Breaking Down the Dallas Cowboys Defense Player-by-Player

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Sep 25, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys middle linebacker Anthony Hitchens (59) runs on the field with his helmet off in the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Anthony Hitchens, Linebacker

Pro Football Focus grade – 45.3
25 tackles

Hitchens has had a few bright spots where he has helped make key stops in short yardage situations.

But all in all, Hitchens has not developed into the consistent ball hawk middle linebacker that the coaching staff hoped he could become.

Hitchens has been a liability in pass coverage and needs to get back to being the player that had fans excited when he was given fewer snaps as a reserve player that seemed to always be at the bottom of the pile.

Next: Dallas Cowboys Score High On Bye Week Report Card

DeMarcus Lawrence, Defensive End

Pro Football Focus grade – 45.8

Lawrence has only played 46 defensive snaps in the past two games after returning from his four game suspension.

However, in those 46 snaps, he has yet to register a tackle.

DeMarcus is supposed to be the dominant weak side defensive end that gets close to double digit sacks.

If the Cowboys are going to go deep into the playoffs, and potentially to a Super Bowl, Lawrence needs to shake this rust off and start making impact plays as a pass rusher.

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