Why Terrell McClain Will Start For The Dallas Cowboys In 2014

[Nirvana]

It is no secret that Rod Marinelli is one of the best defensive coaches in the league at getting the most out of his players. This was the case in 2013 when Marinelli got the most out of George Selvie and Nick Hayden. Although Hayden didn’t have any sacks, he wasn’t that bad at holding his ground in the middle of the field. Selvie on the other hand had by far his best statistical season. The South Florida product had seven sacks, even though he was signed towards the end of training camp in August.

In 2011, when Marinelli coached for the Chicago Bears, he had a lot of interest of Terrell McClain. McClain at the time was just entering the NFL from the University of South Florida. In fact, McClain played a year of football with Selvie in college.

This leads me to my next point… I believe McClain will start next to Henry Melton on this defensive line in 2014. Although many believe he will be a depth guy, there is reason to believe why McClain could start on this team. I said earlier how Marinelli made Hayden a better player. The interesting thing about that is that McClain is more talented than Hayden, and it shouldn’t be long until Cowboys fans see that this guy can play.

Article continues here: http://sportdfw.com/2014/03/30/terrell-mcclain-will-start-dallas-cowboys-2014/

 

[Common Sense]

Yuck.

The writer of this article is clueless -- McClain started most of the season as an under tackle in Carolina's 4-3 scheme and was cut after one year. The Patriots had also switched to a 4-3 by the time they picked him up and promptly cut him to re-sign Bobby Carpenter. Forgive me for not being optimistic about the prospect of a third-string nose tackle from the team with the first overall pick in the draft this year coming in and transforming the Dallas Cowboys DL.

 

[Hoofbite]

Pretty simple.

There's nobody else.

 

[JD_KaPow]

It is no secret that Rod Marinelli is one of the best defensive coaches in the league at getting the most out of his players. This was the case in 2013 when Marinelli got the most out of George Selvie and Nick Hayden.

You know, you can't have it both ways. The Cowboys defense was one of the worst in league history last year. If we got "the most" out of our players, then the players simply weren't good enough even at their best. Getting the most out of Nick Hayden doesn't make Nick Hayden worth putting on the field as a starter. And "more talented than Nick Hayden" is not really a compliment. Marinelli's supposed magic powers are no substitute for a massive infusion of talent.

 

[speedkilz88]

Getting the most out of Nick Hayden doesn't make Nick Hayden worth putting on the field as a starter.

That's why they went out got someone better. They improved the position without breaking the bank. How can that be a bad thing?

 

[thunderpimp91]

While I think Terrell McClain does have a chance to contribute this season this article was terrible. The only major points seemed to be the switch to a 4-3 defense and the opportunity for Rod Marinelli to work his magic. If you want to convince me that a player is going to become a "household name" I need some breakdown of the player, not just more secret sauce talk.

 

[Doomsay]

That's why they went out got someone better. They improved the position without breaking the bank. How can that be a bad thing?

I suppose it depends on how much they improved the position.

 

[davey999]

He's a JAG.

 

[OhSnap]

You can't call him a has been that's for sure.

 

[Idgit]

He's a potential role player until proven otherwise. I will say that Selvie, Hayden, and Hatcher all had career years last year. I expect Melton and Crawford do perform similarly this season, and I have hopes we've added or will add players with some potential to do so before we're all said and done.

If nothing else, we'll have a stronger rotation top-to-bottom than we ended last season with.

 

[17yearsandcounting]

He's a JAG.

Totally.

This article is depressing.

 

[DCBoysfan]

I personally don't think he will start, Dallas hasn't drafted the starting DE yet.

 

[Nirvana]

I still have hopes Crawford could be our Dontari Poe at the 1 tech. If Spencer comes back or someone like Crichton is drafted I could see a role for Crawford there. At 285 and little body fat he has the room to grow into that position. I'm not sold on McClain, and Hayden should be cut if possible.

 

[xwalker]

I pulled up the coaches film to review McClain.

In Houston he played NT and DT in the nickel.
He is exactly what you would expect for a Marinelli type 1-tech DT. He's quicker than the average 1-tech but not as big. He looked quicker than Houston's starting NT but not quite as strong.

Looking at the Houston film, I would expect many 4-3 teams to try him at the 3-tech but he would definitely be a 1-tech for Marinelli.

I went back to 2011 and reviewed some Panthers games. He was the starter there primarily at the 3-tech. He looked much different than he did in the 2013 film. He didn't look as quick or as strong and his technique/awareness was not as good either. He appeared to be heavier which combined with maybe playing too many snaps seemed to take away a lot of his quickness.

Summary: There's no doubt that he a better player than Nick Hayden. The 4-3 1-tech position, especially in Marinelli's scheme, appears to be a better position for him than being a 3-4 NT or 4-3 3-tech; although, I could see him playing some snaps at 3-tech for Marinelli.

 

[Risen Star]

Pretty simple.

There's nobody else.

That's it right there. If he starts it'll only be because we lack a real starter.

 

[Nirvana]

I pulled up the coaches film to review McClain.

In Houston he played NT and DT in the nickel.
He is exactly what you would expect for a Marinelli type 1-tech DT. He's quicker than the average 1-tech but not as big. He looked quicker than Houston's starting NT but not quite as strong.

Looking at the Houston film, I would expect many 4-3 teams to try him at the 3-tech but he would definitely be a 1-tech for Marinelli.

I went back to 2011 and reviewed some Panthers games. He was the starter there primarily at the 3-tech. He looked much different than he did in the 2013 film. He didn't look as quick or as strong and his technique/awareness was not as good either. He appeared to be heavier which combined with maybe playing too many snaps seemed to take away a lot of his quickness.

Summary: There's no doubt that he a better player than Nick Hayden. The 4-3 1-tech position, especially in Marinelli's scheme, appears to be a better position for him than being a 3-4 NT or 4-3 3-tech; although, I could see him playing some snaps at 3-tech for Marinelli.

According to PFF, in 182 snaps last season with Houston, McClain had 0 sacks, 0 QB hits and only 3 QB hurries. That should cancel any ideas of him playing 3 tech immediately.

 

[DFWJC]

I liked the addition of McClain, but that was with expect ions of him being a young backup or developing rotational guy at most. If he starts full time, I'd be worried.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

He's a JAG.

Compared to Hayden a JAG would be a big improvement.

 

[xwalker]

According to PFF, in 182 snaps last season with Houston, McClain had 0 sacks, 0 QB hits and only 3 QB hurries. That should cancel any ideas of him playing 3 tech immediately.

Like I said, he should be a 1-tech; however, comparing stats of a 3-4 NT is probably not a good indicator of his ability to play the 3-tech. He played the run 1st on a lot of snaps. Also, the idea of the 3-tech in Marinelli's scheme is that it's difficult to double team that player; whereas, a 3-4 NT is always double-teamed.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

I liked the addition of McClain, but that was with expect ions of him being a young backup or developing rotational guy at most. If he starts full time, I'd be worried.

I would bet a #1 technique DT will be drafted in the latter part of the draft.