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Switch has Dallas Cowboys' Jay Ratliff on the defensive
By Clarence E. Hill, Jr., Ft. Worth Star-TelegramJuly 31, 2008
OXNARD, Calif. - It would be too strong to say nose tackle Jay Ratliff is disgruntled with the team’s decision to start cross training him at defensive end.
But it’s safe to say he’s not overjoyed with the move and would prefer to stay at his more comfortable nose-tackle position.
"That’s where I feel more comfortable right now," Ratliff said. "Moving back to end, I got to start all over again."
Ratliff has not voiced his displeasure to his coaches. And he understands the team’s reasoning behind cross training him at end and end Marcus Spears at nose tackle.
But considering he changed positions three times in college — from tight end to defensive end to defensive tackle — before alternating between end and tackle his first two years in the NFL, Ratliff was looking forward to a little stability. He blossomed at nose tackle last season after taking over for an injured Jason Ferguson, playing so well that the Cowboys gave him a five-year, $20-million contract extension in December. He entered camp hoping to build on his success at nose tackle in 2008.
"I was finally getting to a comfortable spot," said Ratliff, pausing to find the right words. "I don’t mind moving around. I just want to get to home where I can blossom and get better and better."
Coach Wade Phillips said having guys being able to line up at different spots is to the Cowboys’ advantage. He said it’s natural that they would want to do more things with Ratliff because he’s their most athletic and active defensive lineman.
"He is the fastest defensive lineman we have," Phillips said. "And he gets the plays on the edge. He causes a little more havoc outside, and Spears is an anchor."
Phillips said they had planned to do this all along, but decided to make the move now rather than late in camp so the players can get comfortable at the new positions.
Another frustrating aspect for Ratliff is that he feels it was sprung on him.
"At first it started out as a rumor," Ratliff said. "I asked them about it and they said 'No, you are a tackle.’ " Then [Tuesday] they say you are an end now. I have been taking all my reps at end. We will see what happens."
Ratliff said he has asked the advice of linebacker Greg Ellis on handling position moves and pass-rush techniques from the defensive end position. Ellis played end before moving to linebacker.
But it’s safe to say he’s not overjoyed with the move and would prefer to stay at his more comfortable nose-tackle position.
"That’s where I feel more comfortable right now," Ratliff said. "Moving back to end, I got to start all over again."
Ratliff has not voiced his displeasure to his coaches. And he understands the team’s reasoning behind cross training him at end and end Marcus Spears at nose tackle.
But considering he changed positions three times in college — from tight end to defensive end to defensive tackle — before alternating between end and tackle his first two years in the NFL, Ratliff was looking forward to a little stability. He blossomed at nose tackle last season after taking over for an injured Jason Ferguson, playing so well that the Cowboys gave him a five-year, $20-million contract extension in December. He entered camp hoping to build on his success at nose tackle in 2008.
"I was finally getting to a comfortable spot," said Ratliff, pausing to find the right words. "I don’t mind moving around. I just want to get to home where I can blossom and get better and better."
Coach Wade Phillips said having guys being able to line up at different spots is to the Cowboys’ advantage. He said it’s natural that they would want to do more things with Ratliff because he’s their most athletic and active defensive lineman.
"He is the fastest defensive lineman we have," Phillips said. "And he gets the plays on the edge. He causes a little more havoc outside, and Spears is an anchor."
Phillips said they had planned to do this all along, but decided to make the move now rather than late in camp so the players can get comfortable at the new positions.
Another frustrating aspect for Ratliff is that he feels it was sprung on him.
"At first it started out as a rumor," Ratliff said. "I asked them about it and they said 'No, you are a tackle.’ " Then [Tuesday] they say you are an end now. I have been taking all my reps at end. We will see what happens."
Ratliff said he has asked the advice of linebacker Greg Ellis on handling position moves and pass-rush techniques from the defensive end position. Ellis played end before moving to linebacker.