The Cowboys running back situation ends now
1,845, that is the number we will have etched in our hearts. It will be the number that is overemphasized on Sunday, September 13th by Al Michaels and on subsequent Sunday's by Troy Aikman and Joe Buck one each and every fox broadcast. Get used to it, it won't go away and no the rotation of Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar will not come close to it as individuals. To throw more salt on the wound they may not hit it collectively. That is a strong possibility. You can also forget the stretch of 10 games of a 100 yards rusher. Also not going to happen.
What we should expect:
A very slow start, let's remember that the starting running back at this point will be a mix of Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden. What that says to me is that by week 3 the starting running back will be Joseph Randle, as McFadden could barley get through a week of camp without something sidelining him. By week 4 or 5 Randle should have the bulk of the carries headed his way. This is when the running back situation and the offensive line should gain a suitable form. The offensive line and Randle should be at a point where they can with together as a unit. This will still not bring in the eye popping numbers that Murray presented last year.
What we can get excited about:
Outside of health do you remember one major knock that Demarco Murray had? As Terrell Davis said best Murray ran into darkness instead of daylight as most running backs are said to run. This is something that Randle can and will do. Murray missed a lot of yards on the field, in just about every game. This is something that Randle will be a lot better at. Murray's longest run last year was 51 yards Randle's was 65. The major thing I expect that Randle will bring to this rushing attack is a lot more long runs. Last year the running game mostly benefited from ground and pound, with Randle I expect more longer runs.
Will this keep us content?
That will be up to you. As I said in the opening we will hear every week the numbers that we're put up last year by week 7 you'll have them etched in your memory. It will get annoying. In my book the number of longer runs will be better fit this team, offensive line and even the wide receivers. Because if these long runs that will be produced by Randle don't make it to the end zone. The last thing an out of breath corner or safety wants after chasing down a running back is that almighty back shoulder fade to Dez. Remember in the NFL the run sets up the pass. This method seems to be used perfectly Dallas. How many times last year do you remember passing within the 5-10 yard line? I say this to say that our running game just needs to get us there. To get this offense close enough to throw that reliable back shoulder fade. So will this rushing attach look like it did in 2014? Of course not, the beautiful part is that it doesn't need to be.
