Cowboys linebacker Ware excels without a nasty streak
Web Posted: 08/03/2006 02:10 AM CDT
Tom Orsborn
Express-News Staff Writer
OXNARD, Calif. — DeMarcus Ware seems to possess everything it takes to be a star linebacker in the NFL.
Or does he?
"I wish he was more — what's the word I'm looking for — not meaner, but nasty a little bit," Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer said Wednesday.
Big, strong and fast, Ware showed flashes of greatness last season as a rookie, tying for the team lead in sacks with eight and recording a team-best 11 tackles behind the line.
For someone making the transition from college defensive end to NFL outside linebacker, those were impressive numbers.
But they didn't stop critics from wondering if the Cowboys had made the right choice with the 11th pick in the draft. The San Diego Chargers picked Maryland's Shawne Merriman at No. 12, and he made the Pro Bowl after leading all rookies with a team-high 10 sacks.
Unlike Ware, Merriman has a catchy nickname — "Lights Out" — and describes himself as the heir to such hard-hitting linebackers as Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary and Jack Lambert.
"They are throwbacks who played with a nasty, relentless attitude," Merriman told USA Today last year. "That's how I look to play, just nasty and with great passion."
Ware lacks Merriman's flair. He also isn't one to make angry comments about opponents or attempt to fire up his teammates with emotional speeches.
"I wouldn't mind if he had (a nasty streak)," coach Bill Parcells said. "I would agree with Mike on that. He's a pleasant kid. I didn't say he was passive now. He's just a nice kid."
The Cowboys, though, are far from disappointed they took Ware instead of Merriman.
"He looks like he's ready to rock," Parcells said of Ware. "I think you'll see a better player this year. I think he should improve — appreciably."
After learning the intricacies of the 3-4 defense, Ware is reacting instead of thinking. He also has benefited from the offseason weight work Parcells says has made him one of the team's strongest players.
"I think I've improved from last season," Ware said. "Being a rookie, you are not as consistent as you should be. I've seen a lot and been through a lot in one year, and I think I'm ready. Instead of thinking about everything, I'm just going out there and playing."
And smiling all the while.
"(The coaches) always say, 'You're smiling. Why don't you put some type of sinister grin on your face or something?' But I'm happy," Ware said. "I do what I do. I get pressure on the quarterback, and I smile while I do it."
The highlight of Ware's rookie season was a 24-20 victory over Carolina in which he recorded seven tackles, three sacks and three forced fumbles. It was the kind of performance the Cowboys expected when they drafted the Troy State alumnus.
"I've had a couple of great players who just were the most easiest-going guys you would ever want to meet," Parcells said. "Hardly any emotion. Never got too excited. But they were just great players.
"In this game, you can't ask anybody (to change who they are) ... How they go about doing it, that's their own way. I don't ever say, 'Hey, I want this guy to be a certain way.'"
That's good news for Ware.
"I do what I need to do to get the job done," Ware said. "I'm out there having a good time and that's what you're supposed to do."
Tom Orsborn
Express-News Staff Writer
OXNARD, Calif. — DeMarcus Ware seems to possess everything it takes to be a star linebacker in the NFL.
Or does he?
"I wish he was more — what's the word I'm looking for — not meaner, but nasty a little bit," Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer said Wednesday.
Big, strong and fast, Ware showed flashes of greatness last season as a rookie, tying for the team lead in sacks with eight and recording a team-best 11 tackles behind the line.
For someone making the transition from college defensive end to NFL outside linebacker, those were impressive numbers.
But they didn't stop critics from wondering if the Cowboys had made the right choice with the 11th pick in the draft. The San Diego Chargers picked Maryland's Shawne Merriman at No. 12, and he made the Pro Bowl after leading all rookies with a team-high 10 sacks.
Unlike Ware, Merriman has a catchy nickname — "Lights Out" — and describes himself as the heir to such hard-hitting linebackers as Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary and Jack Lambert.
"They are throwbacks who played with a nasty, relentless attitude," Merriman told USA Today last year. "That's how I look to play, just nasty and with great passion."
Ware lacks Merriman's flair. He also isn't one to make angry comments about opponents or attempt to fire up his teammates with emotional speeches.
"I wouldn't mind if he had (a nasty streak)," coach Bill Parcells said. "I would agree with Mike on that. He's a pleasant kid. I didn't say he was passive now. He's just a nice kid."
The Cowboys, though, are far from disappointed they took Ware instead of Merriman.
"He looks like he's ready to rock," Parcells said of Ware. "I think you'll see a better player this year. I think he should improve — appreciably."
After learning the intricacies of the 3-4 defense, Ware is reacting instead of thinking. He also has benefited from the offseason weight work Parcells says has made him one of the team's strongest players.
"I think I've improved from last season," Ware said. "Being a rookie, you are not as consistent as you should be. I've seen a lot and been through a lot in one year, and I think I'm ready. Instead of thinking about everything, I'm just going out there and playing."
And smiling all the while.
"(The coaches) always say, 'You're smiling. Why don't you put some type of sinister grin on your face or something?' But I'm happy," Ware said. "I do what I do. I get pressure on the quarterback, and I smile while I do it."
The highlight of Ware's rookie season was a 24-20 victory over Carolina in which he recorded seven tackles, three sacks and three forced fumbles. It was the kind of performance the Cowboys expected when they drafted the Troy State alumnus.
"I've had a couple of great players who just were the most easiest-going guys you would ever want to meet," Parcells said. "Hardly any emotion. Never got too excited. But they were just great players.
"In this game, you can't ask anybody (to change who they are) ... How they go about doing it, that's their own way. I don't ever say, 'Hey, I want this guy to be a certain way.'"
That's good news for Ware.
"I do what I need to do to get the job done," Ware said. "I'm out there having a good time and that's what you're supposed to do."
posted by The Gryphon at 7:55 PM
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