Be-Ware of DeMarcus Ware

IRVING, Texas - DeMarcus Ware jersey is arguably the NFL's most feared pass rusher.

In 2009, he was one-half of arguably the NFL's most feared pass-rushing tandem.

First-year starter Anthony Spencer was so productive down the stretch last season that he earned one vote for the All-Pro team despite not making the NFC Pro Bowl football jerseys squad. Ware, meanwhile, made both again.

At times Spencer, the Cowboys' 2007 first-round pick, was as disruptive as their $78 million man - quite a feat considering Ware still led the team in sacks and quarterback pressures despite multiple in-season injuries: a fractured foot and wrist and a neck sprain in December.

Spencer did not have a sack until Thanksgiving Day against Oakland but finished the year with six. His 36 pressures trailed only Ware, his seven pass breakups tied for fifth on the team and he also added one interception.

The Cowboys football jerseys enter 2010 with a strong foundation at outside linebacker, the primary pressure position in a 3-4 defense. Wade Phillips' unit had 43 sacks, a lower total than its league-leading 59 in 2008. But the defense became more complete and efficient with Spencer keeping opponents more honest opposite Ware, and cornerback Mike Jenkins providing the same effect for Terence Newman at cornerback.

Big Issue: Who will step up to give Ware a breather?

The Cowboys have to feel better about their outside linebacker depth than they did last summer, when Greg Ellis' release left only two fourth-round rookies, Victor Butler and Brandon Williams, as the primary backups. Don't expect Ware to be sitting out crucial plays - or many at all, for that matter either.

But the fact that Spencer missed four games in 2008 and Ware played at less than 100 percent in 2009 means it's important to develop Butler and Williams as insurance. Both starters need a play off here and there, anyway.

Butler and Williams mostly played with their hand on the ground as defensive ends in college. A 3-4 outside linebacker has coverage responsibilities and must play the run well, something Ware and Spencer have mastered (the two combined for 13 tackles for loss last year).

Head coach Wade Phillips has said defensive end Jason Hatcher is versatile enough to play outside in certain situations, too.

Best Position Battle: As mentioned above, last year's rookies figure to compete for situational reps.

Williams' 2008 season ended before it really began; he tore his ACL covering a punt in the team's second preseason game. He had surgery last fall and was medically cleared to participate in this spring's offseason workouts.

Butler became the top backup, recording three sacks on defense and 12 special teams tackles. Like Ware and Spencer did in their developmental years, though, Butler made mistakes in his first season as a stand-up linebacker.

Rookie Watch: Williams isn't exactly a rookie, but part of the 2008 "redshirt" draft class depleted by injuries last year.

Phillips immediately liked Williams' quick first step and felt he could've helped the defense last year in a reduced role. Although Williams admits he's not yet totally confident in his surgically-repaired knee, the coaches are seeing signs of the same explosiveness. He's one to watch in training camp and beyond.

Don't Forget About . . . : Curtis Johnson. After Williams got hurt last August, the Cowboys claimed Johnson off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts jersey.

He's got a little pass-rushing experience, notching one sack in seven games as a 4-3 defensive end for the Colts. But a hamstring injury and a new position affected his playing time in Dallas. He only appeared in three games and didn't record any defensive stats.

Johnson does have pass rush skills, though. The Cowboys kept five outside linebackers on last year's initial 53-man roster, so there could be a spot for Johnson if he makes an impression.