DALLAS, Texas -- Critics can point the finger at any number of reasons why things didn't go as planned for the Dallas Cowboys last season. But one of the most common issues brought up is that the Cowboys didn't get a full offseason, particularly to learn a new scheme from defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

This year, the Cowboys are getting that full offseason, and it's making all the difference.

"Last year was sort of chaotic," DeMarcus Ware said. "But now, everybody's back. There's a regimen now. Coach Jason Garrett always says you’ve got to stick to the logistics. I think this offseason is really going to help out this year.”

Ware was at the Red Bull Gamebreakers 7-on-7 finals at Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas along with teammates Jason Witten, John Phillips and Dez Bryant. The Cowboys spoke to the kids competing in the tournament and encouraged them to make good choices and pursue their dreams.

In the meantime, Ware told reporters how a full offseason under Ryan is helping the defense move closer to achieving its dream of helping the Cowboys win a sixth Super Bowl championship.

“It’s a big difference because now you’ve got a lot of tape to where you can go back and correct things," Ware said. "Guys are used to the defense now so they can play a lot more aggressive. They’re not thinking a lot. Everybody’s focused on the season and ready for the season."

Witten echoed Ware that a full offseason is helpful, but he also said he did not want to make excuses for last year's results.

“Here’s the thing, there’s no question it’s going to be better," Witten said. "But at the same time, it’s not an excuse for not being successful last year. Every other team had the same issue. I’m hesitant to allow that to be a crutch for our football team. We didn’t execute good enough, regardless of new scheme, old scheme, anything else. We didn’t play good enough. That’s it. We need to take that and learn from it and get better. And I believe our team has."

Offseason issues aside, all four players said how excited and eager they were for the upcoming season. Witten in particular was very confident in the Cowboys' chances.

"I mean, we talk about this window, but we believe we have the right guys and the right leaders," He said. "We are going to be prepared. I’m excited for now and where our football team's headed. I feel like we’ve got a really good group. We’ll see if we can make it happen.”