THE ICON's Jason Hatcher

[MACHIAVELLI]

Now remember, when we talk defensive end, we're talking a 3-4 guy, not a 270-pound 4-3 guy. That's not going to work in this defense, no matter how many sacks he had in college. This will be a critical year for Marcus Spears and Chris Canty, but we've been told Wade Phillips' ability to coach the 3-4 and get pressure on a quarterback through scheme had a lot to do with him getting this job. Maybe Spears and Canty will flourish, but unless the Cowboys are sure they won't, they owe it to themselves to find out. And let's not forget Jason Hatcher. Got a feeling this kid might make a huge leap this year. Remember, he was a I-AA player taken in the third as a project. And I also recall Cowboys owner Jerry Jones saying Phillips thinks Kevin Burnett can be a pressure player. We'll see. And they've been high on Jay Ratliff as a rotation guy.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?editorialAuthor=1&id=0C1402C1-BAD3-46D8-5C4996D94E1E56D5

[MACHIAVELLI]

Jason Hatcher, a rookie who played on certain situations, had four sacks and was tied with Chris Canty for the team lead with seven quarterback pressures. Hatcher finished with 2 1/2 sacks last season and 13 total tackles.

It would be interesting to see if Hatcher can wrestle the job away from Spears in 2007.

http://gryphononcowboys.blogspot.com/2007/04/dmn-blog-spears-might-be-done.html

[MACHIAVELLI]

from Mick's Mail on DC.COM

Jim Newport, Niagara Falls, Ontario: Overall, I am very pleased with the draft this year for the Cowboys. I'm excited about acquiring another pass rusher opposite DeMarcus Ware. I think Bobby Carpenter can play first and second downs because he does have some ability to drop back and also stop the run. They can turn Greg Ellis, Anthony Spencer and Ware loose on third downs. My concern is where does Jason Hatcher fit in the mix? I really like his pass rushing ability as well.

Mickey: Very interesting note here on Hatcher, thanks to scouting director Jeff Ireland, who pointed out to us on Talkin' Cowboys last week that they will experiment with Hatcher as a backup nose tackle, along with Jay Ratliff. He explained how in this attacking defense, Wade Phillips likes to attack with his nose tackles instead of playing catch, which requires a pretty hefty fellow in there. Look for Hatcher to possibly back up at defensive end and nose, and then since Phillips also utilizes a four-man front on his nickel, work his way onto the nickel as a pass-rushing defensive tackle, which he did some of last year. Keep an eye on this guy. I think the Cowboys have found something here in this developmental third-round pick.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?contentType=5&id=6 8E9EA71-94BB-4F64-3D8DC3797D88DDE8

[McNeese75]

He was certainly a Hoss in College xnodx

[MACHIAVELLI]

Wolfe's contract improves upon the four-year deals signed last year by those selected near him. Jason Hatcher, the 92nd pick in 2006, got a $600,000 bonus from the Dallas Cowboys.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/386761,CST-SPT-bear16.article

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As for Spears, while I’m hopeful that the aggressive Phillips34 will help him, he didn’t do a whole lot as a nickel defensive end, where he was unencumbered by gap responsibilities. For his sake he better improve, because Jason Hatcher could take his job. Hatcher played well last year as a rookie from Grambling and I expect him to make a big jump in 2007.

http://mvn.com/nfl-cowboys/
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Last year, that guy was Jason Hatcher, the third-rounder from Grambling State by way of little Jena, La., a developmental guy who already was married and had two kids, with a third on the way, and very genuinely said during that first rookie mini-camp, "Yeah, I need a job." You couldn't help from pulling for the guy.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?editorialAuthor=1&id=C084CE51-D53F-F982-F23D288338514981

[MACHIAVELLI]

From a fan blog....
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Jason Hatcher Interview
from CowboysBoard.Com
Exclusive Jason Hatcher Q&A

Jason Hatcher will be entering his 2nd season and as fans we have a few questions for him and his thoughts on a few subjects. Enjoy!

Q: What are you doing this off-season to prepare yourself for next season and where do you see yourself on the depth chart?

A: Im just lifting and running, and doing a little martial arts

Q: Last year you really showed great ability as a pass-rusher. With the adjustments to the scheme in the defense being made under Wade, do you see this as helping you close the gap on Canty in camp and get more playing time and maybe the starting spot?

A: I cant say that this scheme is in my favor, because i came from a one gap defense

Q: What changes are you looking forward to in Wade Phillips new scheme?

A: To really get after the quarterback alot more, and just be a attacking defense.

Q: How has the environment been post-Parcells?

A: The environment has been great.

Q: What goals do you have set for the upcoming season?

A: I want double digit sacks and 55 tackes with 12 for a loss.

Q: As we get close to the draft, what do you want to see the Cowboys do? What do players think as they watch their own team on draft day?

A: I think we gonna draft of want and not need, because free agency really helped us out tremendously.

Q: What was it like jumping from Div 1AA to the NFL?

A: It wasn't much different only thing was the speed of tha game.

Q: Did you notice a huge difference in the physical ability of your competition and teamates, and if so, how did that effect your game?

A: Yes it was a lot of different, and it really made me step my game up.

Q: I just want to know how the players are looking at the upcoming season. Is there a feeling around the ranch that the players really believe we have a chance this year?

A: Everyone around there is really confident, but u know u gotta take it one game at time, but we really feel like we are going all the way.

Q: What has Coach Jurasek told you to concentrate on during your workouts?

A: Nothing really, but I'm really concentrating on my hip, and my hand thats why I'm taking martial arts.

Q: Who would you say is the leader of the defense on the field?

A: Greg Ellis

Q: Lastly, is there anything you'd like to tell your fans?

A: That we as a team are very sorry how the year ended, but we are approaching this year to make it up to you guys. Last but not, least go out and buy my jersey, you can find them on dallascowboy.com, and nflproshop, and thank for your support, couldnt do it without yall!

****Thanks For Jason Hatcher for taking time to answer our fan questions, thanks Hatch!**** and Thanks to all our boards members that submitted the questions for our Q&A with Hatch****

http://gryphononcowboys.blogspot.com/2007/05/jason-hatcher-interview.html

[Tod]

Jason Hatcher, a man of incredible talent, but few words. :D

Good luck to him, but I hate the Cowboys. Man, hard to root for a man but not the team! :p

[Smendy]

Thanks for link. I look forward to watching Hatcher making a bigger and greater impact for the Cowboys this season.

[MACHIAVELLI]

Brendan Raybuck, Tucson, Ariz.: I have a two-part question about Jason Hatcher. Being that he was so raw last year, how does he look physically now? Does he look stronger, bigger or faster? Also, with Ware, Ellis, and Spencer as your outside rushers, does that slow his progress or is he moving from pass rusher to a true 3-4 base end?

Mickey: I like it. Good stuff. To me, Hatcher appears as if he's gotten bigger and stronger. That makes him a legitimate candidate to play defensive end in this 3-4 defense and possibly get some snaps at nose tackle. And then on the nickel, remember, he played some inside last year and wasn't all that bad at it, so no, his skills won't erode. I mean, you could very well have a nickel front consisting of, from left to right, Spencer, Ellis, Hatcher and Ware. And if not Hatcher, the most likely candidates would be Chris Canty or Jay Ratliff.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?contentType=5&id=C1DBB881-ECC8-89D3-779A4B045EF7D9D3

[MACHIAVELLI]

On the second team defense was Jason Hatcher, Montavious Stanley and Jay Ratliff. The middle linebackers were Bobby Carpenter and Kevin Burnett. On the outside were Junior Glymph and somebody wearing #55 but they aren’t listed that way on the roster? In the secondary were Pat Watkins and Keith Davis at safety and Aaron Glenn and Quincy Butler at corner.

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/story/2007/7/25/191943/106
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Brad Johnson subbed in and MB3 tried another run but Jason Hatcher made the stop.

Romo jumped back in and gave it to JJ who had a nice hole, then gave it to JJ on a draw for an OK gain. Good coverage and pressure from Hatcher forced Romo to scramble on the next play

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/story/2007/7/26/125115/851

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L. Davis had no trouble with Spears, Hatcher killed Molinaro, and Joe Berger did OK with Remi Ayodele.

http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/storyonly/2007/7/26/185714/485