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Can Greg Grump His Way Back to the Pro Bowl?
Greg Ellis has been bad at recognizing what’s good for him the past two years.
He complained vehemently when Bill Parcells pulled a Willie McGinnest and moved the career-long 4-3 end to 3-4 OLB in ‘06. Ellis told any press member who would listen that he had misgivings, then adapted with amazing speed and was Dallas best rusher that year until he tore an Achilles tendon in the ninth game of the season.
Last year he complained about a lack of respect and expressed a desire to be traded. Jerry Jones mollified Ellis by settling the veteran’s insurance policy. Ellis then produced his career year, notching 12.5 sacks in just thirteen games, ten of them starts.
The adrenaline in the Cowboys’ locker room was still flowing after the Giants loss when Ellis lodged his latest complaint, saying rookie Anthony Spencer was going to be great and Ellis didn’t know if he had a future with the team.
Given the direct ratio of whining-to-sacks, what I’ll call the WHEI (Whining by Ellis Index) Greg is probably looking at another trip to Honolulu. The Cowboys developed a rotation with Spencer and Ellis late in the season, one that took full form in the playoff loss to the Giants.
In that game, Dallas used Spencer opposite Demarcus Ware on first and second downs, and inserted Ellis on sure passing downs. In two minute warning situations, or in late game situations where Dallas went to a four man line, Ellis stayed in the game and played end.
I imagine Dallas will use this rotation a lot more this year. Spencer showed strength at the point of attack against New York, beating Kevin Boss on most of his matchups and turning all plays towards him inside. The Giants got a couple of decent runs around the perimeter, but they came against Ware, not the rookie.
This means Ellis might get fewer starts on the stats charts but will be much fresher in passing situations. He’ll likely complain, but will also probably continue with his Jim Jeffcoat impersonation. That long-time Cowboy enjoyed great late- career success as a situational rusher; his vast repertoire of moves was a great change up from the speed of Tony Tolbert, whom Jeffcoat often spelled in ‘92, ‘93 and ‘94.
Ellis has one of the better rush repertoires in today’s game. I discussed him with Espn.com’s K.C. Joyner when he wrote a story comparing top rushers from the ’80s and ’90s to those of today. Joyner said this about Ellis:
It’s funny that you mention Ellis. I was very close to making him one of top five because of his varied use of pass rush techniques. I had no idea he was working to help Ware but Ware couldn’t ask for a better teacher.
Oh sure, Greg will complain about playing time. He’ll complain about not fitting in. Then, he’ll give Spencer and Ware more pointers. And then he’ll probably grump his way to a 15-sack season.
Okay, Greg, you’ve finally won me over. You’re the Lou Holtz of pass rushers, constantly poor mouthing your talents while you excel. I concede. I’ve been your hardest critic the last two years, but I’m calling off my complaints. Forgive me for not understanding your novel ways.
Too bad WHEI won’t work in my life. Somehow I can’t see complaining my way to love and respect from my kids or my girlfriend or my colleagues or my readers… Some guys just have it all figured out I guess. Maybe we could form an Ellis cheering section at the games, or here on the blog?
I’m putting in to be the Chairman of “Greg’s Grumpies!” Anybody want to second my nomination?
Greg Ellis has been bad at recognizing what’s good for him the past two years.
He complained vehemently when Bill Parcells pulled a Willie McGinnest and moved the career-long 4-3 end to 3-4 OLB in ‘06. Ellis told any press member who would listen that he had misgivings, then adapted with amazing speed and was Dallas best rusher that year until he tore an Achilles tendon in the ninth game of the season.
Last year he complained about a lack of respect and expressed a desire to be traded. Jerry Jones mollified Ellis by settling the veteran’s insurance policy. Ellis then produced his career year, notching 12.5 sacks in just thirteen games, ten of them starts.
The adrenaline in the Cowboys’ locker room was still flowing after the Giants loss when Ellis lodged his latest complaint, saying rookie Anthony Spencer was going to be great and Ellis didn’t know if he had a future with the team.
Given the direct ratio of whining-to-sacks, what I’ll call the WHEI (Whining by Ellis Index) Greg is probably looking at another trip to Honolulu. The Cowboys developed a rotation with Spencer and Ellis late in the season, one that took full form in the playoff loss to the Giants.
In that game, Dallas used Spencer opposite Demarcus Ware on first and second downs, and inserted Ellis on sure passing downs. In two minute warning situations, or in late game situations where Dallas went to a four man line, Ellis stayed in the game and played end.
I imagine Dallas will use this rotation a lot more this year. Spencer showed strength at the point of attack against New York, beating Kevin Boss on most of his matchups and turning all plays towards him inside. The Giants got a couple of decent runs around the perimeter, but they came against Ware, not the rookie.
This means Ellis might get fewer starts on the stats charts but will be much fresher in passing situations. He’ll likely complain, but will also probably continue with his Jim Jeffcoat impersonation. That long-time Cowboy enjoyed great late- career success as a situational rusher; his vast repertoire of moves was a great change up from the speed of Tony Tolbert, whom Jeffcoat often spelled in ‘92, ‘93 and ‘94.
Ellis has one of the better rush repertoires in today’s game. I discussed him with Espn.com’s K.C. Joyner when he wrote a story comparing top rushers from the ’80s and ’90s to those of today. Joyner said this about Ellis:
It’s funny that you mention Ellis. I was very close to making him one of top five because of his varied use of pass rush techniques. I had no idea he was working to help Ware but Ware couldn’t ask for a better teacher.
Oh sure, Greg will complain about playing time. He’ll complain about not fitting in. Then, he’ll give Spencer and Ware more pointers. And then he’ll probably grump his way to a 15-sack season.
Okay, Greg, you’ve finally won me over. You’re the Lou Holtz of pass rushers, constantly poor mouthing your talents while you excel. I concede. I’ve been your hardest critic the last two years, but I’m calling off my complaints. Forgive me for not understanding your novel ways.
Too bad WHEI won’t work in my life. Somehow I can’t see complaining my way to love and respect from my kids or my girlfriend or my colleagues or my readers… Some guys just have it all figured out I guess. Maybe we could form an Ellis cheering section at the games, or here on the blog?
I’m putting in to be the Chairman of “Greg’s Grumpies!” Anybody want to second my nomination?
