Hatcher Not Surprised by Cowboys' Defensive Turnaround

Jason Hatcher played eight seasons in Dallas before departing for Washington this season

Washington Redskins defensive tackle Jason Hatcher isn’t surprised that the Dallas Cowboys defense is looking much improved this year, Rod Marinelli’s first as defensive coordinator.

“Coach Marinelli, I knew from the day he got the job he was going to change things around,” Hatcher said. “I know what kind of guy he is, and I knew it wouldn’t be long before those guys were playing well.”

In 2013, Hatcher’s last season with the Cowboys, Marinelli served as the defensive line coach under Monte Kiffin. With Marinelli as his position coach, Hatcher recorded 41 tackles, 11 sacks and two forced fumbles and earned his first career Pro Bowl nod.

“[Marinelli] did a great job of just getting me believing back in myself, my ability and just going out there and playing fast and pass-rushing--he taught me a lot about that,” Hatcher said. “I can’t credit nobody but him. He did a great job of just coaching me every day, coaching me hard, working me every day as hard as he could, and it paid off.”

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