3rd NT could be Spears
by Aaron Novinger on Jul 28, 2008 11:28 PM CDT
83 comments
DE Marcus Spears seems to be such a hot topic for Cowboys fans. Much of the debate definitely hinges on his being a 1st round selection. Disappointed that he's not the dominating force everyone expected him to be on the defensive line, trade talks and rumors of his not being resigned next year run rumpant in Dallas fandom. It doesn't help his cause that fellow '04 defenders Jay Ratliff and Demarcus Ware have proven themselves worthy of contract extensions.
Some people think Spears is in the wrong position, wrong defensive scheme--that he's a 4-3 tackle. Some think the 6'4'', 305lb. end from LSU is all he needs to be for this Cowboys defense. The coaches now think he has something more to offer at back up NT.
http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/news.cfm?id=6C686BBA-9787-50A2-CE2921BDE7061AF9
Totally makes sense to me. With Tank and Ratliff manning the #1 and #2 NT spots, there's got to be a 3rd option just in case. If Spears can handle some versatility, it would free up a roster spot for another position. If not, Siavii or Ayodele could make the team; though, giving reps to Spears may slow their progress. At this point, who would you want the Cowboys to give the most reps to?
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Heck yes, it should be Spears
Versatility.
He’s a probably a better NT than Ayodele or Siavii (who is a long shot after disappointing with the Chefs and then sitting out for 2 years). I don’t think a lot of him as our DE, but I think he could play NT if he gets some reps. Great idea. Then we’d have 3 guys in our rotation who could play NT, and 2 of them could also play DE.
T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003
by APerfectStar on Jul 29, 2008 2:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I called this as far as last season
that Spears should be moved to NT. I really think he needs to find himself at another position. If not, he will be an ex-cowboy by the off season many predict.
Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!
by Boyzfan94 on Jul 29, 2008 10:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes sir..
I say beef him up and let him clog the middle..
"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 Jul 29, 2008 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He might as well if he's such a good run-stopper.
Ayodele seems to do well enough to hang around and may be somebody to be slipped on the PS. But more voters seem to like Siavii.
That #38 sure can hit!
by Aaron Novinger on Jul 29, 2008 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
his measurables scream NT..
His play screams release me..
"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 Jul 29, 2008 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ha ha, Nice!
That #38 sure can hit!
by Aaron Novinger on Jul 29, 2008 7:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually Spears' frame may work for Wade's defense.
He’s big enough to slant round his regular DE position. We know he’s quick for his size.
I think Ratliff will be starting and Spears will be rotating in with him and Tank.
That #38 sure can hit!
by Aaron Novinger on Jul 30, 2008 12:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
nothing to lose,
if he could be effective there, that just gives us more options, for other moves, go for it.
by bleedn blu on Jul 29, 2008 4:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm really hoping that this move is permanent
because a change is needed.
Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!
by Boyzfan94 on Jul 30, 2008 9:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What has Spears done at DE to make you
think he is any good? I said in another thread that Spears needs to find himself at another position to have a chance of being on this team next year. It was clear after last season a change needed to happen. Spears has been as close to a first round bust as you can get considering where he was drafted. Three sacks in 3 seasons is not going to cut it anymore and Wade knows this. We need more from that DE spot the reason for this move.
Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!
by Boyzfan94 on Jul 30, 2008 10:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
far from a bust
You realize that defensive ends in the 3-4 defense dont get the sacks, the linebackers do and in Parcells defense, the defensive ends have to protect two lanes where Phillips defense he’s responsible for one lane at times. Spears played pretty well the second half of the season, it always doesn’t translate to sacks. Spears is very stout against the run, that’’s his first responsibility, and he doesn’t get moved easily. He’s not a defensive end in the 4-3 playing a one gap scheme.
You bring up sacks as a marker for him being a bust, how do you expect Spears to get sacks when he’s taken off the field on passing downs. Everyone seems to like Canty, who is a good player, not elite though, but in his three years in dallas, he has a grand total of 7 sacks where Spears has 4.5, not 3, yet Canty moves to tacke when the cowboys use the four man line in the nickel, where Spears is off the field and replaced with hatcher or Ellis, so with canty getting more reps, he as a grand total of 3.5 more sacks and 6 more tackles. Canty had 112 tackles(78solo-34ast), where Spears has 106(68solo-38ast), but I guess you dont consider Canty a bust though. So if you’re drafted 20th overall in the draft, you have to be spectacular in your book, we’re not talking about a top five pick here. Spears is a very solid defensive end in the 3-4, he played very well in the second half of the season last year. Both Canty and Spears Stats are comparable, but so many think Spears is a bust and needs to go….I dont see it. Can he play better, yes, so can canty, lets hope they both take bigger leaps in their games this year.
I just thought giving reps to Spears inside would do two things, he wouldn’t have to spend time on his diet, as he seems to be able to play at 305-310 at both defensive end and nose tackle, making him more versitile on the defense and we wouldn’t need to carry an extra nose tackle, other than Tank and ratliff, Ratliff being another player that can be used at two positions, end and Nose tackle, it’s all about versatitlty
I’ve been hearing for two years now Carpenters a bust, but like I’ve said, you have to give college players three years to grasp the pro game, you cant depend of these players to come in and stand out day one no matter where they are drafted. Carpenter was moved around so much, it’s no wonder why he’s had trouble getting his feet wet, but it appears, athough it’s early in camp, that the year keeping him inside for over a year is starting to pay off, as he’s starting to make some plays in camp, hopefully he’ll continue to progress and get alot of reps in preseason to gain his confidence.
by Deke on Jul 30, 2008 10:55 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Good Breakdown
If you did the same for Roy you would see his stats compare to nearly ever Strong Safety in the league over the last 3 years. He would defintely be top 5!!
"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 Jul 30, 2008 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm with you
Cowboys fans need to be more patient. Just because a guy is a 1st Round pick doesn’t mean he has to be dominating, just as a 7th Rounder doesn’t guarantee getting cut.
I hope the fans are more lax about this year’s 2 1st rounders than they are about Spears and Carp. Everyone who says “bust” have to realize these guys are on the team STILL for a reason. Spears is a starter since he got here. Carp knows every LB position and is fast becoming the future of that position. Unlike Roy, these guys are very young and still on the up and up. Roy’s on the gottagetbackup.
That #38 sure can hit!
by Aaron Novinger on Jul 31, 2008 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well,
I’m with you on the Carpenter front. I’m one of the few people on this blog that have been supportive of him all along and think it’s absurd calling him a bust when he hasn’t had a legit chance to play.
The difference between Carpenter and Spears is that Spears has been a starter for 3 seasons and hasn’t been very consistent. Sacks don’t mean everything, but he rarely get’s pressure. I saw many times last year and others have noticed also that he get’s blown off the ball too often. He is good against the run no question about it, but he needs to improve in other areas. So far, he hasn’t shown a lot of progress. This is the reason I believe Wade is experimenting with Ratliff at DE. There is no other way to explain it. Wade wants more pressure from that position which in turn will help out Spencer and Ellis. Sacks are not everything, but 3 sacks in three seasons is down right awful. There is no way Spears makes this team as a DE next year with Hatcher on his heels.
I thought Hatcher would’ve beat out Spears last season if not for a injury in training camp. Spears has one foot out the door IMO, if he doesn’t prove he can play NT. Remember, they may want to see if Spears can be the lead NT in the event Tank is not resigned after the season. It’s too early in camp, but we may see Ratliff be the starting DE with Hatcher as his backup in September.
Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!
by Boyzfan94 on Jul 31, 2008 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, remember at last year's TC
even the DE’s were all about Wade’s system and how even they are gonna get more sacks. Spears seemed too atheltic for Parcells’ style, and too run-stuffing for Wade’s. You’re right about him not improving his pressure, he just is what he is until someone like Ratliff unseats him, which is most likely to happen.
I think Spears will become a pretty decent NT. If something happened to Tank, I think Spears (after this TC) can come in and do something to allow Ratliff to excel at end.
This is Spears contract year right? He plays well, somebody will pay him. He plays OK, then Dallas can get him cheap.
That #38 sure can hit!
by Aaron Novinger on Jul 31, 2008 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think people expect too much production,
considering we are talking about the DE in the 3-4. Outside of Richard Seymour, who is a freak, who else can you name that plays that position and puts up huge numbers? It’s not a position of glamour. Would you like to see a little more penetration from him? Of course. But Spears is really good at what he does. His job is to stop the run, and I find it hard to believe we’d be a top 10 team in run defense if Hatcher was starting in his place.
by Mandmeisterx on Jul 31, 2008 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His job is to get pressure and also stop the run
like Canty does. He rarely, ever becomes a distruptive force like Canty. That’s what Wade is looking for from the other DE spot. Ratliff can be another Canty. Maybe better?
Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!
by Boyzfan94 on Jul 31, 2008 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Defensive ends aren't the ones that get pressure in a 3-4 scheme
it’s the linbackers.
Canty and Spears have both played three season, Canty has 3.5 sacks more than Spears over that time and sick more tackles, yet plays more downs while Spears is taken off the sield in passing downs. And remember the big key point, the fact that Ware is parked on the same side as Canty, I think he garners alot more attenion.
by Deke on Jul 31, 2008 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your stuck on the BP 3-4 scheme
In Wade’s scheme, the DE’s need to be able to apply more pressure. That’s why Spears comes out on obvious passing downs and Hatch goes in.
The more the DE’s apply pressure, the better chance the OLB’s have at making the plays in the backfield.
Canty is on the same side as Ware exactly because he can apply more pressure than Spears could.
T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003
by APerfectStar on Jul 31, 2008 7:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1 exactly
this is not Parcells system anymore. In Wades system the DE’s also need to be pressure players. Like I said sacks aren’t everything, but Spears rarely get’s QB pressure. Canty may not get a bunch of sacks, but he gets pressure. He is noticed on the field alot more than Spears.
Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!
by Boyzfan94 on Aug 1, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or could it be that
Canty gets more pressure BECAUSE he’s on the same side as Ware.
by WB3forMB3 on Aug 1, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
could be which is why
I said that Ellis and Spencer could benifit with a high motor pressure player like Ratliff on their side.
Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!
by Boyzfan94 on Aug 1, 2008 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't think about that.
That #38 sure can hit!
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 1, 2008 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In any case
We’ve got to make sure that everyone isn’t pinning their ears back to go after the QB while the RB runs right past them on a draw
by WB3forMB3 on Aug 1, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not really
They wouldn’t double team Canty with a tackle.. Ware isn’t getting doubled team with a guard, it would be a RB or TE.
"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 Aug 1, 2008 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And that's what causes mismatches!
That #38 sure can hit!
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 1, 2008 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mandmeisterx
Excellent!!! You nailed it, cant say it any better than that…
by Deke on Jul 31, 2008 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Castillo
had 7 sacks 2 years ago.
"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 Jul 31, 2008 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
how come you didn't bring up his 2007 stats
he had 2.5 sacks, half a sack more than Spears but Spears had 2 forced fumbles!
by Deke on Jul 31, 2008 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
pointing out
Outside of Richard Seymour, who is a freak, who else can you name that plays that position and puts up huge numbers?
That other players have shown you can have solid sack years out of the 3-4 DE. Castillo is highly injury prone, for everything he gives you have to expect him to miss nearly 40% of the season..
I personally think Spears isn’t a bust, he is good player, not a star, not every player drafted in the 1st round is star.. You need role players..
"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 Jul 31, 2008 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Castillo gets a lot of his pressure
playing inside on their 4 man line on passing situations. Something Spears doesn’t get the luxury of.
by Mandmeisterx on Jul 31, 2008 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Castillo doesn't play anything different than Spears on this front
He is a DE on a 3-4 team. They don’t use Castillo any different than they use Spears here. Spears was moved around last season on passing downs just like Castillo. There is no difference other than Castillo is a better player than Spears
Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!
by Boyzfan94 on Aug 1, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And could it be that
Castillo gets more pressure becuase he lines up on the right side with Merriman?
by WB3forMB3 on Aug 1, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good point.
Castillo got alot of his sacks that way and in his 7 sack season (2006) they were against falling teams like SF, OAK, DEN, CLE. Butthole teams back then.
Grass is always greener…I’ll stick with Spears and Co.
That #38 sure can hit!
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 1, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's not true at all.
He moves inside with Jamaal Williams on their nickel defense. That alone helps him out because Williams always draws a double team. The notion that he and Spears get the same opportunities is wrong.
by Mandmeisterx on Aug 1, 2008 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I see what your saying
I don’t watch enough SD games to notice who is on the D-line in the nickel, but I will say, that Castillo has enough talent to warrant remaining on the field in the nickel to get more opportunities. Spears obviously does not, since the coaches take him out in those situations.
T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003
by APerfectStar on Aug 1, 2008 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What it comes down to is
playing to a guy’s strengths. Obviously rushing the passer is obviously not Spears’. It’s no different than how a lot of teams have short yardage or 3rd down backs. It doesn’t mean the other guy is bad, but there is someone else who fills that role better. I think we need to do the same with Ellis this year. Let him play more passing downs, and let Spencer play more on 1st and 2nd downs.
by Mandmeisterx on Aug 1, 2008 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Russell Maryland wasn't known for sacks either.
Sometimes you just need guys to do the dirty work, so that Haley (Ware) and Tolbert (Ellis) can be disruptive.
That #38 sure can hit!
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 1, 2008 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
word..........
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Jul 31, 2008 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is signed through 2010
The Cowboys are contemplating moving DE Jason Hatcher into the starting lineup.
They are also thinking about moving NT Jay Ratliff back to end. In related news, there is talk about moving DE Marcus Spears out of the lineup and possibly off the team in a draft day trade. Spears has just 4.5 sacks in three years after being selected as a 2005 first rounder.Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram
I was off a bit. 4.5 sacks in 3 seasons, but still awful. This was the talk before the draft and it seems the FWST wasn’t that far off in April.
Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!
by Boyzfan94 on Jul 31, 2008 11:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like they want 2 swing guys.
Ratliff and Spears can play both. Hatcher can’t. Hatcher would be good to start against passing teams like Cleveland, AZ, and Seattle. Having him and Canty out there would also increase the height of the DLine because I think Hatch is 6’6” and Canty is 6’7”. Tank does a good job of batting down passes too.
With such depth, “starting” is beginning to mean that that is your designated position. Versatility is really going to keep the line fresh which will help take some of the pressure off the LBs.
That #38 sure can hit!
by Aaron Novinger on Jul 31, 2008 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hatcher is good against the run and pass
Wade said it yesterday. Which leads me to beilive if Ratliff to DE is not permanent, which I think it will be, Hatcher will replace Spears as the starter.
Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!
by Boyzfan94 on Jul 31, 2008 12:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hatcher wasn't good against the run last year
that’s the reason he couldn’t get the starting defensive end job away from Spears. If he improves this year against the run, he has a chance to get more playing time. I dont want to trade Hatcher as some do, I think he’s going to have a break out year .
The reason why all these guys are being tried in two positions, it might enable them only to carry five defensive linemen instead of six, saving a spot for another position.
by Deke on Jul 31, 2008 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still would trade
Ginn for hatcher though..
"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 Jul 31, 2008 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure glad you're not jerry then
Ginn wouldn’t even see the field on our team, might not even return punts with Pacman here, while, like Deke said, Hatcher is primed for a great year.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Jul 31, 2008 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Ginn could beat out all our other WRs
I’d do that trade too, but it looks like Dallas is sticking with what they’ve got at both positions. When you think you have depth to trade, one injury can make you regret the whole deal.
That #38 sure can hit!
by Aaron Novinger on Jul 31, 2008 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't get why everyone's so big on trading
Part of being a great franchise is being able to groom your own drafted talent, and when they get good locking them up for a while. When you keep trading away good, young talent, you strip your team down and leave yourself vulnerable.
by Mandmeisterx on Jul 31, 2008 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well Spears wasn't good against the pass
I think it had to do more with Spears being an incumbent and more experienced than Hatcher. Hatcher being injured didn’t help either. Hatcher, aparently is much improved in both areas. Wade said in his press conference the other day when talking about Spears and Canty that Canty is good against the run and pass.
The reason why all these guys are being tried in two positions, it might enable them only to carry five defensive linemen instead of six, saving a spot for another position.
Maybe, but I think it has more to do with needing more production from the DE position. They gave Spears a shot last season, now it’s time to try something else. Ratliff is a high motor player like he had with Castillo in SD. That’s what, IMO is what he is looking for.
Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!
by Boyzfan94 on Aug 1, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ratliff seems to be put off by this move.
He likes playing NT and has that attitude that “whatever’s good for the team, but I’ve always played NT.”
Wasn’t he drafted as an end and Wade moved him there last TC because Fergi didn’t have a decent backup? Or did Parcells play him at NT his rookie year?
That #38 sure can hit!
by Aaron Novinger on Jul 31, 2008 5:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
He'll be fine
As soon as he is killing his man one on one he will be happy..
"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 Jul 31, 2008 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty sure I read
that he started off in college as a DE in a 4-3 scheme, then got moved inside to DT. Then we was drafted to play DE in our 3-4 scheme. Played there his first two years and then got moved inside to NT last year. I think he’s just tired of moving around. About the time he gets comfortable with a position he gets moved again. Maybe he feels like he never gets a really good chance to shine.
by WB3forMB3 on Aug 1, 2008 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
exactly, you nailed it
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Aug 1, 2008 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He has been Mr. Versatility.
Wonder if he played FB in high school.
That #38 sure can hit!
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 1, 2008 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Versatility is the key......
Our dominant Super Bowl teams of the early 90’s had a deep rotation of guys that played several positions along the line…...
3 man base alignment:
LDE-Ratliff , Hatcher
NT-Spears , Johnson
RDE-Canty , Bowen
4 man nickle alignment:
LDE-Hatcher, Ellis
DT- Johnson, Canty
DT- Ratliff, Spears
RDE-Ware, Bowen
DL Roster spots:
Canty
Spears
Ratliff
Hatcher
Johnson
Bowen
I would like to go with just the 6 D Lineman because of the versatility, but we may carry 7, possibly 8….but if there is one position where we can go with minimal players, it’s D Line…..which could allow us to possibly carry 7 CB’s or 2 FB’s or 5 Safeties, or 4 TE’s, or 6 WR’s, or 3 QB’s
here’s my initial 53 man roster…
QB-(2)
Romo
Johnson/replacement
FB-(1)
Anderson
Cruz
RB-(3)
Barber
Jones
Choice
WR-(5)
Owens
Crayton
Hurd
Stanback
Austin
Amendola
TE-(4)
Witten
Bennett
Curtis
Hannan
OL-(10)
Adams
Kosier
Goroude
Davis
Columbo
Free
McQuistan
Marten
Berger
McKerkerker
K-(1)
Folk
P-(1)
McBriar
LS-(1)
Loduceur
DL-(6)
Canty
Spears
Ratliff
Johnson
Hatcher
Bowen
Dixon
LB-(9)
Ware
James
Thomas
Ellis
Spencer
Rodgers
Carpenter
Burnett
Walden
CB-(6)
Newman
Henry
Jones
Jenkins
Scandrick
Oglesby
Ball
Safety-(4)
Williams
Hamlin
Brown
Watkins
Davis
- Note:
We may carry only 9 O Linemen or 8 LB’s or 3 TE’s, which would give us flexability to add another WR,FB,CB,DL,or S, but this is the way I see it so far.
- Players listed in bold notes likely practice squad or last cuts
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 Aug 1, 2008 6:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
you listed 6 WR's
"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 Aug 1, 2008 9:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I get what your saying...
I would go with the 6 WR’s
"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 Aug 1, 2008 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wont carry two fullbacks
2-Qb’s
1-FB’s
3-RB’s
3-TE’s
6-WR’s
10-OL’s
6-DL’s
8-LB’s
7-CB’s
4-S
1-P
1-LS
1-K
by Deke on Aug 1, 2008 6:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
more versatility
Cowboys have a package where Greg Ellis is a DE in a 3-man front with Spencer and DeMarcus Ware as the OLBs.
"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 Aug 1, 2008 10:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Keeping one in reserve
I see position numbers like this:
QB (2)
RB (3)
FB (1)
TE (3)
WR (6)
OL (9)
P (1)
K (1)
LS (1)
DL (6)
LB (8)
CB (6)
S (5)
And Im holding one spot in reserve that would go to the best special teams contributor regardless of their primary position. Could be another LB, FB, CB, whatever.
OR if they managed to land another QB with some upside. They wont make the Matt Moore mistake again.
by WB3forMB3 on Aug 2, 2008 11:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm hoping they keep 2 FBs
Those guys always seem to be useful
That #38 sure can hit!
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 2, 2008 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
bennett and curtis
ability to play H-back makes one of them expendable.
"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 Aug 2, 2008 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you mean...
the ability to use Curtis or Bennett at the H-back makes the 2nd FB expendable?
by WB3forMB3 on Aug 2, 2008 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
exactly of the 2 FB's expendable..
"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 Aug 2, 2008 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Still hoping they keep 2 FBs.
Especially if only 3 TEs are kept. I guess it depends on how well Ronnie Cruz performs this preseason.
Preseason starts today! Woohoo!
That #38 sure can hit!
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 3, 2008 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
#2 FB-Cruz vs. #4 TE-Hannah........let the battle begin...
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 Aug 3, 2008 2:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Spears one foot out the door? Ratliff starting DE come Game 1?
Looks more and more likely Spears is done at DE. Which is a good thing.
Mickey:
So what about some impressions and early predictions?
Though everyone denies it, but the play of Tank Johnson at nose tackle just had to be the impetus for the mid-week switch of starting nose Jay Ratliff to left defensive end and starting left defensive end Marcus Spears to the nose. The self-described “beast” is playing so, and sure wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up the starter, or playing the majority of those snaps in there since no one here likes to talk about who’s starting and who isn’t. When asked about Tank, though, Cowboys defensive line coach Todd Grantham’s eyes lit up, saying, “Yeah, he’s really playing well.”And if that happens, then let’s predict Ratliff starting at left defensive end, where he was extremely active the past few days back at the position he occupied before forced inside last year by Jason Ferguson’s season-ending injury.
And if that happens, what with the continued emergence of Jason Hatcher and Stephen Bowen, and the potential of Marcus Dixon, could the Cowboys have showcased Spears at nose tackle to attract trade interest from another team? Bill, are you listening to me? Crossed my mind, and his, too, though by Sunday both had returned to their original positions in practice.
http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/news.cfm?id=8B1619A4-E934-34B3-94A0141175FE2398
Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!
by Boyzfan94 on Aug 3, 2008 9:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
IF Jerry "gives" another player away to Tuna...I'll be pissed.....
Time for Tuna to pay up equal value to what “he” invested in these guys…..I’d be reluctant to accept anything less than a high 2nd rounder for Spears….I’d rather keep him as a swing lineman in a great rotation…..I’d start Spears at NT on obvious rushing downs, then bring in Tank with the nickle squad…...Spears giving Rat a blow on rushing downs on the outside as well…....more quality D linemen…the better..
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 Aug 3, 2008 9:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
Time to keep the depth entact.. No trades, roll with what we got..
"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 Aug 4, 2008 12:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
I don’t think they are showcasing Spears for a trade, they honestly wanted to see if he could work inside and give Rat more chances at DE.
Predicted DL: Canty, Rat, Tank, Spears, Hatch, and a battle between Dixon and Bowen for the 6th spot
T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003
by APerfectStar on Aug 4, 2008 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Any draft pick you get from Miami
will be high in the respective rounds since the team will probably suck.
That #38 sure can hit!
by Aaron Novinger on Aug 4, 2008 1:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
which is why getting a 2nd rounder from Miami would be in the #32 to #40 overall range....
which i’d except for Spears with one more year left on his contract…....although I’d actually prefer to keep him…...but when his contract is up…i’d see him fleeing for more dollars than we would pay to keep him around as a rotational run defense situation DL…......WE GOT to make it all happen this year…...
p.s. ...Tom….I don’t think Dixon has any chance of beating out Bowen…..Bowen is a lock….Dixon may be practice squad material…...I don’t think we need more than 6 D Linemen because of the diversity of Spears, Ratliff, and even Canty to play inside or out…...plus Ellis as a DE on 4 man fronts….....
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 Aug 4, 2008 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Dixon would benefit greatly from a year on the practice squad
and a year in the strength and conditioning program
by Deke on Aug 4, 2008 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Agree Dixon would be better served with a full yr of strength and conditioning under Juresek, but I’ve read in a few places that Grantham really likes this kid, so I don’t know if I would totally rule him out of making it as the 6th DL. Probably still behind Bowen right now.
T-New, shutting down WR's for Dallas since 2003
by APerfectStar on Aug 4, 2008 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He wont make the roster
I like the kid too, I really hope he makes it, but there is no way he makes this team, just too much talent on the squad
by Deke on Aug 4, 2008 7:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he's got a chance.....slim..but if he plays lights out in preseason...he may stick...
he’d make it IF:
1) we decide to keep 7 D Linemen….cuz the other DL hopefuls have no chance
2) or if we only keep 8 LB’s, there is a chance…. Dixon vs. Walden
3) or if we only keep 6 CB’s there is a chance…. Dixon vs. Ball
4) or if we only carry 3 TE’s or 1 FB there is a chance…Dixon vs. Cruz vs. Hannah
5) or if we roll with less than 10 O Linemen there is a chance….
He better shine in camp, pre games, and special teams to sway these decisions…
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 Aug 4, 2008 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Look up... get up...Don't ever, ever give up!!
by Boyzfan94 on Aug 3, 2008 10:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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