Should the cowboys sign a space eater at DT....?

[Clutch88]

I know Ratliff is a beast at times but, i think he is starting to wear down a little from the constant double teams and it shows late in the game when teams tack advantage up the middle with the running game.

I'm not saying replace him, I'm just surprised the coaching staff fails to recognize he might be better served by moving to DE on passing downs most of the time, or giving him more of a rest with a true DT during games, it just really shows what a great player he is to man that position at his size. But is it worth a shorter career in the long run..?

 

[Midswat]

I think Josh Brent is your guy.

He might not be a tradition space eater, in the way of a few 330+ pound guys, but he's incredibly strong and holds his ground at the point of attack.

Outside of Brent, I'm not sure what big-boned DT's will be out there via FA.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

If the Cowboys were serious about moving Ratliff to DE or greatly reducing his snaps I think they would have drafted a NT, but being that they didn't, then Middy is right. Brent will be the backup to Ratliff and will provide relief.

 

[Clutch88]

If the Cowboys were serious about moving Ratliff to DE or greatly reducing his snaps I think they would have drafted a NT, but being that they didn't, then Middy is right. Brent will be the backup to Ratliff and will provide relief.

The cowboys front office decisions leave alot to be desired..

 

[MichaelWinicki]

The cowboys front office decisions leave alot to be desired..

It seems that there are many that believe that keeping Ratliff as a NT is ultimately better for the Dallas Cowboys.

Does everyone believe that? No.

But it seems that enough believe that Ratliff is a better NT and that moving him to DE isn't any sort of "slam dunk" smart move.

 

[Clutch88]

It seems that there are many that believe that keeping Ratliff as a NT is ultimately better for the Dallas Cowboys.

Does everyone believe that? No.

But it seems that enough believe that Ratliff is a better NT and that moving him to DE isn't any sort of "slam dunk" smart move.

[I'm not saying replace him, I'm just surprised the coaching staff fails to recognize he might be better served by moving to DE on passing downs most of the time]...That was from my post.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

[I'm not saying replace him, I'm just surprised the coaching staff fails to recognize he might be better served by moving to DE on passing downs most of the time]...That was from my post.

There's some merit to that argument.

But most space-eating NT's do not have any where near the pass rush capability that Ratliff has.

For me it comes down to, which is more difficult to find?

A DE who could supply some pass rush in passing downs or a DT who could supply some pass rush on passing downs?

 

[cmd34]

Ratliff should still play the majority of downs. I would just sign/trade for a big nose tackle and play Ratliff at DE on run downs and then NT on passing downs. Ratliff is an effective player but we do not consistently do a decent job of stuffing the run. We need more size. A huge NT will do wonders fo Bradie James and Keith Brooking as well.

 

[Clutch88]

Ratliff should still play the majority of downs. I would just sign/trade for a big nose tackle and play Ratliff at DE on run downs and then NT on passing downs. Ratliff is an effective player but we do not consistently do a decent job of stuffing the run. We need more size. A huge NT will do wonders fo Bradie James and Keth Brooking as well.

If Keith Brooking wins the starting job in training camp we have a huge problem.

 

[Cr122]

Don't worry because with this new scheme you'll see Ratliff on the end at times.

Players will be shifting constantly causing mass confusion on the offensive side of the ball.

 

[LAZARUS_LOGAN]

If the Cowboys were serious about moving Ratliff to DE or greatly reducing his snaps I think they would have drafted a NT, but being that they didn't, then Middy is right. Brent will be the backup to Ratliff and will provide relief.

OR the Cowboys may still be serious about moving Ratliff to DE and having Brent start at NT.

 

[LAZARUS_LOGAN]

It seems that there are many that believe that keeping Ratliff as a NT is ultimately better for the Dallas Cowboys.

Does everyone believe that? No.

But it seems that enough believe that Ratliff is a better NT and that moving him to DE isn't any sort of "slam dunk" smart move.

He's a 1st team ALL-Pro at NT.

 

[sbk92]

There's some merit to that argument.

But most space-eating NT's do not have any where near the pass rush capability that Ratliff has.

For me it comes down to, which is more difficult to find?

A DE who could supply some pass rush in passing downs or a DT who could supply some pass rush on passing downs?

Oh. Well then passing downs must be all there is these days.

Ratliff belongs at DE. He's not a 3-4 NT. Until we make that change, this defense will never be among the best in the league. We need our own B.J. Raji.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

football fans and their cliches are worse than John Madden.