For the most part of his career with the Cowboys, Hatcher was a reserve player (his first start was in 2010) and seen as a disappointment, until he re-signed with the team in 2011 after not receiving much interest in the free agent market. That season with the arrival of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, he established himself as one of the team starters at defensive end, ahead of Marcus Spears and improved his overall play, compiling a career high in tackles (36) and sacks (4.5).