Felix, Choice, and Ware: 2 opinions fans won't like

[MrMom]

Yep, that article came to mind last night. Wasn't Wade the one who brought the subject up? I seem to recall that Wade said something along the lines of you don't want to add too many moves to your repertoire, because you end up thinking too much about it instead of just reacting.

Here's the artice and thread from Training Camp...

http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158154&highlight=Wade+Phillips+Demarcus+Ware+pass+rush+moves

9:37 AM Fri, Aug 07, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
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In his constant quest to improve, DeMarcus Ware often tries to add to his pass-rush tool box.

"Every day, I try something different," the NFL's reigning sacks leader said. "If it works, that's something I will probably key on in practice and do over and over again."

Wade Phillips wishes Ware wouldn't worry so much about adding to his arsenal of moves. With his explosiveness, Ware is like a pitcher with 100-mph heat. He doesn't need many other pitches to be dominant. Why mess with a lot of junk when you can blow hitters away with your best stuff?

"I tell him not to make up stuff," Phillips said during his press conference yesterday. "You can do too much. I coached Reggie White and Bruce Smith. They didn't have many moves. They had a great move that nobody could stop, or if they could stop it, they had a counter off it. That's basically what they had.

"I told DeMarcus and worked with him a lot on that. If he does too much, he hurts himself."

We got Phillips, perhaps the NFL's premier pass-rush guru, to elaborate while he sat in his golf cart after the press conference. Phillips' passion for pass rushing was evident by the way his eyes lit up while discussing what made Ware so special.

Phillips said he's never seen a pass rusher with Ware's ability to stop and start, which he compared to Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris. That's why Ware's best move is the stutter.

"If he can get offensive linemen to stop, he can outrun them," Phillips said. "He can run around them before they get started again. He has that kind of explosion that not many people have."

Of course, Ware often doesn't need to make a move to turn the corner. If left alone on a left tackle, he can burst by most of them with a pure speed rush. That sets up a sick inside-out move that's like an NBA point guard's crossover dribble.

Ware didn't become the seventh player to record a 20-sack season since the NFL officially started counting the stat because he relied purely on his freakish athleticism. There's a lot of technique involved, too, particularly with hand placement.

But Phillips wants his best player to keep pass rushing as simple as possible.

 

[dguinta1]

Jarred Allen started off slow last year then kicked it in. Peppers had an off year. Give the big man time and see what happens.

Agree about Felix even though I luv the man.

 

[Chuck 54]

If you were watching Ware so closely, than you should've noticed that he appeared conscience of the draw or delay runs. Many times he began a bullrush, and backed off to the hole the draw was supposed to run into.

How do you stop or at least slow down a pass rush? Draw plays right at them, screen passes, or 3 step drops. How many quick slants did the Panthers throw last night? How many near misses does Ware have this season? He's getting pressure, last year he made the tackle this year he's been a tick too late... there is nothing to see here.

I disagree, politely...I don't see him getting pressure more than 2-3 times a game, if that. Draw plays?...please, that's what the other 3 linemen and ILB's are for...your primary pass rushing OLB has to bring it most of the time. Ware is slow with his first step...period...there's no denying that. Last year he seemed like he was across the line before the OT got his hand off the ground...this year the OT is up and positioning before Ware gets started--not all the time, but most of the time last night.

This is NOT a knock on Ware....I never said he stinks; he's lazy; or anything like that....I just want someone with the team to tell us what's wrong. He has to be totally frustrated. Through three games against two inferior opponents, I've only seen Ware hit the QB 3-4 times. I don't see him rushing the QB up into the pocket much either.

 

[Chuck 54]

I'd understand the lukewarm attitude toward Felix Jones if he was averaging five yards a carry, but he averages almost a first down every time he is handed the ball. That kind of mind-blowing productivity should buy him a lot of patience from the organization and the fans. I'm not sure he can ever be a 250-carry back, but he approach 1,000 yards on as low as 150 carries. That's just crazy productivity.

Oh they'll be patient with him for sure...he's a talent. But right now he just cannot be counted on. He's a bonus when you have him, but you don't want to go into a game without another plan at RB...that's for sure.

 

[Chuck 54]

Quoted for truthiness.

Felix Jones is a better runner than Choice. Choice has great heart and great attitude and I never want to see him go, we have great RB depth, maybe the best RB depth in the entire league...But Jones is the better runner as far as vision and moves.

I'll definitely give you that one in the open field...I think Choice has better vision in the hole, or maybe it's a better feel for it. No doubt, Felix is supposed to be the better runner.

I'm only saying that Choice is more valuable right now because we know he can go the distance as he did last year; we know he can catch and pass block; and we know he can grind out 20 carries as the starting RB.

If I had to go into a game with only 2 running backs, right now I'd rather go with MBIII and Choice because MBIII is dinged, and if he went out early, I don't know that Felix could even stay on the field...it's not all about big injuries either...he seems like he's dinged after every few carries.

When all 3 are healthy, no way I want Choice taking snaps belonging to Felix Jones.

 

[TD-33]

Ware has very limited techniques. He either tries to blow past a defender or bull rush him. He needs to work on his counters and at least add a spin move to his repertoire.

That being said, he is still the best 3-4 linebacker in the game. I fully expect him to notch 12-15 sacks this year because of both his talent and the scheme he plays in.

**Later that week at an autograph session for Ware**

KD walks up to DWare and looking up, tugs on Ware's sleeve to get the feared NFL player's attention.... "Mr. Ware?"
Yes? Hey how you doin. (as Ware turns and quickly scribes his autograph on KD's cap)
"Well, I was watching the game the other night and noticed you have very limited techniques. You only try to blow by a defender or bull rush him. Work on your counters and add a spin move; here, like this..." :laugh2:



KD just messin with you.