New role for Ware?

I think alot of him only playing third downs was due to the fact we had to use alot of Nickle and dime packages he does real well in coverage I think just the fact he’s the best player on that side of the ball he should stay a everydown back. He can make Plays anytime.

He’s to good against the run to only use him situationally. I’m all for substituting Octavien and Butler in for a couple of reps, as they have shown they are capable.

Those type of plays ware makes I’ve come to expect but I loved watching spencer blast brees, the one time drew looked like he hurt his shoulder….I’m glad he didn’t….

He’s the best all-around pass rusher in football. What sets D-Ware apart from guys like Freeney, Dumervil and Carter is the fact that he’s fantastic against the run and can even drop back into coverage. If you make Ware into a part-time player, you’re losing a defensive superstar for some snaps.

Why don’t we go ahead and save all of our starters for the 4th quarter then?

take a few drives as a 3rd down pass rusher but to take him out the whole game not gonna happen

Butler was strictly a pass rushing DE in college and has had a steep learning curve transitioning to OLB where run stopping and coverage are the other 2/3s of the position, equally as important as rushing the QB, and knowing what to do when and always be in position. So previously in this season he has been the 3rd down pass rush specialist when all he had to do was play that part of the position.

I haven’t seen any detailed analysis of Butler’s play Saturday, but the fact that they were holding the Saint’s potent offense in check with him playing most 1st and 2nd downs would seem to say quite a lot about how he is coming along in rounding out his game and becoming a complete OLB capable of playing on all downs.

I agree with those who say Ware is way to valuable (and highly paid) to be a situational player at all, but that it does make sense to give him some breathers so he can stay fresh for closing out games. Having Butler now showing his ability to be an every down player gives a lot more flexibility for Ware not to have to play nearly every snap like he has previously.

it gives butler some reps and game experience.

This isn’t to say I don’t want him to play 1st and 2nd downs, but would it be too much to ask to give him even just a few snaps off. I remember when the whole Greg Ellis controversy came out earlier this year, the stat emerged that Ware only took off like 10 plays all year. As great a player Ware is, even he could use some rest (just a few snaps) to boost him in the 4th quarter.