Igor Olshansky: What Does This Signing Mean?
by Carl Shelton (GloryDayz88) on Mar 7, 2009 9:14 PM CST
in General
54 comments
On Friday, the Dallas Cowboys signed defensive end Igor Olshansky (formerly of the Chargers) to a 4-year/$18 million deal. Jerry Jones was wise to play the waiting game, and was rewarded by landing a solid, experienced player at a clearance sale price. The 6'6"/309 lb. Olshansky will man the defensive end position recently vacated by Chris Canty. Beyond the fact that the Cowboys have effectively replaced the departed Canty, what does this move mean for the 2009 Cowboys?
The signing of Olshansky most likely cancels out any chance of nose tackle Jay Ratliff kicking outside full-time. If the Cowboys intent was to move Ratliff to defensive end full time, they would have instead been looking for a nose tackle after Canty signed with the Giants. If the plan was to play Marcus Spears and Ratliff at the ends with Stephen Bowen providing depth, the signing of Olshansky would have been pure gluttony. The Cowboys would also have a gaping hole in the middle of the defensive line. Barring any unforeseen, dramatic change of events, the 2009 Cowboys will start Igor Olshansky, Jay Ratliff, and Marcus Spears across the defensive line.
This move also means that the Cowboys will have a bit more flexibility on draft day. After filling needs at inside linebacker (Keith Brooking) and now defensive end, the Cowboys will not be forced to reach at either of these positions on draft day. Unless the available talent is simply overwhelming, the Cowboys can focus on other needs early in the draft. With the Spears heading into a contract year, the Cowboys will likely draft some depth, but they can now wait until the middle or late rounds. The Cowboys may now also be inclined to draft a more raw player with more upside, as he will not be called upon to start right away. The more needs you have filled prior to the draft, the better chance you have at staying true to your board and getting value at your slot.
Perhaps most importantly, Olshansky's signing means that the Cowboys were able to let Chris Canty walk and replace his production for less than half the price. In Canty's four NFL seasons, he has averaged 37 tackles and 2.5 sacks per year. Over the course of Olshansky's five-year career, he has averaged 35.8 tackles and 2.2 sacks. As far as numbers are concerned, production is pretty much a push. Looking at film, it is evident that Olshansky has a far more consistent motor than Canty. Olshansky's relentless nature allows those around him to make plays as well, so some of his value will not show up on the stat sheet.
If there has been any theme to this Cowboys off-season, it has been familiarity. Tony Romo's new backup Jon Kitna is quite familiar with the teams new number one wide receiver Roy Williams. Newly acquired linebackers Keith Brooking and Matt Stewart are familiar with Wade Phillips and his defensive scheme. Phillips also has a certain familiarity with Olshansky, whom he coached for three seasons while running the San Diego Chargers defense.
In short, the Cowboys balked at the notion of handing $42 million to an inconsistent Chris Canty. The Cowboys then signed an equally productive replacement who is already familiar with the defense. Lastly, the team saved about $24 million in the process. Not bad for an owner who is supposed to be an old, crazy, free-spender who isn't a "football guy".
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Dang
pats having a good offseason…i’d love to have Taylor and Springs here. That MB3 contract is going to suck really soon…
Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
"AMMIITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABHH!!!"
by Longhorn on Mar 7, 2009 9:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
people love to doubt him
my money is on he is worth every cent. we will see tho.
by Becho on Mar 7, 2009 11:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Taylor for what???????
"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract
by tyd3311 on Mar 8, 2009 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
let's see if the pats can get more than 8 games out of springs this season
Celebrity or Imposter?
YOU Decide...
http://www.xanga.com/metaltometal/689036052/celebrity-or-imposter/
by silverblue5 on Mar 8, 2009 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's why I like this signing so much.
But, when comparing this team to last year’s team to see if we’ve improved or are more cost effective, realize that you are paying more for the same production that Canty was giving you last year. So while I’m highly in favor of this move, realize that what we’re celebrating is cost effective changes as opposed to actual improvement to the defense.
You may be able to argue that Brooking will be a better player than Zach Thomas this year, but with an offense that will definitely have less talent, I’m not sure the defense has improved enough to overcome that (if at all).
by GhettoBear04 on Mar 7, 2009 9:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
We still have the draft
And an extra year of experience for Jenkins and Scandrik, as well as Rat at NT. The defence looked very good for the most part after WP took over. If were that effective again it bodes well for the season. Turnovers and penalties are imo more concerning.
I wear a black armband because on March 5th we cut TO and our 2009 season died.
by aussie_cowboy on Mar 7, 2009 9:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
thing is we have about 11 spots left to fill and 9 draft picks
plus 3 of those picks are very late (6,7, and 7). even with the compensatory picks we still need a little more action in free agency.
lets not act like the LB Stewart is worth anything at all. he was not even in the leauge last year, he would be lucky to make the team.
by Becho on Mar 8, 2009 12:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Here's the quote I like, I think he's an upgrade over Canty
“Looking at film, it is evident that Olshansky has a far more consistent motor than Canty. Olshansky’s relentless nature allows those around him to make plays as well”
by StillHateTheGiants on Mar 7, 2009 10:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Offfense Won't Have Less Talent'
Roy W will replace TO and surpass him; we had injuries to Felix and MBIII. Felix and Choice have shown they can play; Tellus has another year under his belt. Romo was beat to death and there was the finger injury that cost him three games, and hindered him in at least two more. With TO out of the way, the offense will open up to other players including Crayton, Tellus, Austin, Hurd, and maybe Stanback — likely we see a draft pick WR emerge with speed. MBIII as a receiver out of the backfield is turning out to be a great asset; throw in old reliable Witten, a proven backup QB — I just don’t see any issue with the offense.
by Iowacowboy on Mar 8, 2009 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Need Help on the O LIne
I think losing TO at wideout won’t hurt IF the O line play is improved. I don’t care who is playing QB or wide receiver if they don’t have time for the routes to develop they won’t go very far.
Geaux Cowboys!
by dlthibo on Mar 8, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oline will be improved..
As long as Kosier and Flo are healthy
by nicholas.rodriguez on Mar 8, 2009 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we need a SS in FA
that way we do not have to reach in the draft
by stephen1 on Mar 7, 2009 9:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Patrick Chung
I think this guy would be a good pick for us in the second.
by eightball on Mar 7, 2009 9:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I don't like Chung
I’d rather have a safety who can cover a little better.
Maybe that’s just an overrection to years of dealing with RW.
by connery on Mar 7, 2009 10:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I agree
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
by Tim Wilson on Mar 8, 2009 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Guys forget the
crap about Ratliff playing NT.
When the center from the eagles and skins play ratliff one on one and blow him off the line stop it!!
He isn’t big enough nor does he have the technique to play the large centers.
we need a wilkens or a ferguson to play that position..
we talk about Wade’sl players.
they aint 298 playing NT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
they are 320 / 345
don’t give me ron bryce
get off your asses and get shaun rogers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
cleveland is dyeing to get rid of this guy for a number 2
by oneforthethumb on Mar 7, 2009 10:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Didn't he just have one hell of a year playing nose tackle?
And exactly when did he get blown up by the skins and eagles or anybody else for that matter. I have those games on my dvr and i went back and watched them when i read your post. And i just don’t see what you are seeing.
by TARHEEL PAUL on Mar 7, 2009 10:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
you watched all four of those games in 1/2 an hour?
I wear a black armband because on March 5th we cut TO and our 2009 season died.
by aussie_cowboy on Mar 8, 2009 12:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah well,
its not like i watched the whole game. Its called fast foward. But thanks for paying attention.
by TARHEEL PAUL on Mar 8, 2009 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you stil can't fast forward through 4 games in half an hour
in any meaningful way. 8 minutes per game? please
"To be ignorant of one’s ignorance is the malady of the ignorant."
by ab03 on Mar 8, 2009 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who really cares??
The point is it didn’t happen. Ratliff wasn’t getting pushed around by those centers.
There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.
by kameleon_o on Mar 8, 2009 6:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
this is funny
"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract
by tyd3311 on Mar 8, 2009 11:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cleveland is dying to dump Rogers
Doesn’t that tell you something? He’s known as a bad locker room guy. Isn’t that what we’re trying to get away from?
by rhbgsherb on Mar 8, 2009 8:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
are you kidding me??
the way he pushed around the Redskins center (Rabach) caused somebody (I think it may have been Madden) to say that was the worst game he’s ever seen a center play
In reference to how good the Steelers have been in their history: "No one is even close to them."- Steal Home
by hinduplaya on Mar 8, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
1) Shaun Rogers was Cleveland’s best player last year on either side of the ball, and they just traded for him less than a year ago. I am unclear as to why they would be “dying to get rid of him.”
2) What leads you to believe Rat cannot man the nose? Considering he did it for 16 games last year, I mean. You’re talking like this is a new experiment we’re trying, instead of looking at the entire season of evidence we just saw.
3) As Raf and others have said many times, Phillips’ 3-4 does not require a “space eater,” it requires a NT who can run and penetrate. If that guy also happens to be massive, like Jamal Williams, then great, but 330 pounders who can run are pretty rare.
4) I think it’s Ron Brace, not Bryce. And the talk lately seems to have been that he’s not dynamic enough for the penetrating NT role.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
by Tim Wilson on Mar 8, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What we need is
A backup for Rat that is compitent. Rat had to be in on too many plays and was getting worn out by the constant double team…I hear Igor can take up a double team on his own as well so Ware might get some more free looks this year…Nice!!!
by nicholas.rodriguez on Mar 8, 2009 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Isn't Jay Ratliff playing great at NT and only 293 lbs?? Isn't Jason Ferguson only 305 lbs??
Now you want to give our first pick in the draft away for a guy 2 other teams couldn’t wait to get rid of??
There is no theory of evolution. Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.
by kameleon_o on Mar 8, 2009 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And yet...
Ratliff made the probowl and led all NT’s with sacks.
Amazing.
Putting exlamation marks after you write doesn’t make you correct.
Dallas makes me act like Christian Bale......
by AirforceBat on Mar 8, 2009 7:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Igor's contract but I'm puzzled
Why did a guy with production equal to Canty come at 1/2 the price? What am I missing?
by StillHateTheGiants on Mar 7, 2009 10:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Lesser hype
As a Cowboy, Canty carried a certain appeal with him. He’s also got the greater athletic talent, and teams equate that with great things to come, reasoning that obviously the player in question wil have an epiphany upon joining their ranks and fulfill his potential.
Kanye, you want to be the voice of this generation? Get in line! It goes me, Obamagirl, the Freecreditreport.com guys, then It's a tie between you-and Crocs.
-Stephen Colbert
by Conjunction on Mar 7, 2009 10:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wait till they
rank the FA signings:
Was Canty worth 10 mio more than Igor? No way.
by oneforthethumb on Mar 7, 2009 10:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
because the
poor guy played in SD!!!!!!!!!
Canty is good but, no way is he worth the money.
Go tell Tuck, Usi they make less money than Canty.
Igor plays hard every single down.
I posted a month ago this guy is better than Canty.
by oneforthethumb on Mar 7, 2009 10:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Raf said Canty is more valued because he stays in on 3rd down, whereas Igor is a 2 down player
"When it's third and ten, you can take the milk drinkers and I'll take the whiskey drinkers every time." -Max McGee
by BigDinSC on Mar 8, 2009 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's big...
…but I sure wouldn’t call him pretty! :)
by greatwhitenorth on Mar 8, 2009 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What's going on over there in Chargerland?
Why did they let this guy go? I mean I’m glad we got him, don’t get me wrong, just wondering why he was available?
by Benthere on Mar 7, 2009 11:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
yeah, the deal was pretty sweet...
wondering if they knew something we didn’t…oh well, i’m just a fan who spends a lot (way too much) time reading this stuff…
I have noticed a new resurgence in Cowboy hating in 2007, which can only mean one thing- We're back.
by nspirals on Mar 8, 2009 12:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Chargers ownership
Is cheap, based on what I’ve heard. They’re not exactly scraping against the cap, but they’ve let Olshansky go and they want LT2 to take a pay cut.
They’re looking at a similar situation to what we are, with attempts to extend Merriman, and they’re being cautious. I guess.
Or maybe It’s the whole ’ they’re cheap’ thing.
Kanye, you want to be the voice of this generation? Get in line! It goes me, Obamagirl, the Freecreditreport.com guys, then It's a tie between you-and Crocs.
-Stephen Colbert
by Conjunction on Mar 8, 2009 12:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Fat's Domino at NT?
Is the Spears at NT experiment done?
by Turbo73 on Mar 8, 2009 1:29 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I'll take Igor over Canty any day.
Igor is a banger.
Not some lumbering pass deflector.
by rotovibe on Mar 8, 2009 1:30 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I still say
DT is a priority in the draft. The rookie comes in on rotation basis, Ratliff plays both DT and DE(nickle) and Igor plasy 1st and 2nd at DE
by cow_fanatic on Mar 8, 2009 9:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That's not a bad idea...
I agree with it for anything just because after Ratliff you’re very thin at DT.
Dallas makes me act like Christian Bale......
by AirforceBat on Mar 8, 2009 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
back to the post...
his signing allows the ilb’s to be more aggresive, i think we get better at stopping the run and i think our sacks stay high, and if f. jones and barber come back healthy, romo getting some time with rw and some ideas from kitna on how hes best used, also i feel wade will rein in garrett and have him thinking run, run, screen, run ,draw, then strike deep.i think we will be looking at a TEAM effort and thats going to be one tough team to beat…
I don't need a compass to know which way the wind shines....
by hashishkabob on Mar 9, 2009 5:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Great signing
Canty=Olshansky and we get the guy with the cheaper price tag..well done Jerry.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Mar 9, 2009 10:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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