Dallas Cowboys: This player could have a break out year
By Dink Kearney
The Dallas Cowboys are loaded with talent and players with lots of potential. So which player will have a break out year?
The Dallas Cowboys surprised the NFL last season with a surprising 13-3 record, a divisional crown, and a number one seed in the playoffs. The Cowboys did it with a young and talented explosive offense, and of course with rookie sensations, Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott.
With an established list of superstars on the roster, and plenty of up-and-coming players with massive potential, the real question is which player is due for a breakout season?
There are several players on both of sides of the ball to choose from. However, there is one player who is on the cusp of reaching greatness and delivering that break out year:
Jeff Heath, Safety
as a reserve safety, Jeff Heath led the team in interceptions during the 2015 season.
The majority of Cowboys fans don’t like Jeff Heath even though he came up big in the divisional playoff game against the Green Bay Packers last season.
Heath intercepted the Green Bay Packers gun-slinging quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, twice (one was called back) and even sacked him with a ferocious hit. The hit was so hard it surprised everyone it didn’t cause Rodgers to fumble.
While Heath generally gets a bad rap for his play, he seems to make plays whenever he enters the game. That’s the amazing part.
How many of you all remember the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015? Heath had two interceptions against the Bucs in a losing effort.
That’s more interceptions than the rest of the Cowboys’ starters recorded in the two games Heath started in. I know I’m in the minority, but I believe Heath has potential to be a better than decent starter for Dallas. Heath is that one player who can come out in 2017 and shined.
Heath doesn’t have a huge sample size to choose from, but you cannot deny the fact that he has made plays when it has mattered the most. More reps in practice, some good coaching, and the opportunity to start will only help Heath maximize his talent.
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I recognize Heath’s shortcomings, like not being the most consistent man coverage safety.
But as a reserve safety, Heath led the team in interceptions during the 2015 season. Let that sink in for a minute.
Whether Cowboys Nation likes it or not, Heath has more than a good chance to be the starting safety next season — basically because he makes plays on the ball. It’s that simple folks.
If not for Heath’s 3rd quarter interception being nullified because of a penalty, maybe Dallas marches down the field and scores a touchdown.
Or how about Dallas’other safety, Byron Jones, not allowing Packers tight end Jared Cook to slip behind him and make a game changing, slide line catch to seal Dallas’ fate? There is the possibility that Cowboys fans would appreciate Heath more if not for Rodgers hitting Cook with that spectacular catch in the last few seconds of the game.
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Because then all Cowboys Nation could do is praise Heath for his playmaking skills. And that’s why Heath has potential to be a starter and have a breakout year.