(Star-Telegram/Rodger Mallison)
The big question that everyone wants answered for the upcoming 2015-2016 season, is will the Dallas Cowboys be able to produce a successful running game? Jerry Jones thinks so. After years of struggle and the inability to keep healthy running backs on the field, the Cowboys finally found their identity in the running game with DeMarco Murray last season.
Murray, who rushed for a Dallas franchise record of 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns, became the 2014 NFL rushing champion. It was the first time a dominant running back had produced in Dallas behind an intimidating offensive line since All-Time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith wore a star on his helmet. So why not keep him? The Cowboys had their hands tied with both Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray during the offseason with both contracts coming up, a tough decision to say the least. Ultimately, Murray turning 27 and getting 392 carries last season with a bad habit of fumbling the ball didn’t really prove to be a smart choice of longevity. The Cowboys were hamstrung at $3 million under the $143.2 million salary cap due to restructures and franchise tagging of top receiver Dez Bryant. With a dominant offensive line powered by Zack Martin, Travis Frederick and Tyron Smith, one could say that “any” running back could produce behind them. Time will tell.
After it was clear that the Dallas Cowboys would be without DeMarco, they began looking elsewhere. Rumors poured in about superstar running back and former Minnesota Viking, Adrian Peterson. It only made sense to have a prolific superstar like Peterson to return back to his home-state and fill in nicely for an absent DeMarco Murray. Peterson, from Palestine, TX, voiced his fascination on wanting to return back home and play for the Cowboys. The only problem is he remained under contract with the Vikings after missing most of last season due to a off-the-field, domestic violence issue. The Cowboys unable to come to an agreement, decide to squash the rumors and look elsewhere.
At this point in the offseason, the running back position is a grave weakness for the Cowboys. Joseph Randle, who served as DeMarco Murray’s backup, was charged with shop-lifting cologne and underwear at a suburban mall in Frisco, TX last October. He showed glimpses of potential greatness when DeMarco came off the field, but one wonders if he can keep his “nose clean” and produce as a starter in the NFL. Randle finished the 2014 season with 51 carries for 343 yards and three touchdowns.
Next up on the depth chart is the local kid from the University of North Texas in Denton, Lance Dunbar. Last season his contributions to the team were limited with only 29 carries for 99 yards and 217 receiving yards. Analyst’s speculate Dunbar as a “pit bull that’s needs off his leash,” with Darren Sproles like elusiveness and size that could make him a vital part of a successful running game. He does not lack for talent, as demonstrated by the 80-yard run in the regular-season finale that was called back due to a holding call on Jason Witten. It’s the lack of opportunity on an offensive roster that is laden with talent that is limiting Dunbar to showcase his ability.
Next up, Ryan Williams, who fulfills the title, “What-If.” Injuries have hampered his career to this point, only rushing for 58 career attempts since 2011, but keep in mind Williams (38th overall pick) was actually selected way before DeMarco Murray (71st overall pick) in the 2011 Draft to the Arizona Cardinals. His film from Arizona showed a tough, talented runner who could catch the ball but lacked in his pass blocking skills. Concerns of whether he could mentally pick up everything he needed to in the Cowboys offense and stay healthy became a constant question moving forward. Suffering an almost career-ending injury in Arizona his rookie season, NFL analysts wonder if he has potential value to add to a roster.
With the 2015 NFL Draft approaching, Jerry Jones and staff played over many different scenarios that could help their running game. Jerry, Arkansas Alumni and having a history of drafting/signing players from Arkansas, called on free agent Darren McFadden to join the team. “Run DMC” signed a two-year deal worth $5.85 million to fill the hole that DeMarco left into the running game. In seven seasons with the Oakland Raiders, McFadden ran for 4,247 yards on 1,038 carries and 25 touchdowns. He also caught 211 passes for 1,769 yards and five touchdowns, but has struggled throughout his career with injuries. A true “What If” that could produce behind a monstrous offensive line that the Cowboys do have, but only if he stays healthy. Last year was the first time in his career he played in all 16 games, and the Cowboys hope that playing behind an offensive line that is considered one of the best in football, they will finally see McFadden produce the way the Raiders expected when they took him in the first round of the 2008 draft. He has the explosive ability, the fearlessness and the talent to be successful in Dallas, but can he stay on the field will be the question.
After addressing a minor part of the running game, the Cowboys felt no need to draft a running back in the 2015 draft which left many confused. Is Jerry putting all his hope on the former Razorback, McFadden or is he trying to win with quantity over quality. With McFadden probably leading the show at the running back position, it was clear that the Cowboys would have to look for others as insurance, in case McFadden does hold to his injury-prone past.
Recently, running backs Ben Tate and Felix Jones worked out for the Cowboys, two players aiming to resurrect their careers.
Tate, a former second round pick of the Houston Texans, played with three teams last season. His most productive years was in 2011 when he gained 942 yards on 175 carries after missing his rookie campaign while on injured reserve.
Jones, meanwhile, hasn’t played in the NFL since the 2013 season. Selected in the first round in 2008 by the Cowboys, Jones never produced like Dallas anticipated. A former teammate of Darren McFadden at Arkansas and former Cowboy could possibly still have something left, but for now he is still labeled a “What-If.”
Lastly, after missing last year due to a domestic violence altercation between him and his wife, Ray Rice has become a candidate for the running back position in Dallas. With a plethora of options out there for available running backs, there aren’t many that could really make the Cowboys better by themselves. One that could be is Rice, he is readily available and just needs to be signed.
Rice can play for any NFL team that is willing to sign him and still has some years of football in him, but could he be just another “What-If?” Obviously with the signings of Greg Hardy, Dez Bryant, La’El Collins and Josh Brent, Jerry Jones isn’t concerned too much with “off-the-field” issues as long as they produce in a Cowboys uniform. So why not sign him and give him a chance to redeem himself?
So many options, so many possibilities and so many different scenarios could play out before the kickoff of the 2015-2016 NFL season. One thing is certain, there will be a battle at the running back position in Dallas. A battle of “What If’s” and “Has-Beens” will take the field this offseason to hopefully resurrect or begin their careers. Only time can tell.
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