Cherry
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Posted by rphillips at 7/8/2009 3:37 PM CDT
I opened up my weekly edition of The Sporting News magazine today and there’s a darn-near life-size picture of Anthony Spencer on the front of the NFL section.
Why? Because TSN’s Dennis Dillon spotlights Spencer as one of 32 NFL players (one from each team) poised for a breakout season.
Dillon also caught up with ex-Cowboy Greg Ellis, Spencer’s former teammate and competition at outside linebacker. Ellis gave three reasons why Spencer should play well in his first year as a starter: 1) his handwork; 2) the “element of surprise” in the 3-4 scheme; and 3) “I taught him everything he knows (laughs).”
Interesting take from Ellis considering Spencer is a big reason why he’s no longer here. But Spencer and the Cowboys’ players always credited Ellis for mentoring them on and off the field.
The “handwork” answer is intriguing, too. Ellis says proper hand placement helps a rusher get off blocks easier and continue his pursuit. Can’t tell you how many times I saw Ellis working with DeMarcus Ware on hand technique in practice over the years. Funny enough, Ware has been doing the same thing this off-season with rookies Brandon Williams and Victor Butler.
One thing's for certain: the Cowboys absolutely need Spencer to stay healthy and be a force opposite Ware this season.
-Rob Phillips
I opened up my weekly edition of The Sporting News magazine today and there’s a darn-near life-size picture of Anthony Spencer on the front of the NFL section.
Why? Because TSN’s Dennis Dillon spotlights Spencer as one of 32 NFL players (one from each team) poised for a breakout season.
Dillon also caught up with ex-Cowboy Greg Ellis, Spencer’s former teammate and competition at outside linebacker. Ellis gave three reasons why Spencer should play well in his first year as a starter: 1) his handwork; 2) the “element of surprise” in the 3-4 scheme; and 3) “I taught him everything he knows (laughs).”
Interesting take from Ellis considering Spencer is a big reason why he’s no longer here. But Spencer and the Cowboys’ players always credited Ellis for mentoring them on and off the field.
The “handwork” answer is intriguing, too. Ellis says proper hand placement helps a rusher get off blocks easier and continue his pursuit. Can’t tell you how many times I saw Ellis working with DeMarcus Ware on hand technique in practice over the years. Funny enough, Ware has been doing the same thing this off-season with rookies Brandon Williams and Victor Butler.
One thing's for certain: the Cowboys absolutely need Spencer to stay healthy and be a force opposite Ware this season.
-Rob Phillips
