Hatcher apparently to remain starter at DE

[dbair1967]

Hatcher Gets Starting Nod In D-Line RotationPosted by rphillips at 9/15/2011 4:32 PM CDT on dallascowboys.com

IRVING, Texas -- The only one of the Cowboys' three free agent defensive ends without starting experience, Jason Hatcher's future in Dallas was uncertain entering the offseason.

Not only did the Cowboys wind up re-signing Hatcher a week into training camp, he worked his way into the starting lineup for last week's opener at the Jets.

Hatcher started at right defensive end opposite Kenyon Coleman and was credited with four tackles, a tackle for loss and a quarterback pressure.

Marcus Spears, a six-year starter who also signed a new deal in August, rotated in with Hatcher and Coleman in his first game back from a strained groin.


“I just think Hatch has played very well from the start of training camp," head coach Jason Garrett said. "He’s a guy that’s certainly been a very productive player for us in the past, but he came back and has played well as a run defender, as a pass rusher he’s made plays. He just shows up. He was very worthy of that opportunity.

“You want to be able to rotate those guys through, keep those guys fresh. Each of them has a role that’s very significant to our football team.”

 

[cmd34]

He's not going to be covering Frank Gore is he?

 

[Midswat]

This actually amazes me. Hatcher was, by all accounts, our most useless... well, no... outside of Igor, our most useless DE the past few years. Couldn't do shit.

I would've sworn he was out of here, without question.

Now look at him. He's not all pro or anything, but he's playing well enough to start.

Very impressed.

 

[NoShame]

He played well against the Jets.. hopefully we get more out of him.

But maybe this means Spears isn't quite ready (health wise) to take his starting spot back yet. . .

 

[Idgit]

This is more good news. Not that I care if Hatcher starts, but because it's another player displacing a vet by playing well. A good precedent.

 

[RoyTheHammer]

Not suprised. Spears gets more credit from most fans than he deserves.

 

[dbair1967]

This actually amazes me. Hatcher was, by all accounts, our most useless... well, no... outside of Igor, our most useless DE the past few years. Couldn't do shit.

I would've sworn he was out of here, without question.

Now look at him. He's not all pro or anything, but he's playing well enough to start.

Very impressed.

He was definitely the most impressive of our DL in preseason (not saying much I know, but he stood out) and he continued that again the other night in NY. Ryan has definitely made a difference for him too.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Well I was wrong about him. Thought he would continue to be a part time player.

 

[Midswat]

Well I was wrong about him. Thought he would continue to be a part time player.

When he went to visit the Bronco's, I thought he was as good as gone.

When we re-signed him, I thought it was a desperation move because we lost out on Bowens and had no chance at Jenkins.

Color me pleasantly suprised.

 

[Freddie]

This article is incorrect. Spears started against the Jets. Spears was at LDE, Ratliff at NT, and Hatcher at RDE to start the game. Don't forget he now wears #98.