NoDak
Hotlinking' sonofabitch
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2013
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TRAINING CAMP COUNTDOWN
KRISTI SCALES /
LINK
Anthony Hitchens has proven to be a reliable, versatile linebacker through his first two NFL seasons. Since using a 4th round pick on Hitchens in the 2014 NFL Draft, coaches have been able to plug him into the lineup at any of the three linebacker positions and he’s delivered solid performances. With Rolando McClain facing a 10 game suspension for the start of the 2016 season, Hitchens will likely get the first opportunity to take over at middle linebacker during McClain’s absence.
This isn’t a new venture for Hitchens. He filled the same role last season when McClain was suspended the first 4 games of the 2015 season. Hitchens responded in those four games by totaling 35 tackles and 2 sacks.
Even when McClain returned after four games, Hitchens still had a major role on the defense as well as special teams. Later in the 2015 season, Hitchens started two games at weakside linebacker in place of Sean Lee (11/15 @ Tampa Bay, 1/3/16 vs Washington). Hitchens also started two games at strongside linebacker (10/25 @ NY Giants, 12/27 @ Buffalo) in place of Kyle Wilber.
During his rookie season in 2014, Hitchens started 11 games and played all three linebacker spots. He finished his rookie campaign with 100 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 interception. He was the first Cowboys rookie defender to total 100-or-more tackles since safety Roy Williams in 2002. He showed not only versatility, but a great capacity to learn quickly. It’s not easy for an NFL rookie to adapt to a new league; to be able to excel at three different positions was impressive.
Hitchens was a godsend for an injury-ravaged linebacker corps his rookie season. He was a reliable role player his second season yet still amassed 85 tackles along with 2 sacks and a forced fumble.
Now in his third season, he’ll enter training camp as the leading contender to take over at middle linebacker for McClain for an extended period of time. Returning veteran Andrew Gachkar, a key special teams player, will compete with Hitchens for the starting job. So will second-year player Mark Nzeocha whose rookie year was spent mostly rehabbing a knee injury.
Middle linebacker will be a key focus of training camp, and Anthony Hitchens will be the Cowboys’ man in the middle of the storyline.
KRISTI SCALES /
LINK
Anthony Hitchens has proven to be a reliable, versatile linebacker through his first two NFL seasons. Since using a 4th round pick on Hitchens in the 2014 NFL Draft, coaches have been able to plug him into the lineup at any of the three linebacker positions and he’s delivered solid performances. With Rolando McClain facing a 10 game suspension for the start of the 2016 season, Hitchens will likely get the first opportunity to take over at middle linebacker during McClain’s absence.
This isn’t a new venture for Hitchens. He filled the same role last season when McClain was suspended the first 4 games of the 2015 season. Hitchens responded in those four games by totaling 35 tackles and 2 sacks.
Even when McClain returned after four games, Hitchens still had a major role on the defense as well as special teams. Later in the 2015 season, Hitchens started two games at weakside linebacker in place of Sean Lee (11/15 @ Tampa Bay, 1/3/16 vs Washington). Hitchens also started two games at strongside linebacker (10/25 @ NY Giants, 12/27 @ Buffalo) in place of Kyle Wilber.
During his rookie season in 2014, Hitchens started 11 games and played all three linebacker spots. He finished his rookie campaign with 100 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 interception. He was the first Cowboys rookie defender to total 100-or-more tackles since safety Roy Williams in 2002. He showed not only versatility, but a great capacity to learn quickly. It’s not easy for an NFL rookie to adapt to a new league; to be able to excel at three different positions was impressive.
Hitchens was a godsend for an injury-ravaged linebacker corps his rookie season. He was a reliable role player his second season yet still amassed 85 tackles along with 2 sacks and a forced fumble.
Now in his third season, he’ll enter training camp as the leading contender to take over at middle linebacker for McClain for an extended period of time. Returning veteran Andrew Gachkar, a key special teams player, will compete with Hitchens for the starting job. So will second-year player Mark Nzeocha whose rookie year was spent mostly rehabbing a knee injury.
Middle linebacker will be a key focus of training camp, and Anthony Hitchens will be the Cowboys’ man in the middle of the storyline.
