"The mental checklist starts once Jason Witten leaves the huddle and sees DeMarcus Ware on the other side of the line of scrimmage. His heart rate quickens.

"Get your second step down quick," Witten thinks to himself. "Fast hands. The release has to be better. Get him off the jam because he's going to try and jam me."

The same thing happens to Ware.

"What type of stance is he in?" Ware thinks. "Is he going to over-set me? Is he going to be more aggressive? What did he give me the first time I went against him? What move will trick him because I give him power the majority of the time?

Then comes the snap of the ball and the play unfolds. Some plays Ware wins. Some plays Witten wins.

It's a constant battle and one of the best parts of training camp, seeing two of the best players in the NFL at their positions go head to head each day, even for just a little bit.

"If I can get him," Ware said, "then everything else is cake."

Said Witten, "If I can block him, I can block anybody."

Witten has played in the last six Pro Bowls. Ware has played in the last four. Witten is one of three tight ends in NFL history with multiple 90-reception, 1,000-yard seasons. Ware is one of six players to record a 20-sack season. Witten is second in franchise history with 523 catches in his first seven seasons. Ware is already ninth in franchise history in sacks (64 ½) despite playing in only 80 games.

Paul Pasqualoni, now the Cowboys' defensive line coach, coached both players at different times during his first tenure with the Cowboys.

"No. 1, from a physical standpoint, they're both very talented," said Pasqualoni, who coached tight ends in 2005 and linebackers in 2006-07.

"They have the size for the position, prototype guys. Excellent approach to the game. Beyond the approach to the game, they're guys that really have a passion for it."

Both 28, Witten and Ware are at points in their careers where their physical and mental abilities are as aligned as they will ever be. They have played long enough, seen enough and worked enough to know how to handle every situation that will be thrown their way. "