Dallas Cowboys vs. Green Bay Packers: 5 players to watch

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ARLINGTON, TX – JANUARY 15: Jeff Heath #38 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates after a tackle during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at AT&T Stadium on January 15, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Jeff Heath, Safety

The poor play of safety Jeff Heath has been a hot topic this season. The former special teams ace is attempting to make the transition from role player to starter. And so far, the results haven’t been as expected.

Part of the reason the Cowboys felt comfortable allowing longtime veteran safety Barry Church to leave via free agency was due to the play of Heath against the Green Bay Packers in Dallas’ lone playoff game last season.

Heath was spectacular against the Pack in the divisional round, recording three total tackles, a sack and two interceptions (one called back). But so far this year, the fifth-year player has struggled with inconsistency.

Through four games, Heath has recorded 20 total tackles, one pass defend and one forced fumble. His struggles both as a steady tackler and in coverage have certainly hurt the team. And his lack of big plays, which he had in the postseason, is concerning.

Getting another shot against Green Bay, this may be Heath’s final opportunity to prove he can be a legitimate starter in the NFL. But the fact rookie Chidobe Awuzie has been playing at safety in practice this week is not a good sign for his future as the starter.

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