DMN Blog: DeMarcus Ware '08 vs. Michael Strahan '01

[JBH3]

Does DeMarcus play NYJ before the end of the season...?

If not then he won't get the record.

[Freelance]

Quote: Originally Posted by JBH3

Does DeMarcus play NYJ before the end of the season...? If not then he won't get the record.

True, where is that Brett Farve when you need him.

[wwharton]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dislimb

I personally value defensive linemen higher than I do defensive backs and you could basically consider a 3-4 OLB a defensive end. In any case, when evaluating defensive backs, I would take a shut down corner like Nnamdi Asomugha over any safety in the league. My top five defensive players: 1- Albert Haynesworth 2- DeMarcus Ware 3- Nnamdi Asomugha 4- Mario Williams 5- Ed Reed

You haven't watched Reed or Polomalu play much. People were saying great defenses weren't enough to win either until they saw them in action. I'm not putting my vote in for Reed for DPOY but to just say you don't value safeties as much is silly... some safeties control the tempo of an entire game, just as some great corners, linebackers and lineman do.

Quote: Originally Posted by Freelance

Ware's got a shot at this record because of Dallas' topsy turvy season. If the Philly and Baltimore games didn't have so much significance, he'd be resting on the sidelines. Losing to the Rams and giving away the Pittsburgh game might lead to the record.

most definitely. He'll get at least one this week, maybe two. If the Boys win and are able to lock up the playoff spot then he'll probably spend more time on the sideline next week.

[Jet Sufferer]

Strahan in his prime was equally effective against the run as well as a pass rusher.

At this stage in his career Ware seems to speed rush to the outside a majority of the time a la Mark Gastineau, not as bad though. Gastineau did it so often that other teams starting running a little trap play to his vacated spot for constant big gains. I wouldn't be surprised to see more trap plays like this against Ware to keep him honest.

[Freelance]

Quote: Originally Posted by Jet Sufferer

Strahan in his prime was equally effective against the run as well as a pass rusher. At this stage in his career Ware seems to speed rush to the outside a majority of the time a la Mark Gastineau, not as bad though. Gastineau did it so often that other teams starting running a little trap play to his vacated spot for constant big gains. I wouldn't be surprised to see more trap plays like this against Ware to keep him honest.

You couldn't be more wrong. Ware is a better run stopper than a pass rusher.

[bkrich83]

Quote: Originally Posted by Freelance

But the operative questions is, would you take him over Shawn Merriman? That's been debated here and elsewhere since Dallas passed over Merriman for Ware in that draft.

If you take Merriman's injury out of the mix, I would abosuletely take Merriman over Ware. Factor in Merriman getting hurt, and obviously it goes the other way.

[Jet Sufferer]

Quote: Originally Posted by Freelance

You couldn't be more wrong. Ware is a better run stopper than a pass rusher.

Considering he is on the verge of possibly breaking the sack record and you say he's even a better run stopper that would make him theoretically one of the greatest players of all time, LT incarnate, which he's not.

He's an excellent player, another great Parcells pick. I saw every game LT ever played and I don't think we'll see anything like him for a long, long time.

[Freelance]

Quote: Originally Posted by bkrich83

If you take Merriman's injury out of the mix, I would abosuletely take Merriman over Ware. Factor in Merriman getting hurt, and obviously it goes the other way.

What about factoring in the steroids?

I don't think you give Ware a fair shot. He's outstanding against the run, he can speed rush, bull rush, and stunt, and he's pretty good in coverage to boot.

Not to mention he's about the most likable guy on the team.

Merriman isn't as multi-dimensional as Ware.