RealGM Football: The Red Zone - Elite Eight: Ware Vs. Fitzgerald

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Elite Eight: Ware Vs. Fitzgerald

Authored by Andrew Perna - 7th September, 2009 - 8:46 am

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We kick off the Elite Eight on Labor Day with a battle between Dallas linebacker DeMarcus Ware and Arizona wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

How They Got Here

Ware received 56% of the vote against Donovan McNabb in the round of sixteen, while Fitzgerald tallied an amazing 89% of the ballots against Aaron Curry.

Why Ware Is A Franchise Player

Ware only has four seasons under his belt, but has already recorded 53.5 sacks and been named to three Pro Bowls. He is the best pass-rushing linebacker in the NFL today, and has also improved his ability to limit opposing running backs as well.

In addition to a steady increase in sack production (8 in 2005, 11.5 in 2006, 14 in 2007 and then 20 last season), Ware has been incredibly reliable. He has yet to miss a game despite the fact that he flies all over the field. If it weren't for his presence, the Dallas defense would be rather porous. They don't have much depth behind him at linebacker.

Ware etched his name into the record books with his twenty sacks in 2008. Hes tied for sixth all-time with Derrick Thomas in terms of single-season totals. The names above him are rather impressive -- Michael Strahan, Mark Gastineau, Reggie White, Chris Doleman and Lawrence Taylor, all former franchise players in their own right.

Why Fitzgerald Is A Franchise Player

Fitzgerald is a true game-changer, and he thrust himself onto the national stage with a record-setting playoff run in 2008. He has posted more than 1,400 yards and ten touchdowns in three of the last four seasons and has never contributed fewer than 780 yards and six scores in his five-year career.

He led the NFL in receptions (103) in 2005 and touchdowns (12) in 2008.

While it's true that the Cardinals feature an aerial-based attack, Fitzgerald is the kind of player that would flourish in any offense. He was a force even before Kurt Warner entrenched himself in Arizona, putting up strong numbers with Josh McCown throwing the ball in 2004 and part of 2005.

The only strong argument against Fitzgerald in this tournament is his position. Of the 32 players in the field, only three are wide receivers and he is the only that advanced to the Elite Eight. No. 11 can't throw the ball, hold the opposing team in check and trot into the end zone all by himself. However, his mere presence makes the rest of the offense breathe easier.

Click here to cast your vote and here to read the opening article

Andrew Perna is Deputy Editor of RealGM.com and co-host of RealGM's Radio Show. Please feel free to contact him with comments or questions via e-mail: Andrew.Perna@RealGM.com. You can also follow Andrew on Twitter: APerna7.