12.5 Sacks 3 FF versus 3 Sacks (Technically, he had 4) 2 FF Greg Ellis is coming off his best year as a pro. He recorded his first Pro Bowl appearance and recorded his first double digit sack season of his career. He is a very good pass rusher. He has enough of a burst to surprise OTs and turn the corner, but his biggest skill is using his technique to set up opposing OTs. He probably has more variety and better technique than any other pass rusher Dallas has, giving him a sizable advantage on the SOLB spot. He also has experience that Spencer lacks. But Ellis is limited; his athleticism is sup-par, he has below average speed, cannot cover, and isn't all that great against the run. Anthony Spencer has the size, speed, and athleticism Wade Phillips covets from his pass rushers. As a rookie, he displayed excellent run stopping skills. In fact, he was arguably better than Ware was a rookie against the run. And he was better than Ellis last year, IMO, against the run. He is also better in coverage than Ellis was. But Spencer's pass rush ability is not on Greg Ellis' level yet. Spencer did display a good closing burst to the QB. He also got to the QB better late in the season, suggesting he was finally becoming "settled" into his role as an OLB. If Spencer can improve his pass rushing skills, the SOLB is his. But if Ellis maintains the clear cut better pass rusher, the advantage is still with the more experienced Greg Ellis. Who do you think wins the battle? My prediction is Greg Ellis will remain as the starting SOLB. Coming off the season he had, it will be hard for Spencer to unseat Ellis. Ellis provides more of a pass rush, which is the primary role of the OLB in Wade's scheme. But I think you'll see more of the "Cowboy Package" with featured Ellis, Ware, and Spencer on the field at the same time.
This is probably the battle I will be keeping my eye on the most in training camp. Spencer's youth, athleticism, coverage ability vs Ellis' pass rushing ability.
Hard to sit down a 12 sack player and not start him. IMO the vet keeps the starting job but shares a lot of the snaps throughout the game. Ellis will NOT want to get injured and miss many series let alone games this year
Ellis has become somewhat of a whiner (or perhaps, somewhat is the wrong word choice). At any rate, we'd be better off playing Spencer on 1st and 2nd downs (where Spencer is better in coverage and against the run) and putting Ellis on the field on 3rd downs (obvious passing situations, where he has the advantage of being a pass rusher). JMO.
