How good is Tank Johnson?

theanimal23 · Post #1 » by **theanimal23** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 5:39 pm

Hey Guys,

A lot of you guys might know me from the Bulls board. Dallas looks to be signing him as early as this afternoon. If not, then it would have to be next week.

I have not seen much of him, but it the deal seems to be a low-risk, high reward for the 'Boys.

Can you guys elaborate on how good he is? What are his strengths/weaknesses? Is he one of the better DT's in the league? I know how great Tommie Harris is. Could Tank play NT in a 3-4 effectively?

Thanks.

tclg · Post #2 » by **tclg** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 6:20 pm

He could be effective he is a pretty solid DT not spectacular enough to be the nose or big enough IMO but he could probably do pretty well if you rotate him effectively. He can effectively defend against the pass and the run.

Post #3 » by **emperorjones** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 6:20 pm

I don't think I would say he was one of the better DTs in the league. I was comfortable with him as a starter but don't know enough about dallas' D-line to know how much he could contribute. I would guess he's be a little out of shape missing all of camp & then the start of the season. I'd still sign him though.

WEFFPIM · Post #4 » by **WEFFPIM** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 6:56 pm

He's a solid DT that could start for the majority of the teams in the league. Would be a good pickup for the Cowboys, IMO

Joe Jackson · Post #5 » by **Joe Jackson** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 7:02 pm

There wouldn't be anyone else near his level as a DT available on the FA list.
If you need a tackle, sign him. He wouldn't hurt you starting and is way above your normal backup tackles.

theanimal23 · Post #6 » by **theanimal23** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 8:28 pm

Looks like a done deal.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3025908

From what I read elsewhere online, its a 2 year deal at the Vet Min, no signing bonus, but with incentives. Sounds like a good low risk, high reward situation. I rather have it be a 3 year deal at that price. There is no loss in cutting him if the two sides need to part ways.

For the Boys, losing Ferguson was huge. We have an undersized NT in Ratliff who can also play DE. Having Tank for the end of the year and hopefully the playoffs can provide depth and hopefully take away playing time from Marcus Spears.

Cliff Levingston · Post #7 » by **Cliff Levingston** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 8:49 pm

The Cowboys better not be looking to play him at nose tackle or else he'll be destroyed. He could probably be a pretty good defensive end in the 3/4 scheme though.

Post #8 » by **CBS7** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 10:07 pm

He was overrated, IMO the only reason he was even close to a household name is because of the off the field stuff.

He did play well in the playoffs, though. He's a decent pickup for a team that needs depth.

SportsWorld · Post #9 » by **SportsWorld** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 10:56 pm

So when will Tank's first game with the Cowboys be?
I know he is under a suspension right now.

theanimal23 · Post #10 » by **theanimal23** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 11:41 pm

SportsWorld wrote:So when will Tank's first game with the Cowboys be?
I know he is under a suspension right now.

11/9 @ NYG

TylerB · Post #11 » by **TylerB** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 12:11 am

He fit well in our system and was an excellent pass rusher from inside. Not sure how he will do in a 3-4 scheme.

Post #12 » by **coldfish** » Wed Sep 19, 2007 12:52 am

Dallas now runs a 1 gap 3-4, which is similar to what he did in Chicago as far as responsibilities. Last year, Parcells ran a 2 gap 3-4 where the NT had to occupy 2 people every play, which would not have worked for Tank.