Marinelli: Jason Hatcher Still “Growing”

Hatcher has six sacks through the team's first seven games

Defensive tackle Jason Hatcher is quickly becoming something of a star in the 4-3 defense brought to town last offseason by defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin and defensive line coach Rod Marinelli. And according to Marinelli, he’s still getting better.

You never put ceilings on men,” Marinelli said after Sunday’s 17-3 victory over the Eagles, per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “I always have the ability to take a ceiling off and see how far a man will grow, and he’s growing.”

Hatcher is already on his way to a career year, with a career-high six sacks through the team’s first seven games. Playing on a defensive line that has been hit by the injury bug early and often this season, and left to rely greatly on a group of so-called “no-names,” the veteran’s presence--both in the locker room and on the field--is invaluable.

“Got talent, and the system fits him really well, that under-tackle position,” Marinelli said. “And he has embraced it. There’s a lot of pressure in that position. Our standards are really high, and he’s playing at a high level.”

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