Demarcus Ware (1 Viewer)

[BearsFan]

Jene has him ranked at LB #55 for dynasty.

Shouldn't he be up closer w/Merriman in this DAL 3-4 which should be a replica of the Phillips SDC 3-4, or will there be some sort of static LOLB/ROLB configuration with Spencer (assuming that Ellis may not be there due to Achilles recovery and/or contract demands)?

 

[Jene Bramel]

Jene has him ranked at LB #55 for dynasty.Shouldn't he be up closer w/Merriman in this DAL 3-4 which should be a replica of the Phillips SDC 3-4, or will there be some sort of static LOLB/ROLB configuration with Spencer (assuming that Ellis may not be there due to Achilles recovery and/or contract demands)?

I'll have an extended argument on the downside of Ware during our face-off series that should begin running by the end of the week but here's the short version for now.First, though, I should have Ware higher on my list. While I'm not a big fan of the potential inconsistency and risk of a 3-4 rush OLB whose IDP value relies solely on his ability to rack up sacks, I realized that I had underrated Ware when I wrote the Dallas team and player reports last month. I had intended to jump him up some with my last update and missed him. He belongs higher in the LB3-4 tier, probably in the upper 40s if I had to guess before making the change. I don't think he's quite the player Merriman is and his surrounding cast isn't as strong so I still see him as a tier behind.Anyway, you're correct in that Ware will be similar to Merriman. The Cowboys are saying he'll be aligned almost exclusively on the weak side (Merriman moves around but aligns primarily on the strong side) and be used more frequently in pass rush than he was last year (like Merriman). My bias on both of these guys derives from the fact that 3-4 OLB who primarily rush (and aren't active in run support/coverage) have little chance at putting up 50 solo tackles after you subtract sacks. That means they have to reach high double digit sacks to have any consistent value. If they don't, they become those boom/bust guys -- good to win you a couple of games a season but also good for a number of games where they don't finish in the top 50 for the week.Both Merriman and Ware are clearly capable of 15-16 sack seasons and some measure of weekly consistency. But I'd rather have the steadier player. So I've got Merriman in the low LB2-high LB3 range and Ware in the LB3-4 tier.I'll go bump Ware as I'd planned now. Thanks.ETA: He's been moved to 37. Bigger move than I thought.

 

[jgb95]

I have Ware is a 12 Point/sack league and I'll ride him all year!!!

 

[BearsFan]

Jene has him ranked at LB #55 for dynasty.

Shouldn't he be up closer w/Merriman in this DAL 3-4 which should be a replica of the Phillips SDC 3-4, or will there be some sort of static LOLB/ROLB configuration with Spencer (assuming that Ellis may not be there due to Achilles recovery and/or contract demands)?

I'll have an extended argument on the downside of Ware during our face-off series that should begin running by the end of the week but here's the short version for now.First, though, I should have Ware higher on my list. While I'm not a big fan of the potential inconsistency and risk of a 3-4 rush OLB whose IDP value relies solely on his ability to rack up sacks, I realized that I had underrated Ware when I wrote the Dallas team and player reports last month. I had intended to jump him up some with my last update and missed him. He belongs higher in the LB3-4 tier, probably in the upper 40s if I had to guess before making the change. I don't think he's quite the player Merriman is and his surrounding cast isn't as strong so I still see him as a tier behind.

Anyway, you're correct in that Ware will be similar to Merriman. The Cowboys are saying he'll be aligned almost exclusively on the weak side (Merriman moves around but aligns primarily on the strong side) and be used more frequently in pass rush than he was last year (like Merriman). My bias on both of these guys derives from the fact that 3-4 OLB who primarily rush (and aren't active in run support/coverage) have little chance at putting up 50 solo tackles after you subtract sacks. That means they have to reach high double digit sacks to have any consistent value. If they don't, they become those boom/bust guys -- good to win you a couple of games a season but also good for a number of games where they don't finish in the top 50 for the week.

Both Merriman and Ware are clearly capable of 15-16 sack seasons and some measure of weekly consistency. But I'd rather have the steadier player. So I've got Merriman in the low LB2-high LB3 range and Ware in the LB3-4 tier.

I'll go bump Ware as I'd planned now. Thanks.

ETA: He's been moved to 37. Bigger move than I thought.

Thanks Jene, as always, for your perspective!Ware has racked up the following stat lines during his 1st 2 seasons (tackles/assists in bold):

2005 DAL 16 47 11 8 3 0 0 1 84 58 0

2006 DAL 17 60 15 12 5 1 1 6 126 22 1

If he can match last years tackle #s, he'll be golden!

Do you think Spencer will line up on the strong side predominantly (ahead of Ellis)? If yes, I think this can only help Ware by taking the pressure off, and it'd make Spencer quite attractive in the Merriman role, IMO.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Thanks Jene, as always, for your perspective!

Ware has racked up the following stat lines during his 1st 2 seasons (tackles/assists in bold):

2005 DAL 16 47 11 8 3 0 0 1 84 58 0

2006 DAL 17 60 15 12 5 1 1 6 126 22 1

If he can match last years tackle #s, he'll be golden!

Do you think Spencer will line up on the strong side predominantly (ahead of Ellis)? If yes, I think this can only help Ware by taking the pressure off, and it'd make Spencer quite attractive in the Merriman role, IMO.

Projected 16 game stat lines for Merriman and Ware in 2006/2007 if they had started every game both years.2006 Merriman >>> 61 solos (39 less sacks)

2005 Merriman >>> 59 solos (45 less sacks)

2006 Ware >>> 59 solos (47 less sacks)

2005 Ware >>> 47 solos (41 less sacks)

It's not the tackles they have to repeat, it's the sacks. Merriman and Ware are the best of the best all around 3-4 OLB. They can rush, pursue and cover a little. Wimbley could join them. Thomas, Phillips, Spencer, Porter, etc, etc by talent or opportunity don't do all three as well as Merriman and Ware.

The two studs still haven't approached 60 solo tackles without sacks in four very good projected seasons. It's a Catch-22. If they're used more in run support or coverage, they'll have better tackle opportunity but fewer sacks. If they're used predominantly as pass rushers, they'll have a chance to put up 16 sacks each. And they better, because outside of a few passes they'll knock down while they're rushing the quarterback, there's little in the tackle column to like.

I like using these guys behind a couple of steady players that have already anchored your position. Then they don't hurt you if they're inconsistent in some weeks. Merriman and Ware are reasonable bets to hit mid double digit sacks, but if they don't they have no shot at cracking the top 40. Merriman's 43-10 wouldn't have done it in 2005. Neither did Ware's 47-8 in 2006.

I'm not saying they don't belong. Just buyer beware.

And one quick thing on Spencer. Just because he'll likely play the same spot as Merriman, Spencer won't be used as Merriman was. Spencer will be closer to the Shaun Phillips role, but should get slightly better tackle numbers. He falls into the same grab bag as the solid second tier 3-4 OLBs above.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Merriman was the #1 LB in FBG scoring on a PPG basis last year... I'm just sayin...

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

Merriman was the #1 LB in FBG scoring on a PPG basis last year... I'm just sayin...

He was #1 in my league's ppg as well10pts/sack, Merriman is and I think Ware will be too

 

[Jene Bramel]

Merriman was the #1 LB in FBG scoring on a PPG basis last year... I'm just sayin...

I'll be very interested to see whether he can keep up said 22 sack pace against a tougher schedule this year without . I'm just sayin... .

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

Merriman was the #1 LB in FBG scoring on a PPG basis last year... I'm just sayin...

I'll be very interested to see whether he can keep up said 22 sack pace against a tougher schedule this year without . I'm just sayin... .

Is the Chargers schedule that much tougher. Obviously AFC west opponents stay the same This year they get the NFC central, the worst diviisoion in football last year was NFC west.-Merriman sacks Grossman, minimum twice to open the year.Last year they were at Balt, home vs Tenn, they play them both again this year but have advantage of Ravens at home, Titans on road...I'll take thatPlay Houston and their poor O line this year as well, comparable to Cleveland last year.Play the Jags this year, gave up 30 sacks last yearColts and Pats are tough, but Merriman did pretty well, last time he was against Manning and co and they will be fired up for the Pats after the playoff debacle.Minimum 20 sacks this year

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Jene has him ranked at LB #55 for dynasty.Shouldn't he be up closer w/Merriman in this DAL 3-4 which should be a replica of the Phillips SDC 3-4, or will there be some sort of static LOLB/ROLB configuration with Spencer (assuming that Ellis may not be there due to Achilles recovery and/or contract demands)?

I'll have an extended argument on the downside of Ware during our face-off series that should begin running by the end of the week but here's the short version for now.

from the "highside" faceoff guy.

 

[Last Boy Scout]

What kind of league gives 10 pts per sack. That is just an out of whack stat. My league gives 3 per sack, and the player also gets credit for the solo tackle = 5 pts, and some think that is too many pts. Merriman as great as he is, is ranked in the late 30s to early 40s in my leagues, as his stats are somewhat one dimensional.

 

[jgb95]

DB's get 8 for a sack

LB's get 10 for a sack

DL's get 12 for a sack

It the enhanced scoring system thru EFS.