... Talk about overreaction! Calm down, if things don't improve by week 6 or so then we could be worried.

 

[Vintage]

Can't we just use 1.800.Dial.A.NT.