Where's the Credit for Ware?

The 2005 draft produced one heck of an outside linebacker in Shawn Merriman. His ability to sack the quarterback, stop the run in the backfield and even his over the top "lights out" celebration makes him one of the most exciting and likeable players in the NFL today. Yet it pains me that know one in the media, that I have come across has brought to light three facts. One being his inability to play pass defense, two being his tendency to over pursue and three he wasn't even the best linebacker taken in the 2005 draft.

The NFL, like all sports, focuses on two things, win totals and stats. Shawn Merriman's effort, while playing for the San Diego Chargers over the past two years, has helped his team to a 23-9 record. His accomplishments include defensive rookie of the year in 2005 and leading the NFL in sacks in 2006. Many football fans who know these facts, probably also know about his positive steroid test in 2006, which seems to be overshadowed by his defensive prowess, so how could I possibly think that the media is wrong and he wasn't the best linebacker taken in the 2005 draft class. The answer is Demarcus Ware.

Ware played football for Troy during his college career. Coming out of college he was both loved and hated by the "experts". A few thought that if converted to an outside linebacker, he would thrive in a 3-4 defensive scheme because he was speedy, but just wasn't heavy or strong enough to play defensive-end in the NFL. Others felt that playing football for Troy handicapped him because he didn't get to play the powerhouse schools like Merriman did with Maryland, and therefore left him lacking valuable experience against elite college teams. Yet, Ware has more tackles, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries, interceptions, passes defended, and defensive touchdowns when compared to Merriman and Ware still averages over 9.5 sacks per year. As for his strength, I saw him play against the Giants this year, and while being blocked, he hit Tiki Barber in the chest with one arm so hard that Barber fumbled and was knocked out.

All sports have those plays that make the "high light reels", the high light reels. Baseball has the homeruns and diving catches, hockey has the goals and fights, basketball has the dunks and football has the touchdowns and sacks. Merriman gets too much credit for his sack totals and not enough criticism for his inconsistency. Yes, Shawn Merriman makes the highlight reels and he is good linebacker. He could be great, but for now the media needs to face the fact that he is a one trick pony. If you don't believe me read the stats and watch both of these guys play because Demarcus Ware will show you one of the most consistent and complete linebackers in football today.