Cowboys' defense all smiles
Phillips' version of 3-4 frees players to be aggressive
By CHAD PETERS
San Antonio Express-news
Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware cracked a sly smile when talking about the invigorating approach of new coach Wade Phillips' version of the 3-4 defense.
"You can never be too aggressive in this defense," Ware said.
Whether blitzing, stunting up front or attacking a loose ball, Phillips' defensive strategy is all about aggressiveness. And Ware, like the rest of the defense, couldn't be happier.
"You can be as aggressive as you want to because that's what it's all about — getting pressure on that quarterback," Ware said. "Now you can bring that aggressiveness instead of being so passive, maybe like in earlier years."
The third-year veteran says the system will make him an even more effective pass rusher, a scary thought for offenses facing the player who was selected to his first Pro Bowl after recording 11.5 sacks last season.
But Ware isn't the only player who should benefit from Phillips' presence.
Strong safety Roy Williams and defensive ends Chris Canty and Marcus Spears should profit under the high-risk, high-reward scheme.
"They have lofty goals for themselves," Phillips said of his defensive players.
But injuries that will sideline linebacker Greg Ellis and cornerback Terence Newman for indefinite amounts of time could dampen the defense's effectiveness.
The Cowboys drafted linebacker Anthony Spencer in the first round but still could use Ellis' veteran pass-rushing savvy. And they need Newman's lockdown ability to keep teams from beating Phillips' blitz schemes with the pass.
The good news for the Cowboys is they have Phillips' long-standing history of defensive success on their side.
Phillips' system has excelled nearly everywhere he has coached, most recently in San Diego. The Chargers led the league with 61 sacks last season with Phillips as defensive coordinator.
By CHAD PETERS
San Antonio Express-news
Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware cracked a sly smile when talking about the invigorating approach of new coach Wade Phillips' version of the 3-4 defense.
"You can never be too aggressive in this defense," Ware said.
Whether blitzing, stunting up front or attacking a loose ball, Phillips' defensive strategy is all about aggressiveness. And Ware, like the rest of the defense, couldn't be happier.
"You can be as aggressive as you want to because that's what it's all about — getting pressure on that quarterback," Ware said. "Now you can bring that aggressiveness instead of being so passive, maybe like in earlier years."
The third-year veteran says the system will make him an even more effective pass rusher, a scary thought for offenses facing the player who was selected to his first Pro Bowl after recording 11.5 sacks last season.
But Ware isn't the only player who should benefit from Phillips' presence.
Strong safety Roy Williams and defensive ends Chris Canty and Marcus Spears should profit under the high-risk, high-reward scheme.
"They have lofty goals for themselves," Phillips said of his defensive players.
But injuries that will sideline linebacker Greg Ellis and cornerback Terence Newman for indefinite amounts of time could dampen the defense's effectiveness.
The Cowboys drafted linebacker Anthony Spencer in the first round but still could use Ellis' veteran pass-rushing savvy. And they need Newman's lockdown ability to keep teams from beating Phillips' blitz schemes with the pass.
The good news for the Cowboys is they have Phillips' long-standing history of defensive success on their side.
Phillips' system has excelled nearly everywhere he has coached, most recently in San Diego. The Chargers led the league with 61 sacks last season with Phillips as defensive coordinator.
posted by The Gryphon at 7:27 PM
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