This is a copy of a post that I made shortly after the Carolina game regarding Ware and what I thought about him in a Ware vs Merriman discussion:
A few things I just wanted to point out about Ware. Now, keep in mind that I haven't watched a single play of Merriman's this year so this is not intended to be a comparison.. its just about Ware.
1) His upper and lower body strength are already incredible. His lower body strength is exibited in how he can get o-linemen off balance just by bull rushing (See the Leonard Davis pushed into McCown causing an interception play... that's one of the biggest offensive linemen in the NFL that he just overpowered) His upper body strength is exihibited in his ability to keep his arms extended as even fullbacks try to block him. In today's game.. I can't count how many times he takes on the fullback, extends his arms to get separation, and gets off the blocker to either make the tackle or disrupt the running back.
2) His ability to take on blockers.. and get off of blockers. He is already VERY GOOD at getting separation from a blocker and maneuvering to get in position to make a play on the ball.
3) His ability to scrape down the line on outside runs. There was one play in the KC game where he singled handedly forced Larry Johnson all the way to sideline and almost out of room to run. I assure you, Ware took on AT LEAST 3 blockers. Each blocker comes at him, the first trying to take out his legs.. he recoils and continues horizontally, the next tries to stand him up, he separates and contiues toward the sideline, and so on. He didn't quite make the tackle but he forced the play to the sideline and shut down all running lanes. I believe this was the play that Keith Davis got a good pop on Johnson on the sideline.
4) His quickness and agility cause real problems for offensive linemen. He used the speed rush repeatedly today and look what happened... 3 forced fumbles by knocking the ball out of Delhomme's hand. As he progresses as a pass rusher... he is going to REQUIRE a double team. Notice today.. after the first forced fumble.. anytime we only rushed 4... Ware was the only guy getting ROUTINELY doubled. Wait till he throws a spin move on someone.. speed rush into a spin move.. OMG that's gonna be domination. His pass rush ability will only improve as he learns various moves and what moves to use when and against what linemen.
Just my observations. I am VERY VERY excited about Ware.. what he showed today was NOT a fluke. He's been doing it throughout the season here and there but today he put it all together and you saw what he can do.
