Anthony Hitchens Turning Heads and Making Plays

If you were like me, then you were glued to your TV last night with a close eye on the defense. Leading up to the game we all knew we were missing several starters on the defensive side of the ball, but we still wanted to see who from all these backups would standout. Unfortunately, the defensive backups were gashed with regularity and it was painful to watch as it stirred flashbacks from last year’s defense.

It’s not the end of the world by any means, but there are some concerns with the pass rush, or lack thereof. We are going to need DeMarcus Lawrence back soon, I’m not sold on Mincey, he was ok, but that’s not going to get it done in the NFC East.

The one player that was seemed to have a knack for the ball was rookie LB, Anthony Hitchens. At first I was concentrating on the defensive line, but after not seeing much from those guys, I noticed Hitchens and took a closer look. And I know its early and its the preseason, but the Cowboys may have found a nice addition with Hitchens. And how can you not love this simple tweet:

That Star Means So Much!!!! http://t.co/DZuZf0BDMQ

— Anthony Hitchens (@AnthonyHitchens) August 8, 2014

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Bruce Carter has had a roller-coaster career in Dallas and is in a contract year, and if Hitchens keeps playing the way he played last night, then we have our upgrade / replacement for Carter. Before camp started most of us thought Hitchens would compete for Lee’s spot, but keeping Hitchens were he made his plays in college could lead to a nice career in Dallas. That tackle Hitchens had at the goal line was a beautiful sight, wasn’t it?  I’m looking forward to seeing what else Hitchens can bring in the rest of the preseason.

If Carter struggles like he did last year, I can see a scenario where Hitchens gets the nod sometime this year and keeps the job. We’ll see how this plays out.

Besides Ahmad Dixon who had 12 total tackles last night, Hitchens stacked up 8 total tackles who led the rest of the linebackers last night.