News: ST: Cowboys notes: Rookie Hitchens ready to play bigger role

[jazzcat22]

What are peoples' term of mediocre.....do you mean he plays like he is supposed to play, or do you mean, he will just ok, but nothing great, but expecting less?

If he plays and does what the coaches expect him to do, then gets the experience, and gets better each week, as any rookie is to do, no matter where picked. Then I think it will be a successful debut starting.
Am I expecting an all pro outing, no, none of us should. Just make the play you are supposed to make.
Yes, he may miss a few but he may hit of a few others too.

I think he can play well.

 

[xwalker]

Why don't they give the defensive play calling helmet thing to McClain? Isn't he a film junkie and MLB is usually in charge of adjustments anyway. Also Carter has enough trouble knowing his own responsibilities.

Carter played well back in 2012 in the games after Lee was out. Carter was the play caller then.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

People didn't expect Durant to be here this season. Guys like him fight and claw to stay in the league.

I have so much respect for JD.

#lunchpail

At some point the bell is going to toll for both he and Carr. And I think it's this season. Carr because of his play and Durant because he's nicked-up so often.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

We now more than ever need to have Scandrick back. Claiborne/Wilcox/Hitchens could be brutal in coverage assignment wise.

Agreed.

But I think all 3 can improve... And if the defense is going to go forward Wilcox and Hitchens need to show some progress.

 

[davey999]

I know I will get flamed for this, but I would still bring in Champ Bailey for a look. He could still help in the nickel,IMO.

 

[Zimmy Lives]

Not at all. I think Hitchens will be a starter here for a long time. He has instinct that can't be taught. And no matter how many times people claim he's slow it won't be true.

This.

Truthfully, I am ready for a draft pick LB to replace the unreliable spare part veteran FAs (Durant/Sims) Dallas has brought in the last few years. If those guys have talent it's hard to tell since they are/were always hurt.

 

[waving monkey]

Athletic ability goes a long way in the nfl....character and work ethic are great traits for a special teams players and part time players, but a guy who is going to play every down needs to have the prerequisite athletic ability to play in the NFL. I don't see Hitchens as a smooth enough athlete to play in space and cover.

Analysis
Strengths
Aggressive tackler. Flows fast to the ball (when he sees it) and has good playing range to the sideline. Plays bigger than his size and does not back down from big-bodied blockers or physical runners (see Ohio State). Fairly explosive hitter. Plays with a chip on his shoulder and is highly respected for his work ethic, makeup and overall approach. Is mentally and physically tough. Very durable despite lack of size (missed only one game in career).
Analysis
Strengths
Aggressive tackler. Flows fast to the ball (when he sees it) and has good playing range to the sideline. Plays bigger than his size and does not back down from big-bodied blockers or physical runners (see Ohio State). Fairly explosive hitter. Plays with a chip on his shoulder and is highly respected for his work ethic, makeup and overall approach. Is mentally and physically tough. Very durable despite lack of size (missed only one game in career).

 

[waving monkey]

I know I will get flamed for this, but I would still bring in Champ Bailey for a look. He could still help in the nickel,IMO.

flamed

 

[Chocolate Lab]

No strong feelings on Hitchins, as I haven't watched him that closely... But I know Nate Newton loves him, so that's worth something to me. Part of his job was going out and blocking LBs, so he must have some idea what he's talking about.

But like with any rookie, especially on defense, there will be some rough moments from him. He wasn't specifically targeted then like he will be now if he plays very much.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

He's horrible in coverage. He constantly gets whipped by his guy consistently.

Who constantly "Whipped him" on Sunday? And once again, what makes you think Hitchens can do better? And i'm not saying he can't or he can't just as good or of your opinion just as bad. But I just don't know what you've seen to say such things.

 

[DuDa]

Who constantly "Whipped him" on Sunday? And once again, what makes you think Hitchens can do better? And i'm not saying he can't or he can't just as good or of your opinion just as bad. But I just don't know what you've seen to say such things.

I never said Hitchens would do a better job--I actually want to see Toomer starting at WILL but he just got here so that might be asking to much. I think Hitchens future in this defense is at SAM only because of his lack of foot speed and quickness. Hitchens best position is a MILB in a 3-4, he doesn't really fit into this scheme very well IMHO.

 

[TrailBlazer]

What haven't you liked about his play in preseason? He seems a step slow and athletically not all that flexible to me, but he's pretty much been where he's supposed to be, and he tackles well. He made a couple plays in the preseason games.

He's not ready, overall, but in a situation where he's a backup, I don't think he's any less ready than the other guys we've got back there who might sub in. Wilber excluded.

We're gonna miss Durant. He's a step slow, tackling isn't great, will be toast in coverage. I disagree that he's ready for a bigger role. Not many 4th round rookies are ready to compete at this level. That's wishful thinking. Lets see after the game.

 

[Idgit]

We're gonna miss Durant. He's a step slow, tackling isn't great, will be toast in coverage. I disagree that he's ready for a bigger role. Not many 4th round rookies are ready to compete at this level. That's wishful thinking. Lets see after the game.

He probably won't be on the field all that much more this week, either. We'll be in nickel a lot, and that's going to be Carter/McClain.