Ware calls this the "closest" team he's played on in Dallas, credits that bond...

[RS12]

The secret to December success for this Cowboys’ team, in the estimation of linebacker DeMarcus Ware, rests with the better chemistry within the locker room.
“This is the closest team I’ve been on in any year I’ve been here. And I’ve been here eight years,” said Ware, who has watched this team climb to 8-6 _ and grab a share of first place in the NFC East standings _ with a 3-0 start to the December schedule. “It’s about how all 11 guys get together, play together with that passion and intensity and do the right things. That’s what we’ve been doing and, this December, it’s been a whole different team.”

And a whole different story. Dallas, with a combined December mark of 26-39 over the past 15 seasons (including this one), already is guaranteed of its first winning record in this month since 2001. In many ways, Ware said the team’s high number of injuries has helped facilitate the camaraderie.

“You’ve got six starters that are out on defense. And you’ve got guys who have taken their spots, who have filled their roles,” Ware said. “It’s really not about the name on the back of the jersey.”

Ware played Sunday with a hyperextended elbow, as well as other ailments. Cowboys’ coaches limited his snaps, particularly in run situations, but Ware said he will be ready to go Sunday against New Orleans.

Read more here: http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.com...#storylink=cpy

[RS12]

Something to be said for chemistry.

[burmafrd]

they ought to list the 'ailments' and how long he has had them

some people here then might have to eat their words

[WV Cowboy]

Originally Posted by burmafrd

they ought to list the 'ailments' and how long he has had them

some people here then might have to eat their words

Ailments, and also how often they drop him into coverage.

You can forget eating words, they don't even know where the table is.

[Doomsday]

JG got rid of the guys that weren't about football, team and winning, now the locker room has a lot more in common with each other. I remember a few commenting during the draft how everyone he drafted has been a team captain or similar type personality in college.

[burmafrd]

Originally Posted by Doomsday

JG got rid of the guys that weren't about football, team and winning, now the locker room has a lot more in common with each other. I remember a few commenting during the draft how everyone he drafted has been a team captain or similar type personality in college.

actually that was something he learned from BP- BP wanted team captains and the like as well

[a_minimalist]

That JG knows NOTHING. Guy doesn't have a clue!

[LeonDixson]

Man, I love Ware, Witten and Romo. All of them are very classy guys in addition to being very tough guys to keep off the field.

[CowboysYanksLakers]

Team chemistry is verrrrrrrry important in sports, football especially because each person is co-dependent on one another.

[Chuck 54]

Originally Posted by burmafrd

they ought to list the 'ailments' and how long he has had them

some people here then might have to eat their words

If anyone says he's done or he's over the hill, I think they need to eat every word.

If someone says he's been very average at best this year, that his play has been disappointing, and that his lack of physicality, running around the outside on most plays, has actually hurt the defense ay times, I think there's a good argument there. Injuries can explain a poor season, but injuries don't mean it didn't happen.

Actually, I think his ailments have resulted in more pass coverage and more rush opportunities for Spencer. I think there are more words to digest by the Spencer haters who didn't accept the argument that when Ware is healthy and rushing the QB most of the time, Spencer had other responsibilities.

[burmafrd]

Originally Posted by Chuck 54

If anyone says he's done or he's over the hill, I think they need to eat every word.

If someone says he's been very average at best this year, that his play has been disappointing, and that his lack of physicality, running around the outside on most plays, has actually hurt the defense ay times, I think there's a good argument there. Injuries can explain a poor season, but injuries don't mean it didn't happen.

Actually, I think his ailments have resulted in more pass coverage and more rush opportunities for Spencer. I think there are more words to digest by the Spencer haters who didn't accept the argument that when Ware is healthy and rushing the QB most of the time, Spencer had other responsibilities.

Spencer only rushes about 15% less than Ware does and Untill THIS year he got less then 1/3 of Ware's average sacks. Facts are facts. Untill this year Spencer was mostly a no show as regards pass rushing.

And considering our lack of pressure when it mattered except for Ware the last few years then it was very stupid DC's that did not make sure that we were getting as much pressure as possible. Since dropping back and covering worked SO well in the past

[Funxva]

I honestly think from a locker room standpoint that Ratliff needs to go. This team is much closer without him on the field and as much of a fan of his I was before the last two years, I think it's time to move on from him. This team shows heart.

[RastaRocket]

This is the best thing any Cowboy fan can possibly hear.

[mgcowboy]

Originally Posted by burmafrd

actually that was something he learned from BP- BP wanted team captains and the like as well

I would say he learned it from Jimmy Johnson (He did visit him with Troy before he took over)

And (as he pointed in last night PC) Nick Saban

[Gaede]

Originally Posted by RS12

Something to be said for chemistry.

That has been the missing element to this team, IMO

We've finally got it.

It just sucks to have finally clicked in a year with so many injuries