Article: QBs Beware

[Boyzmamacita]

Posted on Thu, Sep. 06, 2007​

QBs beware

By CLARENCE E. HILL JR.​

Star-Telegram Staff Writer​

Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware will forever be linked to San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman​

He doesn't like it. But that is reality.​

It was that way on draft day in 2005 when the Cowboys chose Ware over Merriman with the No. 11 pick.​

And it became even more of a measuring stick for Ware when Merriman exploded on the scene with 27 sacks and two Pro Bowl selections his first two years in the league.​

Ware hasn't been a disappointment. He has 19.5 career sacks, including 11.5 and a Pro Bowl appearance in 2006.​

But Merriman, considered by many to be the league's best defensive player, is recognized as the gold standard.​

Now, with Wade Phillips coming to Dallas as head coach after being defensive coordinator the past three years in San Diego, it could be Ware's time to shine in 2007.​

"D-Ware is going to forever be compared to Merriman," Cowboys linebacker Bradie James said. "First, they were in the draft together. And this scheme is going to utilize him in the same way."​

The philosophy of Phillips' aggressive 3-4 scheme is not just to attack the quarterback on every play but to put the best players in position to make big plays on a regular basis.​

Phillips did that with Merriman and plans to the same with Ware, who played in a conservative scheme the past two years that had him dropping into coverage at times.​

Under Phillips, Ware's only job will be to go after the quarterback.​

As a result, Ware is not only hoping to out-duel Merriman in sack totals, but he hopes to make a run at the NFL record and the Cowboys record for sacks in a season.​

Harvey Martin recorded 23 sacks for the Cowboys in 1977, the most in franchise history, but sack totals weren't an official NFL statistic until 1982.​

Michael Strahan of the Giants holds the record of 22.5, set in 2001.
"I'm excited," Ware said. "It will give me more opportunities to get at the quarterback and get more sacks."​

To get the most out of Ware, Phillips plans to move him all over the field in hopes of creating mismatches. Last season, he primarily rushed from the right side. This season, he will rush from the right side, the left side and even the middle linebacker position to keep teams off balance.​

Phillips, who already calls Ware one of the best pass rushers he has ever coached, said he will wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks in 2007.​

"He has outstanding quickness," Phillips said. "He is relentless. That is the great thing about him, besides ability. I think you have to have that inner pride or whatever it is that you are not going to be blocked. He has that."​

What sets Ware apart​

Speed​

He is one of the league's fastest linebackers, covering the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds. Few offensive tackles can handle his speed off the edge.​

Size​

At 6-4, 252 pounds, he is the prototype for an outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme. He can run with backs out of the backfield and handle the linemen up front.​

Hands​

He has been doing martial arts to help his hand speed and quickness. The moves will also help him shed blockers.​

Knowledge​

After playing defensive end in college, moving to linebacker was a huge adjustment. He is now comfortable and playing with linebacker instincts.
Athleticism​

This can be summed up in the one play against the Atlanta Falcons last season when he jumped high to steal a pass from quarterback Michael Vick and then outran him to the end zone.​