DMN.COM: Jay Ratliff's working to wreak havoc vs. run
By Tim MacMahon/Blogger
Jay Ratliff, who is coming off a Pro Bowl in his first full season as a starter, believes he has a lot of room for improvement.
"Of course I feel like I'm still developing," said Ratliff, who moved inside from defensive end on a full-time basis when Jason Ferguson was injured during the 2007 season opener. "I am young. I am new to it. There's still a lot to learn."
That's why Ratliff, who turns 28 this month, often stays after practice to work with Andre Gurode and Leonard Davis. He focuses on run fits and hand placement during the sessions with the Pro Bowl center and guard.
Ratliff was a dominant force as an interior pass rusher last season, when he had 7.5 sacks and a team-high 31 quarterback pressures. He's motivated to have the same impact against the run.
That doesn't mean Ratliff, who is light by 3-4 nose tackle standards, wants to add bulk. He reported to camp at a sleek 296 pounds, seven lighter than his weight listed in the media guide. His quickness and relentless motor are the primary reasons he gives opponents fits.
"This camp my thing is definitely just focusing on run emphasis and combination blocks," said Ratliff, whose impressive play against the run so far in camp is highlighted by the time he got to Jon Kitna before the QB could hand off the ball. "It's more about technique than anything else."
Jay Ratliff, who is coming off a Pro Bowl in his first full season as a starter, believes he has a lot of room for improvement.
"Of course I feel like I'm still developing," said Ratliff, who moved inside from defensive end on a full-time basis when Jason Ferguson was injured during the 2007 season opener. "I am young. I am new to it. There's still a lot to learn."
That's why Ratliff, who turns 28 this month, often stays after practice to work with Andre Gurode and Leonard Davis. He focuses on run fits and hand placement during the sessions with the Pro Bowl center and guard.
Ratliff was a dominant force as an interior pass rusher last season, when he had 7.5 sacks and a team-high 31 quarterback pressures. He's motivated to have the same impact against the run.
That doesn't mean Ratliff, who is light by 3-4 nose tackle standards, wants to add bulk. He reported to camp at a sleek 296 pounds, seven lighter than his weight listed in the media guide. His quickness and relentless motor are the primary reasons he gives opponents fits.
"This camp my thing is definitely just focusing on run emphasis and combination blocks," said Ratliff, whose impressive play against the run so far in camp is highlighted by the time he got to Jon Kitna before the QB could hand off the ball. "It's more about technique than anything else."
posted by The Gryphon at 8:57 AM
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