IRVING – In the last two days, Cowboys rookie linebacker Anthony Hitchens has received praise from Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and head coach Jason Garrett.
Both have mentioned the fourth-round pick as being a valuable part of the defense who continues to improve on a daily basis.
In Sunday’s 42-7 win over Indianapolis, Hitchens recorded a team-high seven tackles to go along with his first career interception.
On the second play of the third quarter, Colts quarterback Andrew Luck had a pass tipped at the line of scrimmage by Cowboys defensive tackle Nick Hayden. The ball came straight down to a waiting Hitchens.
After being tackled by Luck, Hitchens immediately got to his feet, tossed the ball and rushed over to hug Cowboys linebackers coach Matt Eberflus on the sidelines.
“It felt good,” Hitchens said. “He’s been on my case all year about it. I’m the last one in the room to get a turnover. I think I was going to have to pay for everyone’s Christmas gifts if I didn’t get a turnover before the season was over. I had a lot at stake, so I’m just glad I got the turnover.”
The Cowboys were heavily criticized for selecting Hitchens in the fourth round after many experts had him pegged for a late-round selection.
Entering Week 17, the outside linebacker has started 10 games and played in 15. He is third on the team in tackles with 97.
“I think I’m reading my keys better,” Hitchens said. “The more reps you get the easier it becomes, just coming out here and wanting to get better.”
Follow Jon Machota on Twitter: @jonmachota
Both have mentioned the fourth-round pick as being a valuable part of the defense who continues to improve on a daily basis.
In Sunday’s 42-7 win over Indianapolis, Hitchens recorded a team-high seven tackles to go along with his first career interception.
On the second play of the third quarter, Colts quarterback Andrew Luck had a pass tipped at the line of scrimmage by Cowboys defensive tackle Nick Hayden. The ball came straight down to a waiting Hitchens.
After being tackled by Luck, Hitchens immediately got to his feet, tossed the ball and rushed over to hug Cowboys linebackers coach Matt Eberflus on the sidelines.
“It felt good,” Hitchens said. “He’s been on my case all year about it. I’m the last one in the room to get a turnover. I think I was going to have to pay for everyone’s Christmas gifts if I didn’t get a turnover before the season was over. I had a lot at stake, so I’m just glad I got the turnover.”
The Cowboys were heavily criticized for selecting Hitchens in the fourth round after many experts had him pegged for a late-round selection.
Entering Week 17, the outside linebacker has started 10 games and played in 15. He is third on the team in tackles with 97.
“I think I’m reading my keys better,” Hitchens said. “The more reps you get the easier it becomes, just coming out here and wanting to get better.”
Follow Jon Machota on Twitter: @jonmachota