Spencer isn't ready to be starter
We'll hopefully get an update on Greg Ellis when Wade Phillips chats with the media in a few minutes.
At this point, the Cowboys have to prepare as if Ellis won't be ready to go against the Giants. That's why Bobby Carpenter got some snaps at OLB against the Texans. First-round pick Anthony Spencer (right) simply isn't ready to be an every-down OLB yet.
Spencer, a DE in college, admits that he's really only comfortable when he's rushing the passer. He's still learning how to play with leverage out of a two-point stance, and he's still struggling with reading the TE when he has pass-drop responsibilities.
Ahman Green's 46-yard run Saturday night was right at Spencer, though it turned from a nice gain into a big play because of shoddy tackling in the secondary. But Spencer has to be considered a liability against the run at this point.
"I definitely have to be ready to be attacked," Spencer said. "I am the rookie. I am fresh meat."
UPDATE: Wade Phillips pointed out that Shawne Merriman didn't start until his fourth game. Phillips' answered, "Sit and watch," when asked what the ideal role for Spencer this season would be. That was a joke, but he confirmed that the plan when they drafted Spencer was to use him as a reserve pass rusher this season.
Posted by Tim MacMahon at 2:56 PM (E-mail this entry) | Comments (5)
At this point, the Cowboys have to prepare as if Ellis won't be ready to go against the Giants. That's why Bobby Carpenter got some snaps at OLB against the Texans. First-round pick Anthony Spencer (right) simply isn't ready to be an every-down OLB yet.
Spencer, a DE in college, admits that he's really only comfortable when he's rushing the passer. He's still learning how to play with leverage out of a two-point stance, and he's still struggling with reading the TE when he has pass-drop responsibilities.
Ahman Green's 46-yard run Saturday night was right at Spencer, though it turned from a nice gain into a big play because of shoddy tackling in the secondary. But Spencer has to be considered a liability against the run at this point.
"I definitely have to be ready to be attacked," Spencer said. "I am the rookie. I am fresh meat."
UPDATE: Wade Phillips pointed out that Shawne Merriman didn't start until his fourth game. Phillips' answered, "Sit and watch," when asked what the ideal role for Spencer this season would be. That was a joke, but he confirmed that the plan when they drafted Spencer was to use him as a reserve pass rusher this season.
Posted by Tim MacMahon at 2:56 PM (E-mail this entry) | Comments (5)
posted by The Gryphon at 9:51 PM
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