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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – DeMarcus Ware’s presence makes him an invaluable player. Whether it’s in the locker room, on the sideline or actually on the field, the nine-time Pro-Bowler is an essential part of the Denver Broncos formula that works so well.
The team lost Ware’s presence on the field last Sunday when he fractured his right forearm, and they’ll lose his presence on the sideline this Sunday as he stays in Denver to continue rehabbing his injury.
Ware’s value as a leader made it an extremely tough decision.
“Absolutely,” head coach Gary Kubiak said on Friday when asked if the team considered bringing Ware for leadership. “But it’s just getting on the plane with some of the things he has going on. We don’t want any swelling. It’s really a physical thing.”
The Denver Broncos young pass-rushers Shaq Barret and Shane Ray have often talked about the type of resource Ware is on the sidelines. Even Von Miller lauds the knowledge and wisdom that Ware provides. Of course, the team has a great coaching staff to turn to when in need, but there’s just something about hearing it from your peer, a peer that has done it better than anybody in this league over the last decade.
Friday afternoon, Barrett admitted to BSN Denver that Ware’s absence would create an added challenge as the team seeks a win in their first road test of the season.
“It’s going to be harder than it would be if he was out there,” he explained. “He’s a great eye; he can see everything out there and let us know what’s going on. Without him, we’ll just have to grow on our own, work on our own and see it for ourselves. It’s going to be a great opportunity to get better on and off of the field for us and apply our own coaching. We’re most definitely going to miss him.”
How often do they turn to Ware for advice?
“After every drive you come out and talk to him,” Barrett said without hesitation. “Whether he’s playing or not. He’ll let us know if he saw something or if we didn’t see something and he’ll communicate with us.”
Barrett, Ray and even Dekoda Watson have a huge opportunity in front of them this week, a chance to show their teammates, coaches and fans that the future is now. Without their unquestioned leader, though, the opportunity comes along with a great challenge.
