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Roster Rundown
Limited Snaps For Brent Behind Ratliff
By Nick Eatman
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
(Editor's Note: Throughout the offseason, DallasCowboys.com staff writers will take a closer look at the roster, analyzing each player's impact last season and how he fits into the team's 2012 plans. Today's Roster Rundown entry features defensive tackle Josh Brent.)
Name: Josh Brent
Position: Defensive tackle
Height/Weight: 6-2/320
Experience: 2 seasons
College: Illinois
Key stat: Maybe it's more of a coincidence, but the Cowboys went 1-4 in the five games Brent missed with a knee injury. In three of those, the opponent rushed for more than 100 yards, including a 239-yard outburst by the Eagles.
Contract Status: Signed through 2013.
2011 Impact: The second-year lineman had high expectations in 2011, considering how well he played as a rookie who showed up the week before training camp. Brent's contributions figured to be higher, but it didn't work out that way last year. With injuries limiting his season to just 11 games, Brent wasn't a major force in the run defense. He is the team's biggest defensive tackle and was used in short-yardage and goal-line situations. He finished the year with only three tackles.
Where He Fits: Currently, there is a strong need for Brent because he's the closest thing to a true nose tackle that the Cowboys have. With Jay Ratliff manning the middle, Brent comes in on the goal-line packages to add some beef on the inside. He's still a young player who is getting better and is one of the stronger defenders on the team. If Brent loses snaps this year, it could be to Sean Lissemore, who replaced him for injury reasons, but performed well. Lissemore also has more versatility with the ability to play both tackle and end. If the Cowboys don't get a pure nose tackle in the draft or free agency, then Brent will be the closest thing they've got.
Writers' Analysis:
Josh Ellis: Personally, I think the Cowboys would be better suited with a true nose tackle starting in the middle of their 3-4 as opposed to the undersized Ratliff, who tends to get worn down during the course of the game and the season. Kicking Ratliff out to end and spelling him more often would not only keep him fresh, but help the edge rush on the opposite side of DeMarcus Ware. At different times over the last two years, Brent has given reason to believe he could be a starter in the base defense, but his opportunities are going to remain limited unless Ratliff is moved.
Nick Eatman: When asked about Josh Brent early last season, Pro Bowl tackle Jay Ratliff's eyes lit up and he had just one word: "Strength." Brent's strength got him noticed early on and if he's going to remain a part of the mix on the defensive line, it will have to be his biggest asset. He's having to play behind Ratliff at nose tackle for now, but gets his chances on a limited basis. The Cowboys need more power inside and Brent gives it to them. But playing behind Ratliff won't warrant a ton of opportunities. While there has been talk of Ratliff possibly moving out to defensive end in this 3-4 scheme, nothing has been solidified. If that happens, it would likely benefit Brent the most.
Limited Snaps For Brent Behind Ratliff
By Nick Eatman
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
(Editor's Note: Throughout the offseason, DallasCowboys.com staff writers will take a closer look at the roster, analyzing each player's impact last season and how he fits into the team's 2012 plans. Today's Roster Rundown entry features defensive tackle Josh Brent.)
Name: Josh Brent
Position: Defensive tackle
Height/Weight: 6-2/320
Experience: 2 seasons
College: Illinois
Key stat: Maybe it's more of a coincidence, but the Cowboys went 1-4 in the five games Brent missed with a knee injury. In three of those, the opponent rushed for more than 100 yards, including a 239-yard outburst by the Eagles.
Contract Status: Signed through 2013.
2011 Impact: The second-year lineman had high expectations in 2011, considering how well he played as a rookie who showed up the week before training camp. Brent's contributions figured to be higher, but it didn't work out that way last year. With injuries limiting his season to just 11 games, Brent wasn't a major force in the run defense. He is the team's biggest defensive tackle and was used in short-yardage and goal-line situations. He finished the year with only three tackles.
Where He Fits: Currently, there is a strong need for Brent because he's the closest thing to a true nose tackle that the Cowboys have. With Jay Ratliff manning the middle, Brent comes in on the goal-line packages to add some beef on the inside. He's still a young player who is getting better and is one of the stronger defenders on the team. If Brent loses snaps this year, it could be to Sean Lissemore, who replaced him for injury reasons, but performed well. Lissemore also has more versatility with the ability to play both tackle and end. If the Cowboys don't get a pure nose tackle in the draft or free agency, then Brent will be the closest thing they've got.
Writers' Analysis:
Josh Ellis: Personally, I think the Cowboys would be better suited with a true nose tackle starting in the middle of their 3-4 as opposed to the undersized Ratliff, who tends to get worn down during the course of the game and the season. Kicking Ratliff out to end and spelling him more often would not only keep him fresh, but help the edge rush on the opposite side of DeMarcus Ware. At different times over the last two years, Brent has given reason to believe he could be a starter in the base defense, but his opportunities are going to remain limited unless Ratliff is moved.
Nick Eatman: When asked about Josh Brent early last season, Pro Bowl tackle Jay Ratliff's eyes lit up and he had just one word: "Strength." Brent's strength got him noticed early on and if he's going to remain a part of the mix on the defensive line, it will have to be his biggest asset. He's having to play behind Ratliff at nose tackle for now, but gets his chances on a limited basis. The Cowboys need more power inside and Brent gives it to them. But playing behind Ratliff won't warrant a ton of opportunities. While there has been talk of Ratliff possibly moving out to defensive end in this 3-4 scheme, nothing has been solidified. If that happens, it would likely benefit Brent the most.