Dallas Cowboys: Did you see enough from Jeff Heath?
After an underwhelming start last season, did the Dallas Cowboys see enough growth from safety Jeff Heath for him to be the starter in 2018?
There have been a lot of different positions listed as a potential team needs for the Dallas Cowboys this offseason. Leading the list appear to be wide receiver, offensive tackle, guard and defensive tackle. But some fans may be wondering why the safety position isn’t included in the discussion.
It was just last season the Cowboys opted to allow veteran safety Barry Church to join the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency. They did so following an impressive performance by longtime special teams ace and backup safety Jeff Heath in the team’s lone playoff appearance.
Against quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, Heath racked up three tackles, a sack and nearly two interceptions (one got called back). After years of being a role player, it appeared Heath was ready to become a starter. Hence, bye-bye Church.
But as the season began, and Heath partnered with former first round selection Byron Jones as the Cowboys’ starters at safety, it appeared Dallas had made a grave error. Both players struggled early, missing tackles, taking poor angles, and allowing big plays in coverage. And Heath showed no signs of the playmaking ability he flashed against the Packers.
In fact, Heath recorded 33 tackles, one pass defend, zero interceptions and one forced fumble in the Cowboys first seven games of the season. And the fifth-year safety seemed destined to be replaced by rookie Xavier Woods.
But as the season wore on, Heath’s play improved. Between Weeks 13-16, the 26-year old posted 25 total tackles, two interceptions, three pass defends and a forced fumble – all in four games.
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Dallas Cowboys safety Jeff Heath saw a measurable improvement to his play in 2017. But was it enough to earn him the starting nod in 2018? With speculation that Byron Jones may be shifted to cornerback this offseason, Heath could suddenly become the veteran starter in a very young backfield. Replacing him would be about options. And with so many other team needs to be filled, it appears Heath’s role on the team is safe for now.