News: Cowboys turn attention to Andrew Gachkar at middle linebacker

[CCBoy]

Cowboys turn attention to Andrew Gachkar at middle linebacker
Todd Archer,
http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas-cowb...ention-to-andrew-gachkar-at-middle-linebacker




IRVING, Texas -- If the Dallas Cowboys' season opened this weekend, Andrew Gachkar would be the starting middle linebacker.

Before a few weeks ago in Oxnard, California, Gachkar had never played middle linebacker before.

The Cowboys signed Gachkar in March to a two-year deal after a four-year run with the San Diego Chargers with the idea of him being a major special teams contributor and backup to all three linebacker spots.

With Rolando McClain missing the first four games of the season due to a suspension, Anthony Hitchens out with a sprained foot and Jasper Brinkley not in the mix, the Cowboys have looked at Gachkar. He had five tackles against the Minnesota Vikings in his first start at middle linebacker.

Not bad for a guy who spent part of the spring at weakside linebacker and the early part of camp on the strong-side...

 

[cowboyschmps3]

Really liked the signing when we got him. Whenever I saw some charger he games he seemed to stand out whether it was ST's or defense. Started some games when Te'o was out I believe,

 

[Longboysfan]

Looked good to me last week.

 

[stilltheguru88]

Its all good until the real bullets start flying.

 

[CCBoy]

Its all good until the real bullets start flying.

Train as if it were the real thing...every time.

 

[sbark]

With S.Lee beside him giving some on the go "coaching" he'll be ok.........

 

[CCBoy]

With S.Lee beside him giving some on the go "coaching" he'll be ok.........

Oh, I agree...Lee is a top notched leader.

 

[DallasDW00ds0n]

That's worrisome lol gachkar starting.

 

[mattjames2010]

I'm not expecting much, maybe Dan Connor level of play. He just has to hold his own until McClain returns.

 

[Tabascocat]

I watched him a lot at camp and was disappointed every time. Lord help us if he has to be a main cog in the wheel, at least he looked decent last week.........

 

[Teague31]

Looking more and more Hitch won't be ready to go week 1.

 

[muck4doo]

I thought he looked good against the Vikings. Also, San Diego fans were disappointed to see him go, so maybe that says something about him as well. Then again, Broncos fans were also sad to see Tebow go too.

 

[erod]

I'm not expecting much, maybe Dan Connor level of play. He just has to hold his own until McClain returns.

Much, much faster than Dan Connor, who couldn't outrun me.

 

[erod]

Here's the good news.

The Giants don't have a good offensive line, so Gachkar won't get steamrolled.

The Eagles will play with three receivers most of the game, so Dallas will be in Nickel and Dime anyway.

Ditto for the Falcons.

Ditto for the Saints.

There's not a power running team on the schedule until Ro McClain returns.

However, I'm not expecting Ro to come back ready to play, so New England could be a problem here if Brady is back.

 

[John813]

I think he'll do better than a lot are/were expecting out of him when we signed him. IMO he'll be a solid starter till McClain comes back

I thought he looked good against the Vikings. Also, San Diego fans were disappointed to see him go, so maybe that says something about him as well. Then again, Broncos fans were also sad to see Tebow go too.

Maybe religious Bronco fans.

They replaced Tebow with Manning, can't think of many people being upset with that.

 

[Iago33]

Looking more and more Hitch won't be ready to go week 1.

Did the article say that?

 

[Teague31]

Did the article say that?

No but the absolute silence from the team on it and the fact he hasn't practiced in three weeks gives me concern

 

[Iago33]

No but the absolute silence from the team on it and the fact he hasn't practiced in three weeks gives me concern

OK. Thought I missed some news. I understand concern.

 

[Zekeats]

What good is Brinkley? Surprise cut?