Star Evaluation: Heath Pieces Together Solid Season As 1st Time Starter

Feb 02, 2018 at 10:53 AM

David Helman

DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer

While free agency officially begins in March, roster turnover isn't too far away. The Cowboys will indeed add and presumably release players, along with letting some go without a new contract.

However, the majority of the 2018 roster is already in place. In the coming weeks, the staff of DallasCowboys.com will preview those players, analyzing where they've been and where they're going.

Today, we'll continue the series with safety Jeff Heath.

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10 September 2017: Jeff Heath (38)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 1 regular season 19-3 win over the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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New York Giants running back Paul Perkins (28) carries the ball as Dallas Cowboys defensive end Charles Tapper (99) and safety Jeff Heath (38) attempt the stop during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)

Ron Jenkins/AP Images

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©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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17 September 2017: Jeff Heath (38)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 2 regular season 42-17 loss to the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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Dallas Cowboys safety Jeff Heath (38) breaks up up pass intended for Denver Broncos tight end Virgil Green (85) during second quarter action in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver ,Colo. September 17, 2017. (Photo via Eric Bakke)

Eric Lars Bakke/AP Images

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©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) is hit by Dallas Cowboys strong safety Jeff Heath (38), outside linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) and defensive end Charles Tapper (99) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Jack Dempsey/AP Images

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Dallas Cowboys defensive back Jeff Heath (38) waits for the snap during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017 in Denver, Colo. The Broncos won the game, 42-17. (Greg Trott via AP)

Greg Trott/AP Images

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Dallas Cowboys safety Jeff Heath (38) catches the ball during warm ups prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz. Dallas won 28-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)

Aaron M. Sprecher/AP Images

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25 September 2017: Jeff Heath (38)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 3 regular season 28-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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Dallas Cowboys strong safety Jeff Heath (38) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Monday, Sept. 25, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cowboys defeated the Cardinals, 28-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)

Ryan Kang/AP Images

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©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is hit by Dallas Cowboys strong safety Jeff Heath (38) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 25, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Rick Scuteri/AP Images

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©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) is hit by Dallas Cowboys strong safety Jeff Heath (38) and free safety Byron Jones (31) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 25, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Ross D. Franklin/AP Images

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©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Chad Williams (16) is tightly covered by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick (32) as Dallas Cowboys strong safety Jeff Heath (38) leaps and nearly intercepts a fourth quarter deep pass during the 2017 NFL week 3 regular season football game against the against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz. The Cowboys won the game 28-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)

Paul Spinelli/AP Images

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©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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Dallas Cowboys safety Jeff Heath (38) breaks up a pass during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 in Glendale, Ariz. Dallas won 28-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)

Aaron M. Sprecher/AP Images

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©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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01 October 2017: Jeff Heath (38)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 4 regular season 35-30 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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DAL vs GB

©Jeremiah Jhass/Dallas Cowboys

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08 October 2017: Jeff Heath (38)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 5 regular season 35-31 loss to the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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Dallas Cowboys strong safety Jeff Heath (38) intercepts a late fourth quarter pass overturned due to a pass interference penalty that gives the Green Bay Packers a first down at the Cowboys 35 yard line during the 2016 NFL season NFC Divisional playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Packers won the game 34-31. (Paul Spinelli via AP)

Paul Spinelli/AP Images

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Dallas Cowboys strong safety Jeff Heath (38) looks on after intercepting a late fourth quarter pass overturned due to a pass interference penalty that gives the Green Bay Packers a first down at the Cowboys 35 yard line during the 2016 NFL season NFC Divisional playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. The Packers won the game 34-31. (Paul Spinelli via AP)

Paul Spinelli/AP Images

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Dallas Cowboys safety Jeff Heath (38) and Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jeff Janis (83) talk after an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)

Roger Steinman/AP Images

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22 October 2017: Jeff Heath (38)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 7 regular season 40-10 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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Dallas Cowboys strong safety Jeff Heath (38) kicks a PAT during an NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017. (Tom Hauck via AP)

Tom Hauck/AP Images

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Tom Hauck/AP Images

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Dallas Cowboys strong safety Jeff Heath (38) kicks a point after try during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Eric Risberg/AP Images

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Tom Hauck/AP Images

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Tom Hauck/AP Images

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29 October 2017: Jeff Heath (38)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their week 8 regular season 33-19 win over the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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05 November 2017: Jeff Heath (38)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 9 regular season game 28-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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©Sam Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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Dallas Cowboys safety Jeff Heath (38) intercepts a pass in front of Orlando Scandrick (32) intended for Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, rear, in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

Brandon Wade/AP Images

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Brandon Wade/AP Images

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©Sam Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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DAL Vs ATL

©Jeremiah Jhass/Dallas Cowboys

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Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (26) carries the ball in front of Dallas Cowboys safety Jeff Heath (38) during a week 10 NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Atlanta. Atlanta won 27-7. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)

Aaron M. Sprecher/AP Images

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Dallas Cowboys strong safety Jeff Heath (38) tackles Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (26) by the helmet during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Atlanta. Heath was hit with a personal foul on the play. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

John Bazemore/AP Images

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DAL Vs ATL

©Jeremiah Jhass/Dallas Cowboys

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12 November 2017: Jeff Heath (38)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 10 regular season 27-7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

©James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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23 November 2017: Jeff Heath (38)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 12 regular season 28-6 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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DAL vs LAC

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30 November 2017: Jeff Heath (38)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 13 regular season 38-14 win over the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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Washington Redskins offensive tackle Ty Nsekhe (79) makes the stop after Dallas Cowboys safety Jeff Heath (38) intercepted a pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins in the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)

Ron Jenkins/AP Images

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10 December 2017: Jeff Heath (38)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 14 regular season 30-10 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys strong safety Jeff Heath (38) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Adam Hunger/AP Images

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17 December 2017: Jeff Heath (38) of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 15 regular season 20-17 win over the Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) fumbles the ball into the end zone in front of Dallas Cowboys strong safety Jeff Heath (38) during the second half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. The play was ruled a touchback and the Cowboys got possession. The Cowboys won 20-17. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

Ben Margot/AP Images

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File-This Dec. 17, 2017, file photo shows Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) fumbling the ball into the end zone in front of Dallas Cowboys strong safety Jeff Heath (38) during the second half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif. Carr would do it all over again: stretch the ball toward the goal line for a potential winning touchdown even knowing that the extra effort backfired and cost the Oakland Raiders a chance to win. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File)

Ben Margot/AP Images

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24 December 2017: Jeff Heath (38)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 16 regular season 21-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The award was accepted by Michelle Witten and family. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham (88) runs a route in front of Dallas Cowboys safety Jeff Heath (38) during a week 16 NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. Seattle won 21-12. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)

Aaron M. Sprecher/AP Images

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31 December 2017: Jeff Heath (38)
of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL week 17 regular season 6-0 win over the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo by James D. Smith/Dallas Cowboys

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What's Been Good:

For all the criticism he might draw, it's hard to argue against Jeff Heath's work ethic. The former undrafted free agent was promoted in 2017, from special teams ace and spot safety, to starter. Despite the new job description, he didn't let go of his old duties – and that showed up in his workload. Heath was on the field for 880 defensive snaps this year, leading the defense , and still found the time to play 60 percent of the Cowboys' special teams snaps. There's no arguing his productivity, either, Heath finished fourth on the team in tackles, with 81. He also led the team in interceptions with three, marking the third-straight year he has at least tied for the team lead. Heath also found time to record eight special teams tackles. So yes, suffice to say he was plenty productive in 2017.

What's Been Bad:

There's no denying Heath's work ethic or his penchant for making plays – we'll get to that in the next section. However, it's also fair to say that the Cowboys' safety position has not always been reliable, particularly against the pass. While the Dallas defense was solid for the most part in 2017, there was a penchant for the explosive play. The second half against the Los Angeles Rams comes to mind, as Jared Goff and Todd Gurley sliced through the Cowboys' secondary en route to 35 total points. This isn't just a criticism of Heath, so much as the entire Dallas secondary, but the Cowboys just haven't been able to find a trustworthy option to limit big plays on the back end.

2017 Highlight:

This one is a no-brainer, as Heath made one of the most impressive plays in recent memory – let alone the 2017 season. With the Cowboys clinging to a 20-17 lead in Oakland, Raiders quarterback Derek Carr had driven his offense down to the Dallas 8-yard line with 39 seconds remaining. The Raiders had a timeout remaining and just eight yards separating them from the end zone. At the very least, overtime seemed like a certainty – if not an outright Raiders win. Instead, Heath intervened. Facing a 3rd-and-3, Carr was flushed from the pocket by DeMarcus Lawrence and Taco Charlton. He pump-faked his way past the line of scrimmage, and dove for the near pylon. Coming from the middle of the end zone, Heath managed to push Carr out of bounds – and poked the ball out of his hand in the process. The fumble bounced through the corner of the end zone, giving the ball over the Cowboys. Had Carr gained another few inches, he'd have scored a game-clinching touchdown. Instead, Heath kept the Cowboys' season alive for another week, setting up a dramatic game against Seattle with Ezekiel Elliott returning to the lineup.

What's Next:

It's hard to say what 2018 is going to bring for the entire Dallas secondary, but Heath seems poised to continue in his role as a starter. He has two years remaining on the contract extension he signed in 2016, and he was easily one of the Cowboys' most productive defenders. That said, it's fair to say this defense could stand to upgrade its overall production at the safety spot. Will 2018 see Heath and Byron Jones starting alongside each other again? Will the Cowboys bring in some new blood – be it a free agent or a draft pick? Are any position changes coming in the next few months? It's hard to say. One way or another, you can't deny Heath's drive – not to mention his knack for making plays. That's why it's a safe bet that he'll once again be a key piece to the Cowboys' secondary next season.

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