Ware: Defense will improve under Ryan

DeMarcus Ware is arguably the most talented player on the Cowboys roster. On Sunday, the outside linebacker participated in his sixth Pro Bowl in seven seasons. And while many analysts give the Cowboys credit for having a talented lineup, only Ware and nose tackle Jay Ratliff were selected for the all-star event. During a recent interview on the NFL Network, Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk asked Ware why the Cowboys struggled in 2011 despite being what Faulk called, "one of the most talented teams in the league." "I don't think you can really wrap it around one thing or one player or somebody's playing not to their potential," Ware said. "You got to look at the whole team, just in general and assess, 'What did we do not as well in that game? How can we improve?' "And I think there's going to be a big improvement having Rob Ryan for a whole another year, knowing his system, knowing what's really going on. Having Jason Garrett, the leader, that motivational guy for us. I think it's going to all just pan out next season." Communication problems on defense were mentioned by players and coaches after many of the Cowboys' losses this season. According to Ware, injuries were one of the reasons those issues occurred. Everyone needs to be on the same page in Ryan's defensive scheme and when an injured player exited, his replacement didn't always pick up where his teammate left off. "If one guy is off on our defense, the whole defense goes kaput," Ware said. "So you got to have everybody on the same page." Perhaps another year under Ryan will correct that problem. -- Follow Jon Machota on Twitter: @jonmachota