One of the biggest indicators of the Dallas Cowboys' success switching from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 defensive scheme will be the impact DeMarcus Ware makes in his transition from linebacker to defensive end.
Defensive line coach Rod Marinelli said Thursday he believes the move will make Ware even more explosive.
"I think it'll aid him a little bit, because your takeoff is better," Marinelli said via the Dallas Morning News. "Your keys are a little more consistent with what you're doing. That's my opinion. I see him, I mean he's an elite rusher right now. I just think the more opportunity he has, doing the same things every day, every week, the repetition, which allows you to become even faster. The sky is the limit for him, I believe."
Playing through injuries, Ware had 11.5 sacks in 2012 after compiling 35 over the previous two seasons. Marinelli said focusing on getting in the backfield more -- as opposed to dropping back in coverage as he was sometimes asked to do as a linebacker -- will create more opportunities to generate turnovers.
Ware has 35 forced fumbles in his career, and while having his hand in the ground every play will take some adjustments, staying healthy is a larger part of the key. A healthy Ware creates havoc, regardless of what position it's from.
Follow Kevin Patra on Twitter @kpatra.
