The DL looks like the weakest unit

[marionbarberthe4th]

Shoved around in the run game, not many talented rushers, and ratliff is showing signs of aging. And not much hope in the youth like there is w/ the OL and secondary

 

[NoShame]

I'm starting to worry that Ratliff is becoming a lot like Marion Barber.

A high effort, emotional leader, and classic overachiever that hits the wall and doesn't have the impact he once had.

 

[Sheik]

I haven't paid attention to Josh Brent. Has he looked any better in the middle?

F it. Move Ratliff to RDE and let Brent play the nose if he can.

 

[NoShame]

From all the hype Brent received thru the first part of camp I was expecting a lot more out of him than what we have seen.. Not completely sure he's the answer yet.

 

[dbair1967]

I haven't paid attention to Josh Brent. Has he looked any better in the middle?

F it. Move Ratliff to RDE and let Brent play the nose if he can.

Brent has been a little better IMO, but he isnt pushing the pocket much either. His big advantage over Ratliff is he is bigger and stronger, and isnt getting road graded back quite as bad.

 

[marionbarberthe4th]

Brent is more active than the DE's. I would have farted around w/ different lineups if you think he's your 2nd or 3rd best DL.

Just like I think they should have gotten a look at gurode at guard and Nagy at center. That's what the preseason is for

 

[Midswat]

No question Dline is going to need to be addressed heavily in next years draft.

We need to can Oshlansky. When you have a three man line, and one of the guys is routinely getting mauled, then it's a lot harder for the other two to hold their ground.

I think a rotation of Coleman, Spears (when healthy), Brent, & Ratliff would be a serviceable group.

 

[Cythim]

This is what happens when you are strapped for cash. We knew coming into the off season that we needed DL and OL but we failed to add adequate depth because we didn't have the cap space.

 

[marionbarberthe4th]

Cullen Jenkins basically took a 1 yr/$4m deal. I'm perplexed

 

[Plymkr]

Anytime the 4-3 defense comes back to Dallas can't be soon enough. Never liked the 3-4. Still don't. Never will.

There are average players in Dallas, too many of them. Most are on defense. And it has been this way for years. No more shadowing the faults.

 

[superpunk]

Cullen Jenkins basically took a 1 yr/$4m deal. I'm perplexed

Part time player no good in run support.

IOW he's no Kenyon Coleman.

 

[LAZARUS_LOGAN]

No question Dline is going to need to be addressed heavily in next years draft.

We need to can Oshlansky. When you have a three man line, and one of the guys is routinely getting mauled, then it's a lot harder for the other two to hold their ground.

I think a rotation of Coleman, Spears (when healthy), Brent, & Ratliff would be a serviceable group.

Did Coleman even play the other night? I didn't see him. And to the OP, I think the ILB is the weakest link.

 

[Rock Slamdance]

Seems that DL AND ILB are weak spots right now. I'm especially disappointed in Lee. He was hawking all over the place in practice, but when its game time he seems lost.

 

[jiggyfly]

The D-line did not play that badly other than Olshansky nobody got blown of the ball, most of the big runs came from missed tackles or the LB's overrunning plays.

I rewatched the game last night and kept a eye on Ratliff he can still stack a double team and get penetration this idea that he is getting blown up is a myth.

Lee overran several plays leading to long runs, the ILB play is more of an issue than the DL.