With Sensabaugh Out With a Broken Thumb, Pat Watkins Has Chance To Shine

Before the Cowboys played the Vikings, there were a number of questions about the fate of the former 2006 5th round pick out of Florida State.

Before the 6-5 safety flew around the field in September making play after play against Minnesota, he was looked at as a bust, a career special teamer, and maybe even expendable until this career day.

Michael Hamlin's broken arm probably helped his chances as well.

With Sensabaugh out and Hamlin not ready for practice yet, the Cowboys will depend on Pat Watkins to play against Kansas City.

Wade Phillips has reported that Sensabaugh's injury could hold him out for 4 weeks, but the former Jaguar has stated he expects to play after the bye week against the Atlanta Falcons.

Pat Watkins will get his first start since '06 as injuries held him out half the season in '08 while Roy Williams was on IR with a broken arm.

If one were to look at his accomplishments, Watkins has primarily been a special teams ace, but he does have starting experience at the free safety position.

In his short career, when on the field he has 7 pass deflections, 4 interceptions, and at least 30 tackles on defense in '06 and '07. He has proven, when healthy, to be a serviceable back up, and Sunday may be a good opportunity for Watkins to prove that he can be more than that.

With Sensabaugh signed to a one year deal, if Watkins can prove to the coaching staff that he can play, Jerry Jones may allow Sensabaugh's tenure in Dallas to be just one season.

However, if the secondary suffers with Watkins starting, it will just bring flashbacks of the past two seasons when the Dallas secondary was looking mediocre.

So whether it be one game or three, Dallas fans will have the pleasure or pain of watching this young man play ball. Get well soon Sensy, and good luck to you Pat.