The 2008 Leons - Defensive MVP
Welcome to this new feature at Blogging The Boys, where we vote and hand out The Leon, a soon-to-be prestigious award for members of the Dallas Cowboys. What we want to do is have our own vote for most valuable players for the Cowboys and get your opinion on who you voted for and why.
This week we are looking at the defense.
The 2008 Leons

Defensive MVP

And the nominees are:
- LB DeMarcus Ware
- NT Jay Ratliff
- LB Bradie James
- CB Terence Newman
Let's look at each player individually:
LB Demarcus Ware
Ware has to been a phenom since he came out of college in 2005. Coming to the NFL he converted from defensive end to linebacker in Bill Parcells' 3-4 defense. Ware's numbers have increased in each of his four seasons and in 2008 he ended up with 20 sacks and 84 tackles. He also earned his 3rd consecutive Pro Bowl invitation.
NT Jay Ratliff
Ratliff has been a pleasant surprise this season. As a 7th round draft pick in 2005, he got his first start that season. He became a starter with the injury to Jason Ferguson in 2007. His play garnered him a 5-year extension last year worth $20.5 million and his first Pro Bowl selection this year. He had 7½ sacks in 2008 and was a solid force in the middle.
LB Bradie James
James had a breakout season in 2008 with 8 total sacks and a 3-game sack streak. He also ended the season with a career high 116 tackles. Through the middle of December, James finished 4 out of 5 games with double-digit tackles, including 13 tackles, 2 sacks and a forced fumble in the Thursday Thanksgiviing Day game against the Seattle Seahawks. He emerged as the captain of the defense and led by example.
CB Terence Newman
Newman had some injury issues to deal with this season but, once healthy, was instrumental in the rise of the Cowboys defense this year. He was put on the opponents' top receivers and took them out of the equation. He silenced Cowboys-killer Santana Moss at Washington and rendered Dominek Hixon invisible in the Giants game. He still has excellent speed and can play press coverage better than any other player on the team.
Comments
tough to pick between Ware and Ratliff
Ratliff has been so consistent coming up big every game. As great as Ware is, he disappears as times, especially in big games. In the Philly loss, you couldn’t even tell he was playing in the game.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on
Dec 30, 2008 4:33 PM CST
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And.....
I don’t know how you think he doesn’t come up in big games. He didn’t come up big in Philly, but was huge in the Giants game and generated the only turnover in the Baltimore game.
by AirforceBat on
Dec 30, 2008 9:03 PM CST
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we needed him more in the Philly game obviously
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on
Dec 31, 2008 8:09 AM CST
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Who did...
Come up big in the Philly game?
by AirforceBat on
Dec 31, 2008 10:28 AM CST
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i don't know if that was him...
as much as it was our coaches dropping him back in pass coverage… who in ther right mind drops this guy into pass coverage…
anyways, he did get stuffed a few times but he was being double teamed and still broke through but mcnabb got the ball out the fast the few times he broke through…
still, easy choice for me, 20 sack and 80+ tackles… yeah mark down D Ware for me
by CowboysFan4Life on
Dec 31, 2008 8:11 AM CST
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Who could you tell was playing in the philly game,
maybe bradie james
by elharpo on
Dec 30, 2008 4:35 PM CST
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And Witten
Cowboys fan since 1978.. I was 3 years old
by Mullin on
Dec 30, 2008 4:35 PM CST
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Ware is easy
He dominated his man on almost every snap he played.
-Ratliff had a hard time with double teams early in the season.
-James didn’t turn it on until mid-season.
-Newman gave up too many big plays.
by elharpo on
Dec 30, 2008 4:38 PM CST
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I thought
the Leons were for bone-headedness
by elharpo on
Dec 30, 2008 4:39 PM CST
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yeah, me too
I nominate Ken Hamlin for his Bull Fighting Championship plus encore presentation
"Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth." -Tyson
by cmr3 on
Dec 30, 2008 4:45 PM CST
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Nah, the Leons are for us
They’re out version of the Oscars.
by Rafael Vela on
Dec 30, 2008 4:52 PM CST
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sounds good
I feel so important, like I’m voting for the heisman. Maybe someone will buy my vote
"Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth." -Tyson
by cmr3 on
Dec 30, 2008 4:59 PM CST
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would'ja?
"Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth." -Tyson
by cmr3 on
Dec 30, 2008 5:01 PM CST
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in an effing heartbeat
…my heartbeat…not wade’s slow, gravy-clogged heartbeat
Muschamp seems like the kind of guy who used to beat up guys like Bob Stoops in high school.
by TheJeezus on
Dec 30, 2008 5:03 PM CST
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didn't see this..
Now this is a creative offensive mind with experience..
"Protect the Romo, Save the Cowboys!!"
by Wmillion on
Dec 30, 2008 5:49 PM CST
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not even close...
ware….
"They need security in the world, Craig!"
by Tuna Helper on
Dec 30, 2008 4:57 PM CST
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OMG.....why even have a poll....it's not even close.......
WARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by Boyzfan94 on
Dec 30, 2008 5:00 PM CST
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I know, I know...
But other people may think otherwise. This at least makes it “official” …
Stop the Madness - Enshrine Bob Hayes
"I played for the world's greatest professional sports team in history. Once a Dallas Cowboy, always a Dallas Cowboy." - Bob Hayes
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com
by Raul Villaronga on
Dec 30, 2008 5:12 PM CST
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C'mon.....who are the 3 people that voted for Newman..LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is so funny……
by Boyzfan94 on
Dec 30, 2008 7:13 PM CST
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I voted for Ware
But Newman is our best secondary player.
T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003
by APerfectStar on
Jan 1, 2009 4:49 PM CST
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he's one of our best players
regardless of position.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on
Jan 1, 2009 4:55 PM CST
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+1
When he’s healthy at least
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on
Jan 2, 2009 1:13 AM CST
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I was going to claim infringement
via the Players Association, but check out that neat trophy!!!
by Leon on
Dec 30, 2008 5:10 PM CST
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Ware
Ware was great last year, and then made a giant leap forward again this year as a pass rusher and all-around linebacker.
He made Walter Jones look like a rookie instead of a perennial Left Tackle.
He really developed some moves and learned how to effectively fake inside before beating blockers outside.
Most remarkably, however, he’s not one sided at all. He can cover, plays really well against the run and is still humble and keeps his head in the game.
He should be the Defensive MVP for the whole league, not just this team.
by NICK L on
Dec 30, 2008 5:17 PM CST
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Shanahan to Dallas?
Is that even a possibility?
~Texas Massacre 08~
by TheHeat on
Dec 30, 2008 5:29 PM CST
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no
1. No John Elway
2. No O-line men to fit the scheme
3. West coast Offense is difficult for a QB to learn
4. No John Elway
Since Phillips has been with the Cowboys the Broncos have won the same amount of playoff games. A coach needs at least for years. BP went 10-6, then 6-10, 9-7 and 9-7. If he would have come back as coach I personally would not have had a problem with that.
Phillips stunk it up at times(a whole lot of times), but he still needs time. Superbowl teams are not built in two years.
by elharpo on
Dec 30, 2008 5:37 PM CST
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Wow
get some fresh air, dude.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on
Dec 30, 2008 5:39 PM CST
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Do I Look Like I Was Endorsing That Move?
I asked if that’s possible because we all know Jerry is thinking about it right now.
~Texas Massacre 08~
by TheHeat on
Dec 30, 2008 6:19 PM CST
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you should be..
"Protect the Romo, Save the Cowboys!!"
by Wmillion on
Dec 30, 2008 6:33 PM CST
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I Think...
He should come to Dallas as a consultant. Maybe, he can help Garrett mature a bit better.
~Texas Massacre 08~
by TheHeat on
Dec 30, 2008 6:57 PM CST
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Shannan is getting another HC job
He will have no problem landing another job.
by Boyzfan94 on
Dec 30, 2008 7:15 PM CST
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your right
Resume is way too money, not too. If Mangini is getting interviews..
"Protect the Romo, Save the Cowboys!!"
by Wmillion on
Dec 30, 2008 7:18 PM CST
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I would love that..
but, in what capacity, would Wade pull a Crenel and take a demotion..
Mike S. knows how to develop QB’s.
"Protect the Romo, Save the Cowboys!!"
by Wmillion on
Dec 30, 2008 5:50 PM CST
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His o-line in Denver ran on quick 290 lb. linemen
It’s a terrible fit for the personnel he has here.
by Rafael Vela on
Dec 30, 2008 6:19 PM CST
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true
but, I like what he does with the offensive plays and rolling Cutler around, and his ability to groom a Qb.. I really like his experience.
"Protect the Romo, Save the Cowboys!!"
by Wmillion on
Dec 30, 2008 6:34 PM CST
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He's never worked with the type of personnel he would have here
He’s either been in Denver or San Francisco as an OC or HC. Dallas has a different style lineman and runs a different blocking scheme.
It would be an experiment, but I’m not sure.
And Cutler looks like a great future QB, but his bad decision ratios were higher than Romo’s. Don’t assume Shanahan is the cure all.
by Rafael Vela on
Dec 30, 2008 7:04 PM CST
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I am not..
but, that team would have won 3-4 more games if they had our D. The problem wasn’t the O, the D stinks.. He has superbowl experience and the ability to drive playoff teams every year. This year injuries to his D killed him..
"Protect the Romo, Save the Cowboys!!"
by Wmillion on
Dec 30, 2008 7:17 PM CST
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I'm working on a fan post
does anyone know a good stat site I can find pressure statistics?
by elharpo on
Dec 30, 2008 5:31 PM CST
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maybe try football outsiders
just guessing though
In-YOUR-endo
by accidental innuendo on
Dec 30, 2008 8:16 PM CST
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Another opening for Jason G.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3800768
Broncos fire Shanahan after 21 years with team
"Protect the Romo, Save the Cowboys!!"
by Wmillion on
Dec 30, 2008 5:48 PM CST
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Wow...
never thought Shanahan would get fired.
I’d like Garrett to stay, but if he decides he wants to go, I can’t say I wouldn’t be intrigued with the prospect of some new blood in the OC chair.
by MeanMr.Mustard on
Dec 30, 2008 6:46 PM CST
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who
and are you ready for the offense to take another step back?
"Protect the Romo, Save the Cowboys!!"
by Wmillion on
Dec 30, 2008 7:17 PM CST
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I'm not really sure who's out there
Like I said, my first preference would be for Garrett to return. But a different offensive philosophy might be the shot in the arm this team needs.
by MeanMr.Mustard on
Dec 30, 2008 8:12 PM CST
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I don't mind him leaving or staying...
If he doesn’t receive an offer to become a head coach, I wouldn’t mind having him around again. It’s not as if he’s a seasond offensive coordinator. If I’m not mistaken, this season was his first season as full time coordinator. I’d like him to at least be given the chance to develop a track record to determine if last year was a good indicator of just what kind of coordinator he is. I would like to see how he adjusts and what changes he will make to improve this offense
by jman55 on
Dec 30, 2008 9:48 PM CST
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I just realized the image of the trophy,
It’s even designed for the bone-headed play of the year…..Hillarious.
by elharpo on
Dec 30, 2008 7:06 PM CST
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The Rat
I know Ware is a stud, but I cast my vote for Ratliff for the following reasons;
1) He did a great job at NT
2) He’s undersized for that position but still played well and got league recognition
3) This was not his primary position, yet he still excelled.
4) If Rat had not risen to the occasion, our season would have been over in October
Take Ware, as great as he is, and make him play the whole season out of position and see if he is still considered as great. We will never know that about Ware, but we do know it about Rat. To me, that earns him Defensive MVP.
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
by Jim Vance on
Dec 30, 2008 7:51 PM CST
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+1
Ware disappears at times, Rat never does, he just constantly makes plays each and every game.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on
Dec 30, 2008 7:53 PM CST
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SAY WHAT!!!!!!!!!!
what are you smoking Terry….LMAO!!!!!! Rat got swallowed up and disappeared in many games this season….How can a player with 20 sacks disappear….
Rat did a great job playing out of position, but without Ware we would probably have lost a couple of more games….This defense is zero without Ware coming off the edge…Your overrating Rat’s impact on this team..
by Boyzfan94 on
Dec 30, 2008 8:13 PM CST
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guess you didn't watch the Philly game
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on
Dec 30, 2008 8:19 PM CST
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Ummmm
Alot of the times when Ware disappears its because he’s getting double teamed or even sometimes tripled.
I’m a big Ratliff fan, but Ware makes Ratliff better.
by AirforceBat on
Dec 30, 2008 9:00 PM CST
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Please tell me no one was serious when they voted for Bradie or Newman?
Not that they weren’t good but come on…
by Brendan Scolari on
Dec 30, 2008 8:25 PM CST
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Me
I voted for Newman only to give him some love. Plus I went to Kansas State. :)
by Prime-Time on
Dec 30, 2008 9:03 PM CST
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Next year
Here are my suggestions that are guaranteed to take us to the next level-
a) Backup QB- Mike Vick will soon be on parole and should be cheap. He should make some of the Romo haters happy by pushing him to play better
b) NT- Switch to a 4-3 so we eliminate the need for NT, Simple
c) Romo’s ball handling- Jerry Jones pays Ashton Kutcher a large sum of money to steal Jessica away from Tony, thereby freeing him up to concentrate on football and fulfill his true potential
d) Head Coach- Wade stays put, but is required to call out one player in the press each week. This new attitude straightens up the players attitude.
e) Defense coordinator- One word- Rumsfeld
f) Safety- move Mike Jenkins to Safety. He can miss a tackle as well as Thong or Hamlin can plus he’s better at pass coverage
I’ll think of some more later, I have to take my lithium now.
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
by Jim Vance on
Dec 30, 2008 8:28 PM CST
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I really really hope that was all sarcastic
"Ask Philly was it hard tryin' a stop TO, he da main reason that the fans would come fo'."
by aussie_cowboy on
Dec 30, 2008 8:30 PM CST
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Vick?
Can you imagine the media frenzy at Valley Ranch if we signed Mike Vick. LMAO
Dallas could room him with PacMan to keep Vick out of trouble.
PacMan – Tank Johnson – T.O. – Mike Vick = GREAT CHEMISTRY
Is Vick really going to be eligible next spring?
by Prime-Time on
Dec 30, 2008 9:00 PM CST
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Buckner
Romo certainly gets a vote for MVP of the opposing teams, see Pittsburgh, Arizona, and Philadelphia. Lose the divorced bimbo kid, and ditch the berets.
by Montecito Tex on
Dec 30, 2008 9:36 PM CST
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Dude, give it up....
I don’t know how long ago it was that you were with a woman, but when I was in my 20’s and single, I was a wild man. When I had a steady GF and ultimately a wife, I was home at night, eating right, being a good citizen.
Before that when I was on the prowl, I was drinking, staying out all night, fighting, and generally finding legal and illegal outlets for my raging hormones. (look up Adam Jones)
Trust me, he’s better off with a steady girl at home.
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
by Jim Vance on
Dec 30, 2008 9:57 PM CST
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You're right
he is better off with a steady girl at home….but does it has to be THAT steady girl ? One with a little more intelligence and a less intrusive father would be just as fine
by Helene on
Dec 31, 2008 5:06 AM CST
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Papa Simpson is one creepy dude
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
by Seanrude on
Jan 1, 2009 8:59 AM CST
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Ware
He’s been the model of consistency on an inconsistent team during an inconsistent season.
Oh, and that trophy is priceless LOL
Come and whisper in my ear, give us dirty laundry - ESPN
by Nelson... on
Dec 30, 2008 9:58 PM CST
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D-Ware, FTW!
"I got a fever. And the only prescription is more cowbell." -- Bruce Dickinson
www.brainfriednetwork.com [NEWS/SPORTS/FOOTBALL]
by silverblue5 on
Dec 30, 2008 11:16 PM CST
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Just had to jump on to say glad the other Cowboys lost tonight.
GO DUCKS!
by Cosby Sweater on
Dec 30, 2008 11:52 PM CST
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Booooooo!
But congrats, the Ducks played a good game.
T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003
by APerfectStar on
Jan 1, 2009 4:58 PM CST
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Newman nominated?
In years past, Newman would be in this conversation. He was out for 6 games and was toasted in Philly, and the first Skins game. He can run with any receiver, but can’t seem to break up passes . He had 2 very good games, but that’s not enough to be considered an MVP.
by mlibbey on
Dec 31, 2008 10:39 AM CST
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I will say this about Newman
Our defense was bad when he was injured and suddenly became really good when he came back healthy.
That sounds pretty valuable to me.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on
Dec 31, 2008 10:56 AM CST
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How did he fair in that Philly game Terry?? I forgot.....
If he was that valuable, or special he wouldn’t have let a rookie WR own him or make a bone head PI in the endzone.
Let’s not get carried away, he had a couple of nice games this season that’s it. The best was the Washington game by far, but he should be playing that way all the time for the amount of money he is getting paid. He is too inconsistant for my liking. I think Scandrick is a better CB than Newman right now. This will be another one of Jerry’s blunders signing an aging player to a big money contract.
by Boyzfan94 on
Jan 1, 2009 11:25 AM CST
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how did anyone fair in the Philly game?
Bottom line is that Newman is definitely one of the 5 best players on the team without question.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on
Jan 1, 2009 2:43 PM CST
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I think Newman had
2 pass deflections, 1 fumble recovery, and 3 solo tackles.
I don’t think Jackson had more than half a step on that perfect pass from McFlabb, wouldn’t exactly call that getting owned.
T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003
by APerfectStar on
Jan 1, 2009 4:56 PM CST
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