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Dallas Cowboys Spotlight: Anthony Hitchens
http://thelandryhat.com/2016/07/21/dallas-cowboys-spotlight-anthony-hitchens/
With the 10 game suspension of mike linebacker Rolando McClain the pressure is on the Dallas Cowboys to find sustainable production from the mike position. Despite having versatility, look for Anthony Hitchens to establish himself at the position.
Several days ago the Dallas Cowboys brought linebacker Justin Durant back to the linebacking core, hoping to add to a position that has lacked such luxury over the past several seasons. While Training Camp will play a major role in determining who eventually becomes the starting Mike Linebacker – Anthony Hitchens looks like the best option
What Causes Hitchens to Stand Out
While a productive player, Justin Durant is aging and is not best suited for the physical toll that comes with playing the Mike position for 16 games. Andrew Gachkar could be serviceable, but would be exposed as a starter; Damien Wilson, Kyle Wilbur, and Mark Nzeocha are suited better at other linebacker positions.
Hitchens has been versatile playing all three linebacker positions in Rod Marinelli’s defense his first two seasons where he accumulated 75 (2014) and 67 (2015) tackles. He has shown the intelligence to take in all the assignments, awareness on the field, and the ability to make a number of plays as well.
He is not the explosive tackler that McClain is, however he is dependable and has shown the skill set which could make him tally 100+ tackles from the Mike position over the course of an entire season. Expectations should be measured, while he is an improving and productive player – Hitchens alone will not turn around the defense.
Challenges Hitchens Faces
Even the play making ability of a focused Rolando McClain wasn’t the answer, Sean Lee‘s Pro Bowl 2015 season also didn’t result in the Cowboys coming up with key turnovers. Hitchens will also be tested early on during the season in the running game – which will be his biggest test in his assumed starting role.
He has also faced several injury concerns over his first two seasons in the NFL – mainly ankle related issues which could show up again after receiving more snaps during the regular season. His health could play a key role in the Cowboys improving from a middle of the pack defense. If he and Sean Lee remain healthy it will boost the Cowboys defense throughout the season...
http://thelandryhat.com/2016/07/21/dallas-cowboys-spotlight-anthony-hitchens/
With the 10 game suspension of mike linebacker Rolando McClain the pressure is on the Dallas Cowboys to find sustainable production from the mike position. Despite having versatility, look for Anthony Hitchens to establish himself at the position.
Several days ago the Dallas Cowboys brought linebacker Justin Durant back to the linebacking core, hoping to add to a position that has lacked such luxury over the past several seasons. While Training Camp will play a major role in determining who eventually becomes the starting Mike Linebacker – Anthony Hitchens looks like the best option
What Causes Hitchens to Stand Out
While a productive player, Justin Durant is aging and is not best suited for the physical toll that comes with playing the Mike position for 16 games. Andrew Gachkar could be serviceable, but would be exposed as a starter; Damien Wilson, Kyle Wilbur, and Mark Nzeocha are suited better at other linebacker positions.
Hitchens has been versatile playing all three linebacker positions in Rod Marinelli’s defense his first two seasons where he accumulated 75 (2014) and 67 (2015) tackles. He has shown the intelligence to take in all the assignments, awareness on the field, and the ability to make a number of plays as well.
He is not the explosive tackler that McClain is, however he is dependable and has shown the skill set which could make him tally 100+ tackles from the Mike position over the course of an entire season. Expectations should be measured, while he is an improving and productive player – Hitchens alone will not turn around the defense.
Challenges Hitchens Faces
Even the play making ability of a focused Rolando McClain wasn’t the answer, Sean Lee‘s Pro Bowl 2015 season also didn’t result in the Cowboys coming up with key turnovers. Hitchens will also be tested early on during the season in the running game – which will be his biggest test in his assumed starting role.
He has also faced several injury concerns over his first two seasons in the NFL – mainly ankle related issues which could show up again after receiving more snaps during the regular season. His health could play a key role in the Cowboys improving from a middle of the pack defense. If he and Sean Lee remain healthy it will boost the Cowboys defense throughout the season...
