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Get Dallas Cowboys news on your cellCowboys Awards: Most Improved Player
10:51 AM Tue, Jan 22, 2008 | Permalink
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February 2008
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Movers and Shakers Pre-season Texas Stadium dallasnews.com
Sports Blogs |
The second of a seven-part awards series: DL JAY RATLIFF This was another easy choice. Jay Ratliff went from a rotation player to a rich guy. Ratliff earned a five-year, $20.5 million extension by filling the void at nose tackle left when veteran Jason Ferguson suffered a season-ending bicep injury in the opener. Ratliff had proven that he could be an effective interior pass rusher, and he enhanced that reputation with three sacks and 15 QB pressures (second on team behind DeMarcus Ware's 27). He also answered questions about whether his 6-4, 298-pound frame could take the pounding. The Cowboys ranked sixth in the league against the run (94.6 ypg) and allowed a 100-yard rusher only once -- the only game Ratliff missed. Ratliff, who was expected to rotate in at DE and NT entering the season, is extremely versatile for a big guy. His athletic ability allowed Wade Phillips to be creative. For example, Ratliff often dropped back into pass coverage when Dallas used its "Cowboy" package that put Ware, Greg Ellis and DeMarcus Ware on the field together. Ratliff's versatility is a large part of his value. Depending on whether the Cowboys bring back Ferguson, Ratliff could start at NT or DE next season. There's no doubt that he's a cornerstone of the Cowboys' defensive line for years to come. RUNNERS-UP RB Marion "The Barbarian" Barber: Everybody knew he was an excellent red-zone and third-down back. He showed this season that he could be much more. He's headed to the Pro Bowl after rushing for 975 yards (4.8 per carry) and 10 TDs, punishing a whole bunch of would-be tacklers along the way. Former starter Julius Jones is headed out of town. Barber was handed the starting job in the playoffs and responded with a 27-carry, 129-yard, 1-TD performance. He's no longer a complementary back; the Cowboys now need to find a change-of-pace back to complement Barber. OG Leonard "Bigg" Davis: A lot of folks considered the former No. 2 overall pick a bust in Arizona and laughed when Jerry signed him to a seven-year, $49 million and change deal. Now, experts debate whether the first-time Pro Bowler the most overpowering offensive guard in the game. AWARDS SCHEDULE |
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Comments
Posted by John @ 11:23 AM Tue, Jan 22, 2008
Don't you mean Spencer, Greg Ellis, and Demarcus Ware? I know Ware is good and can seem like 2 people on the field at once, but that is just perception! :)
Posted by Jeremy @ 11:32 AM Tue, Jan 22, 2008
You know, the only coaching hire Wade Phillips made last year was the Special Teams coach. The other coaches, were already here, under contract. Now, Phillips did bring in D Coordinator Brian Steward, but that was it.
You know how well the special teams were this year, i wonder how good his other hires will be when he has to replace todd bowles, tom pascualini, and kacey rodgers? Anyone else concerned about this??
Posted by The ghost of Jean Paul Marat @ 11:37 AM Tue, Jan 22, 2008
Ratliff is a definite bright spot for our defense in the future. I was very impressed by the way he stepped up in the absence of Ferguson.
Posted by Steve @ 11:59 AM Tue, Jan 22, 2008
It wasn't Jacques Reeves?????
Posted by Charles - ATL @ 12:33 PM Tue, Jan 22, 2008
Jeremy...I too am concerned. And, if u remember that Wade is loyal to a fault (Bills' owner asked him to fire he ST coach after Musice cIty Miracle and he wouldn't), it concerns me not only about the current fate of the STs but also, as you point out, his judgement on the rest of his eventual assistants.
Posted by RAMS FAN @ 3:09 PM Tue, Jan 22, 2008
THE MOST IMPORVED PLEYERS THIS YEAR WER ON THE RAMS! OUR ROOKS AND VITS ARE SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE COW-HOLES! OUR PRACTICE SQUAD GUYS COULE BEET THE COWPIES REGULARS 79-NUTHIN. GET READY, COW-CHOKES, FOR THE RAMS. WERE SPRINTING OUT OF THE AFC NEXT YEAR TO THE SOUPER BOWL.
SCOREBOARD RAMS!
Posted by Ted @ 4:10 PM Tue, Jan 22, 2008
Not sure I buy into Ratliff as most improved. Player to best showcase his value, maybe. I don't really think he's much better than last year, he just got more snaps to prove it, due to Ferguson's injury.
IMO, the most improved player was Bradie James.