DC.COM Blog: Getting More From the Catalytic Guys

Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips has a simple explanation for why his defenses have been so successful through the years: He puts his best players in a position to make plays.

Phillips and new defensive coordinator Brian Stewart aren't short on defensive talent here in Dallas. When thinking of the two players who have game-altering talent - Bill Parcells often used the term "catalytic" - DeMarcus Ware and Roy Williams instantly come to mind.

Both are capable of changing a game's entire scope with one play. We've seen them do it. The plan under Phillips is to get both players in more of those situations.

Williams has expressed his excitement about inching closer to the line of scrimmage this season, where he can be more active against the run and pass. We've heard talk about Williams playing closer for a couple of years now, and Phillips appears committed to it. But that won't absolve Williams from having to play in coverage. He's still a defensive back who must give help in the secondary and watch for running backs and tight ends curling underneath.

As for Ware, Parcells was committed to making him a complete outside linebacker with coverage responsibilities in addition to his pass-rushing skills. He is the Cowboys' best pure rusher, though, a la Shawne Merriman in San Diego. Not trying to compare the two, but the more rushing opportunities for Ware, the better.

Again, though, Ware can't blitz on every down. He'll have to cover and re-route receivers at times. So those first two years learning under Parcells should serve him well.

Published Friday, June 29, 2007 3:33 PM by rphillips