Broncos' DeMarcus Ware: 'I've got many years left'

Last season got off to a great start for DeMarcus Ware. But after recording seven sacks through the first six games, including three in the Denver Broncos' 42-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, his production dropped off significantly. 

Ware attributes those struggles, in part, to the fact that he was coming off offseason surgery to repair nerve damage in his right elbow.

"Yes, I was able to get through last season, but I wasn't able to do everything like this offseason," he told Mike Klis of the Denver Post. "This year, I feel like I'm solid. I can build the bulk. Now after you have those six games and you have all those plays, you know you're ready for six more, and then six more. Because you're just that much more in shape."

This is the first time in three years that Ware will enter the season fully healthy. He'll also turn 33 years old in July, but he doesn't see that as a hindrance.

"I'm doing things right now I could never do before," Ware said. "I'm benching 315 15 times. Power cleaning 405 four or five times. I'm still vertical jumping 38 (inches). My body has matured."

The Broncos brought back Wade Phillips to lead their defense and will be switching from a 4-3 scheme to a 3-4. Ware experienced some of his best seasons under Phillips when he was head coach of the Dallas Cowboys from 2007-10. 

Ware is seven sacks away from moving into the top 10 on the NFL's all-time list, and 15 away from moving into the top five. Even if he reaches those milestones, he doesn't plan on 2015 being his last season.

"No. Not at all," he said. "I've got many years left."