News: The Pros & Cons Of Anthony Hitchens Replacing Rolando McClain In The Cowboys Defense

RoboQB

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I think that Hitchens will pleasantly surprise a number of concerned fans. He will be a steady player allowing others to make plays around him.
 

Bullflop

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That's the real key. The dline has to keep oline guys off the lb's and in that area we should be better

True -- I think the presence of Thornton and a healthy Tyrone Crawford should be a difference maker in 2016.

There is also a group of other promising candidates who display considerable promise of stepping up as well.
 

silver

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What does it say about our FO that the starter and primary back up at an extremely important position like MLB are below average and wouldn't start on any other team ?

Historically the Tampa Two has had a below average MLB and an All Pro Will. Everyone remembers Derrick Brooks but hardly anyone remembers Shelton Quarles.
 

thisiscowboyscountry

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What does it say about our FO that the starter and primary back up at an extremely important position like MLB are below average and wouldn't start on any other team ?

Thats why they took a gamble on Jaylon Smith looking to upgrade the MLB position in future years. Im not as concerned with Anthony Hitchens starting, because weve seen him play significant time the last couple years and is a very capable lb. Im sure if we looked at every team's starting lb core in the nfl we would find a number of teams with question marks and unproven starters. I agree our situation isnt ideal and we should bring in more veteran depth, but im not panicking as weve had decent lb play in 2014 and 2015 with virtually the same talent.
 

visionary

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Thats why they took a gamble on Jaylon Smith looking to upgrade the MLB position in future years. Im not as concerned with Anthony Hitchens starting, because weve seen him play significant time the last couple years and is a very capable lb. Im sure if we looked at every team's starting lb core in the nfl we would find a number of teams with question marks and unproven starters. I agree our situation isnt ideal and we should bring in more veteran depth, but im not panicking as weve had decent lb play in 2014 and 2015 with virtually the same talent.

We have 2 MLBs, one who is a pot head and another who is average so let's pick one who might never play

Makes sense
 

CCBoy

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Thats why they took a gamble on Jaylon Smith looking to upgrade the MLB position in future years. Im not as concerned with Anthony Hitchens starting, because weve seen him play significant time the last couple years and is a very capable lb. Im sure if we looked at every team's starting lb core in the nfl we would find a number of teams with question marks and unproven starters. I agree our situation isnt ideal and we should bring in more veteran depth, but im not panicking as weve had decent lb play in 2014 and 2015 with virtually the same talent.

You bring up a pretty relevant element. Good linebackers get up to speed during their first two years in the league. Hitchens is on rate here.

Now the great ones, add an additional element in third and fourth seasons...here, we shall see the level that he settles into, now.
 

Risen Star

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Pro - You are getting rid of an unmotivated bad influence head case. At least temporarily.

Con - You are replacing him with an NFL Europe type talent.
 

CCBoy

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Pro - You are getting rid of an unmotivated bad influence head case. At least temporarily.

Con - You are replacing him with an NFL Europe type talent.

In the past, the Cowboys have had success with former NFL Europe players...kind of like small school players, some Al Pros aren't that unusual.
 
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