Dallas Cowboys' Ware adds power to pass-rush package
by Todd Archer
IRVING – DeMarcus Ware came to the Dallas Cowboys three years ago as a 245-pound defensive end making the transition to outside linebacker. Entering his fourth season, he now weighs 263 pounds and is coming off two consecutive Pro Bowl appearances.
"I just look sexy like this," Ware joked.
Ware, who turns 26 in July, said he plans to play the season at 257 pounds and bulk up to a max of 265 pounds as he gets older.
Ware said he was initially worried about the weight gain for fear of losing his speed and quickness off the edge in rushing the quarterback, but his worries have been relieved since putting up 25½ sacks the last two seasons.
"I feel stronger and faster, especially when it comes to power and doing a lot of power stuff," Ware said. "It's helping out a lot. You know when you can push a tackle around and sometimes they hold you and you can throw them out of the way to get to the quarterback. When in their mind they know you can power them, it's when they'll open up for more stuff you can do."
Ware's increased size is not mere bulk. Because of his job description, he cannot become too stiff, especially with his upper body. Despite powerful hands, Ware's best asset is his ability to get off the ball. Sometimes it appears he gets too early of a jump, but most of the time the coaches said Ware's anticipation was perfect timing and not an off-side penalty.
If Ware ever got too big, he would not be able to twist and turn and dip coming off the edge to keep larger offensive tackles from connecting on punches in pass sets.
"I've had to stretch a little more," Ware said. "You've got to do more squat work. You've got to get your body stronger so you can carry that weight."
In addition to adding muscle, Ware has spent the off-season improving his craft. He and former linebackers coach Paul Pasqualoni would practice hand placement constantly in breaks in practice. Now Ware and Greg Ellis do it. Ware has become more of a student of the game and has found Flozell Adams to be one of his best teachers.
"Going against probably one of the best tackles in the league and him telling me exactly what I'm doing wrong," Ware said. "If I'm on the sideline looking at him, I'll tell him what he did wrong. Just having a guy like that is a good thing."
Ware should benefit from being in Wade Phillips' defense for a second year. The familiarity goes the other way with defensive coordinator Brian Stewart, who knows Ware's game better and can add more to the scheme.
"I know what to expect in certain situations, certain plays," Ware said. "Now I know exactly what the offenses are going to do and they know that I can counter that."
IRVING – DeMarcus Ware came to the Dallas Cowboys three years ago as a 245-pound defensive end making the transition to outside linebacker. Entering his fourth season, he now weighs 263 pounds and is coming off two consecutive Pro Bowl appearances.
"I just look sexy like this," Ware joked.
Ware, who turns 26 in July, said he plans to play the season at 257 pounds and bulk up to a max of 265 pounds as he gets older.
Ware said he was initially worried about the weight gain for fear of losing his speed and quickness off the edge in rushing the quarterback, but his worries have been relieved since putting up 25½ sacks the last two seasons.
"I feel stronger and faster, especially when it comes to power and doing a lot of power stuff," Ware said. "It's helping out a lot. You know when you can push a tackle around and sometimes they hold you and you can throw them out of the way to get to the quarterback. When in their mind they know you can power them, it's when they'll open up for more stuff you can do."
Ware's increased size is not mere bulk. Because of his job description, he cannot become too stiff, especially with his upper body. Despite powerful hands, Ware's best asset is his ability to get off the ball. Sometimes it appears he gets too early of a jump, but most of the time the coaches said Ware's anticipation was perfect timing and not an off-side penalty.
If Ware ever got too big, he would not be able to twist and turn and dip coming off the edge to keep larger offensive tackles from connecting on punches in pass sets.
"I've had to stretch a little more," Ware said. "You've got to do more squat work. You've got to get your body stronger so you can carry that weight."
In addition to adding muscle, Ware has spent the off-season improving his craft. He and former linebackers coach Paul Pasqualoni would practice hand placement constantly in breaks in practice. Now Ware and Greg Ellis do it. Ware has become more of a student of the game and has found Flozell Adams to be one of his best teachers.
"Going against probably one of the best tackles in the league and him telling me exactly what I'm doing wrong," Ware said. "If I'm on the sideline looking at him, I'll tell him what he did wrong. Just having a guy like that is a good thing."
Ware should benefit from being in Wade Phillips' defense for a second year. The familiarity goes the other way with defensive coordinator Brian Stewart, who knows Ware's game better and can add more to the scheme.
"I know what to expect in certain situations, certain plays," Ware said. "Now I know exactly what the offenses are going to do and they know that I can counter that."
posted by The Gryphon at 8:46 PM
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