Vance Joseph talks Addition of DeMarcus Ware
The Denver Broncos are bringing in former linebacker DeMarcus Ware as a pass-rush consultant hoping to get back on track in terms of season team sacks.
On Wednesday, Broncos head coach Vance Joseph gave his thoughts on the hiring of former Cowboys and Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware as a pass-rush consultant.
Joseph elaborated on the additon of Ware. The Broncos coach told media members that Ware’s role on the team will be a part-time gig.
"“It’s good for us. Obviously, he’s a guy who can teach pass rush. He’s going to be our pass rush consultant. He’s going to be in here a couple times a week, hopefully for home games also."
Ware is familiar with a good number of the linebackers currently on the roster, which is obviously an important aspect in the chemistry between him and the players he will be tasked with coaching. The surefire Hall of Famer has been around the league since being a first-round draft pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 2005. He currently ranks 8th all-time in terms of career sacks.
"“It’s good to have DeMarcus because he was with [OLB] Von [Miller], [OLB] Shane [Ray], [OLB] Shaq [Barrett] and those guys. They have great respect for him. Watching him teach pass rush is special. It’s a special moment. He has so much knowledge about pass rush—not just with those guys but also with [DE Derek] Wolfe and [NT Domata] Peko [Sr.] and the inside guys. It’s a good piece to have as part of our staff.”"
Ware has experience not only at linebacker, but also as a defensive lineman. The Broncos have a plan for Ware and that plan apparently involves the linebackers as well as the guys with their hand in the dirt on every play.
"“Pass rush is pass rush. It’s about winning one-on-ones, hand placement and different rip moves that he’s taught those guys. Again, it’s about the respect factor that those guys have for DeMarcus. When he speaks they listen, so it’s good to have him aboard as our pass-rush consultant.”"
Joseph said that Ware’s role is part-time. His hope is that Ware will be on the team’s sideline at home games. However, there is a possibility that that won’t be what happens in the end.
"“He’s going to be in some of our meetings also. Again, it’s a part-time position, so he’s going to be in here probably four days a month and hopefully for home games also. It won’t be a lot of scheme stuff, but more about pass-rush technique.”"
For rookies, any veteran presence is key. When it comes to learning from the best at a position, you can’t get much better than Ware. That is extremely good news for the Broncos’ first-round draft pick linebacker Bradley Chubb.
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Who knows? Maybe, if all goes well with Ware on the coaching staff, the Broncos defense will become one of, if not the leader in overall sacks. If the Broncos love what they see from Ware’s performance as a pass-rush consultant, they may even discuss bringing him back for future seasons.
With Demarcus Ware, I think the Broncos will be around the top of the league in terms of team sacks. The veteran presence was already strong with Von Miller, Todd Davis, and Shaquill Barrett. Adding Ware to the mix was a very smart move on the Broncos’ part.