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Former Cowboys standout doubling up at linebacker, defensive end
Joel a. Erickson| jerickson@theadvocate.com
http://theadvocate.com/sports/saints/13144062-128/two-years-after-knee-surgery
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — The defense drew Anthony Spencer.
Two years and a microfracture surgery on his knee removed from his best season in the NFL, Spencer found himself testing the free-agent waters this offseason, looking for a spot other than the one he occupied in Dallas for eight seasons.
He chose to return to the defense that made him a star.
“I like the defense that he plays,” Spencer said. “I felt like it put me in the best position to be who I am, to be the kind of player I am.”
Spencer, at his best, was the perfect running mate for DeMarcus Ware in Rob Ryan’s defenses in Dallas, a prototypical strong-side — or Sam, in coaches’ parlance — linebacker who complemented Ware well. With Ryan at the helm, Spencer racked up 17 sacks in 2011 and 2012, establishing himself as a versatile, powerful three-down player.
What was originally diagnosed as a bone bruise ended with Spencer undergoing microfracture surgery, a procedure that involves drilling tiny holes in the lower leg bone, allowing the body to form a big clot that serves as a base for the regrowth of cartilage.
The procedure can be a difficult one for athletes, and it has left more than a few unable to return to their former selves.
Two years removed now, Spencer feels like he’s healthy again, save for a muscle issue that kept him out of practice for most of the first week of training camp. Compared to what he was dealing with last fall, when he struggled to get his movement in his first season back after the surgery, the former Cowboys linebacker feels like new.
“I don’t think (it’s changed my style of play),” Spencer said. “I feel really good right now.”...
Joel a. Erickson| jerickson@theadvocate.com
http://theadvocate.com/sports/saints/13144062-128/two-years-after-knee-surgery
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — The defense drew Anthony Spencer.
Two years and a microfracture surgery on his knee removed from his best season in the NFL, Spencer found himself testing the free-agent waters this offseason, looking for a spot other than the one he occupied in Dallas for eight seasons.
He chose to return to the defense that made him a star.
“I like the defense that he plays,” Spencer said. “I felt like it put me in the best position to be who I am, to be the kind of player I am.”
Spencer, at his best, was the perfect running mate for DeMarcus Ware in Rob Ryan’s defenses in Dallas, a prototypical strong-side — or Sam, in coaches’ parlance — linebacker who complemented Ware well. With Ryan at the helm, Spencer racked up 17 sacks in 2011 and 2012, establishing himself as a versatile, powerful three-down player.
What was originally diagnosed as a bone bruise ended with Spencer undergoing microfracture surgery, a procedure that involves drilling tiny holes in the lower leg bone, allowing the body to form a big clot that serves as a base for the regrowth of cartilage.
The procedure can be a difficult one for athletes, and it has left more than a few unable to return to their former selves.
Two years removed now, Spencer feels like he’s healthy again, save for a muscle issue that kept him out of practice for most of the first week of training camp. Compared to what he was dealing with last fall, when he struggled to get his movement in his first season back after the surgery, the former Cowboys linebacker feels like new.
“I don’t think (it’s changed my style of play),” Spencer said. “I feel really good right now.”...
