DeMarcus Ware: 4-3 will keep me healthier
By Mike Dyce
The Dallas Cowboys have been using the 3-4 defense since Bill Parcells was quarterback. But they brought in Monte Kiffin to fix the defense after dismissing Rob Ryan and he is installing the 4-3.
That notably moves DeMarcus Ware from outside linebacker to defensive end, and puts his hand in the dirt. Ware, though thinks the transition is going well and one of the benefits of the move will be his health.
“It’s a little bit easier transition; now you are putting your hand in the dirt and you are pass rushing 99, we’ll say 94 percent of the time,” Ware said, via Mac Engel of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “At outside linebacker there are lot more moving parts and to me it’s easier to get hurt. At defensive end, you’re not moving as much. It’s more technique. You’re using savviness to make plays.
“I think being more fundamentally sound should keep me healthier during the season. I feel like this should extend my career.”
By strictly playing defensive end and focusing solely on rushing the quarterback he also won’t be dropping into coverage as he did in the old 3-4 scheme. It could potentially help him challenge the single season sack record he has come close to twice, since he’ll be focusing on nothing but the quarterback in 2013.