In 2011, the Dallas Cowboys decided to change their draft philosophy. They drafted Tackle Tyron Smith with the 9th overall pick in the draft. This was the first time the Cowboys drafted an offensive lineman in the 1st round since Howard Richards in 1981! They followed the trend in 2013 and 2014 by drafting Center Travis Frederick (31st overall) and Tackle Zach Martin (16th) respectively. Jerry Jones plan to build the best offensive line in football came to fruition in 2014, when former Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray lead in the NFL in carries, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns.
Reluctantly, Jones and Americas’ team chose not to resign Murray, who signed a huge 5 year, $40 million ($18 million guaranteed) contract with division rivals Philadelphia Eagles. As a result, the Cowboys have decided to go with a running back by committee strategy, bolstered by a great offensive line, to try and equal Murray’s performance from last year.
Former Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden, signed a 2-year deal with the Cowboys this off season and has impressed enough to be named the starter. McFadden will receive “a majority of the carries”. He looks lighting quick and more importantly, healthy, going into week 1 of the regular season. The Cowboys offensive line opened up huge holes for him against the Minnesota Vikings in week 3 of the preseason. He had runs of 13 and 15 yards without a defender laying a hand on him until he was 10 yards down field. McFadden’s issue has always been injuries. He has had 16 injuries since getting drafted 4th overall in 2008 and has never started all 16 games in a season in his seven year career. If McFadden can stay healthy (BIG IF), look for him to have a comeback season.
Joseph Randle will serve as the second part of the running back by committee for the Cowboys. His oblique injury this pre-season has set him back a couple of weeks and it showed on the field. Randle had only 6 carries for 15 yards against the Vikings first team defense. He will be mixed into the offense to complement McFadden and will play a chunk of the snaps this season. Look for Randle to improve on his 51 carries and 343 rushing yards from 2014.
The Cowboys will also use situational back Lance Dunbar as their fill-in for injuries and fatigue.. The North Texas Alum will also handle the responsibilities as the main kick returner. He had an impressive 18 catches on 22 targets last season for 217 receiving yards, over 12 yards per catch!
Although the Cowboys have a solid three to replace Murray, Executive Vice President of the Cowboys, Stephen Jones would not rule out the possibility of adding some young running back depth.
Look for the Cowboys offensive line to open up gaps in other teams’ defenses this year. McFadden and Randle will be the main contributors Cowboys’ running attack. They will keep the focus on both of them and hope one of them can get a hot hand and stay healthy. Dallas believes that they have replaced Murray and are confident with the trio they have, heading into their week 1 home match up against the New York Giants‘ porous run defense.