All eyes on Ratliff

by mdlusk on Dec 6, 2008 5:20 AM CST

I know that it has been mentioned that the pass rush is the key to the game against the Steelers, and I agree. That means that Ware will be front and center of the discussion, of course, but he will also be the center of Pittsburgh's attention. Since Raf mentioned that Pittsburgh's middle 3 are not quite up to par with their tackles, that means insude pressure will be the best way to take some burden off of Ware's shoulders (and maybe gimpy knee). Sure Ellis and Spencer need to provide some bookend pressure, but Rat has the potential to really whip his man, and if he draws a double team, some ILB needs to take the open gap that creates.

But Rat is the linchpin, I think, pressure from him can drive Ben into Ware's arms, or into a blitzer. It will also mean that there will be much greater opportunities for the other LBs and the blitz.

So, GO RAT!

(my first fanpost)

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I agree

I think Rat will have a huge game as Pitts will be keying on stopping Ware. I think the MSM is sorely underestimating our pass rush and that will be a huge part of this game.

by Billito on Dec 6, 2008 7:53 AM CST reply actions

+1 ..plus I expect Rat to open things up for Bradie James

James is coming off his BEST game as a Dallas Cowboy (imo), I expect Wade to utilize him in the same manner against Pittsburgh….Zak too, for that matter…It’s going to be our middle rush that will deflate Big Ben…Expect big things from Rat, James, and Zak…

I’m counting down the minutes to this match up…I can’t think of anything else……I’m going nutz………GO BOYS !!!

A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.

"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones

by BoyzRback on Dec 6, 2008 8:33 AM CST reply actions

justin hartwig

is the steelers new center this year. now, he won’t be confused with the great steeler centers of yore but he has done admirably against really good nt’s – vince wilfork, shaun rogers, etc..much better than steeler fans could have hoped for, really. keep in mind also that in practices he goes up against casey hampton who inarguably is among the top four or five nt’s in the league. i’m not worried about this matchup. pitt’s o-line is much improved over their last five games compared to their first five and has really gelled into a solid unit. my worry is the ware/starks matchup. hopefully ware’s knee will slow him down enough to give ben the extra second or two to make a play.

GO STEELERS!!

by SE7ENS on Dec 6, 2008 10:30 AM CST reply actions

He stopped the big bull rush NT's

Rat gets his work done using the his speed and quickness…

He used to stopping guys who play similar to Hampton, but hasn’t’ played against NT who excels at using speed and quickness..

"If you see me up in the mountains with a lion, I ain't lyin
don't help me, help the mountain lion"

by Wmillion on Dec 6, 2008 10:44 AM CST up reply actions

Amen

Plus, I don’t think a lot of people realize how good Rat is, because they don’t watch him play. I’ve seen several people say that he’s been the best interior lineman in the NFC this year, but he won’t make the Pro Bowl, because he doesn’t have that name recognition or flashy stats.

by Mandmeisterx on Dec 6, 2008 12:02 PM CST up reply actions

He is only behind Haynesworth for sacks among DT's

i think

by quincyyyyy on Dec 6, 2008 12:05 PM CST up reply actions

I believe you're right.

I think part of it too is that he plays the nose in the NFC. Dallas is the only full time 3-4, with SF and ARI showing that look sometimes.

by Mandmeisterx on Dec 6, 2008 12:12 PM CST up reply actions

It also appers Marvel their LT will not play. Ware should be licking his chops this will force even more help away from

Ratliff.

Don't believe everything you think.

by stoproyce on Dec 6, 2008 2:19 PM CST reply actions

Marvel hasn’t played most of the season. Max starks isn’t exactly an untested rookie.

by steelguy99 on Dec 7, 2008 8:47 AM CST up reply actions

The interior of the line isn’t as good as the tackles? That’s crazy talk.

The RT Willie Colon is the worst player on the offensive line, hands down. After that you probably have LG Chris Kemoeatu. Kemo can be great when he is mauling, but is very inconsistent. Stapleton and Hartwig (RG, C) are better than the LT Max Starks. Starks is OK, but is not great and will certainly have his hands full on the edge.

Stapleton got his first starts this year and has performed very well. He isn’t amazing, but he is a solid player in the center. Ditto with Hartwig, though I think he is turning from an okay player into a good one. The center of our line is the strongpoint, which is why almost all sacks against us have come from the edge.

That being said, the center of our line is going to be constantly tested by Ratliff. Ratliff will likely get pressure. I just wanted to correct the theory that our tackles are our strength – I wish.

by steelguy99 on Dec 7, 2008 8:52 AM CST reply actions

Rat can get a rep today

The field looks terrible, and I don’t think he’s very familiar with these conditions, having played in the South in his college and high school days. Generally, D-linemen are at a serious disadvantage in these conditions, and Rat is not really a prototype NT. The conditions alone will be a major challenge. D-line rotation will be huge today.

That said, I hope Rat, who has become one of my favorites, will go out and dominate.

by Leon on Dec 7, 2008 10:34 AM CST reply actions