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JEAN-JAQUES TAYLOR / DMN
Cowboys nose guard Jay Ratliff participated in 733 plays last season. He did not make a single tackle for loss.
Add that to the list of issues new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan must address and fix next season.
Ryan has to figure out how to maximize Ratliff’s unique skill set. At 303 pounds, Ratliff is undersized for the position but uses his speed, quickness and technique to make plays by getting past guards and centers before they can block him.
He had 7 1/2 tackles for loss in 2009 and 5 1/2 in 2008. Each time, he finished second on the team.
The Cowboys need that guy — not the player we saw most of last season.
The classic nose guard in the 3-4 is about 330-350 pounds, an immoveable object who requires a double team on every play, freeing up others to make tackles.
The prevailing theory is that Ratliff wears down over the course of the season and becomes less effective as a run stopper. His athleticism is among the reasons he has been an outstanding pas s rusher over the last few seasons, but it didn’t help him against the run.
Stopping the run is the top priority for any nose guard in the 3-4 defense. Everything else is a luxury.
Ryan’s to-do list just got longer.
Cowboys nose guard Jay Ratliff participated in 733 plays last season. He did not make a single tackle for loss.
Add that to the list of issues new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan must address and fix next season.
Ryan has to figure out how to maximize Ratliff’s unique skill set. At 303 pounds, Ratliff is undersized for the position but uses his speed, quickness and technique to make plays by getting past guards and centers before they can block him.
He had 7 1/2 tackles for loss in 2009 and 5 1/2 in 2008. Each time, he finished second on the team.
The Cowboys need that guy — not the player we saw most of last season.
The classic nose guard in the 3-4 is about 330-350 pounds, an immoveable object who requires a double team on every play, freeing up others to make tackles.
The prevailing theory is that Ratliff wears down over the course of the season and becomes less effective as a run stopper. His athleticism is among the reasons he has been an outstanding pas s rusher over the last few seasons, but it didn’t help him against the run.
Stopping the run is the top priority for any nose guard in the 3-4 defense. Everything else is a luxury.
Ryan’s to-do list just got longer.