Could Ronald Jones be primary backup RB?

[Davidlee1973]

This maybe knee jerk reaction this soon before the OTAs and training camp summer, but not only could i see new vet RB Ronald Jones as the Cowboys primary No.2 backup RB .. but I could also see him as our specialty short yd/goal line back.

Hs may not be as flashy splashy and electrifying speedy as Pollard and Deuce, but he maybe more workman like and present a stronger, more physical presence among the current RBs

Despite all the talk of we need a FB (ala Hunter Luepke) and normally when they give a player a guarantee to sign on as undrafted- they usually stick on
the practice squad...or Cowboys possibly re-signing Zeke..... or exploring a regard back that offers a power game

Jones is the number 2. Deuce will be practice squad.

 

[Mr_437]

SMH … How is Pollard " injury prone " ?

He's only had this key one injury in the Niners playoff game, to which he was dragged and crushed-rolled up from behind.
Prior he missed a sprain ankle per game time decision.

- And can you name a big name RB who hasn’t been injured and missed a game ?
Even Zeke gave way to injury this past year, and he’s had a hindering injury the last past 2 years.

No position takes as much pure pounding and wear as an RB.
* That’s why it’s so key to have quality, capable backup RBs in an injury pinch.
And you don’t want just a decent serviceable body (that’s what Chiefs are stuck with 1st rd bust Clyde Edwards Helaire)

- I think what still happens with some fans is they still have “ bell-cow” mentality.
They cannot, ..do not .. want to think outside or beyond the big carry bell cow RB box. ala Emmitt, Zeke, ..

- How will it “ backfire “ when they have a guy that has emerged as one of the more dangerous, game breaking RBs in the NFL ?
A guy that was recognized and awarded with a Pro Bowl nod among his peers ?

- And unlike Gallup, this is Not a player coming off serious ACL or Achilles tendon injury.
But of course in those same fans,.. they cannot/will not ..refuse to....think outside that box mentality of insisting Pollard high sprain/broken fibula as “ serious” injury.

He's a Pollard hater, and a proven wrong Zeke lover. He always says TP's injury is worse than any reports and doubts him every chance he gets.

Pollard is not going to last 17-20 games as the lead back

This guy looks like another one.

On topic, I'm a RoJo guy, but I look at the committee approach to see if as a collective these guys can handle the RB position. I think they'll be ok, but the staff has to pick right at RB3, RB4 to survive an injury.

 

[quickccc]

Primary backup?

I'm not sure that term even applies any more. I don't think there are a lot of RB's in this league that spends almost an entire game sitting on a bench waiting in case another RB gets hurt. Of course, this could be a simple case of semantics because I remember a time when there were RB's that were there simply as a backup

I don't even think there is enough room on a team for three activated RB's unless one of them is also a special teams dynamo or has some other skill.

These days I feel that a "starting" back is only called that because he is the first to get carries during a game. At some point he will be taken out and the "2nd" back will go in. he's not exactly a backup. If either one gets injured then it means the other back will take the rest of the carries. if a 3rd EB is activated, then he will get some carries. However, in order to remain effective, the running attack will only give that 3rd RB more than a couple of carries if he is effective or if he has a particular skill compatible with a set of plays.

I think that OC's look for sets of two RB's, one will get a few more carries while the other is there because there are a few things he can do better.

For example, the idea of having a duo composed of a power runner and a slasher means you can design plays for either. You rarely find both attributes at an elite level in the same RB.

Getting back to the question, Jones could be that 2nd back. However, it ii a counterexample of what i just mentioned, diversity in skillset. Pollard and Jones are too similar, it would be like the opponent is gameplanning for one RB. The Cowboys need a bonafide power runner for redzones and 3rd and short. They need a 4th quarter closer.

The Cowboys heavily ran down Zeke's back for several years, because they did not really want any other RB on the field , except Zeke.
And of course that is the leading reason that caused the quick decline and release of Zeke, at the age of 27.

With the potential of wear n' toll with starting backs, touches-contribution needs to be diverse at least with your first two backs, imo.
That starter needs to have specialty that demand he gets the front running "touches".. a combined total of both rush/receiving,.. and you don't let him alone
handle blitz-blocking duties. That area also has to be distributed among RB unit.
Some people don't realize that even absorbing blitzes in pass blocks also tends to take a toll long term.

Maybe Jones is not wow flashy explosive as a Vaugh, but he could have the vet experience and bigger, physical presence in the situations and areas that they prefer to have as a No.2.
And I’ve always felt that the club really preferred a vet RB to pair with new starter Pollard – and they were gonna seek out a veteran RB, even if they added another draftee RB.

That doesn’t mean Vaugh sits the bench. Give in due time, he’'ll come to proving as good as advertised, he will definitely still get his spots, packages and occasions.
But it is so key and vital that the coaches to know how and when to use him, know how to max his skill set while also how to best mask his limitations.

Some NFL coaches truly do not know how to do that. -.. and we’ve even experienced that here.

 

[quickccc]

maybe not injury prone but getting hurt twice in 6 weeks and he did miss game a each season but yes its football and players get dinged. This wasn't a ding. what ive seen the more we used him the more his stats dropped. Those gaudy stats stopped down the stretch 6 games straight 4 rs 2 playoffs = no TDS, 51YPG, 3.8 ypc and 2 injuries. he needs to stay under 18 carries for 17 games to be his usual self for the playoff run.. Fans like to point out players disappearing down the stretch, well why is Pollard off limits, he did n fact disappear at the end.

so we should be a little concerned especially if giving a 10mil deal to TP will have coaches wanting to use him MORE.. that would be mistake IMO.

Pollard has only missed 2 games in four years.

And as usual, I’ll keep reiterating that with an all purpose type back, it’s more important about “touches” than it is carries.
It’s the combination of run/catch that should present the biggest danger to defenses, and the overall effectiveness and impact of a back like Pollard.
Kellen did not fully exploit the talents of Pollard.

Kellen did not utilize Pollard’s full skill set as a receiver. Moore was even subpar when it came to using RB screens
That should change mightily under McCarthy/Schottenheimer now.

 

[gimmesix]

Bing a Jag is a negative label buy a lot of fans but its truly not really bad , he's a solid steady guy in the mix. calling players like Jeff heath Jags when they played a steady role on the team. with 53+ on the roster and out of 22 starters maybe 10 stars develop the rest are considered JAGs lol you can't have a roster with cap full of Pro Bowlers at every position, TEAMS need these so-called Jags to fill important roles. rotating in the mix etc

many called payers lioek Steele and doug free jags and players left here like Cwill and McGovern easily found jobs elsewhere. Fans truly have a slanted way to judge players either great ie elite PB types get all the hype then they disregard the rest and call them Jags,, rosters are actually made up of wosre of these Jag type players and are very important to team depth. itrs not lie we are counting on them top be starters so what the issue with fan SMH

I think my definition of a JAG is different than that. I consider a JAG as a player who shouldn't be out there in a key role.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

No it is being a fan period and telling it like it is.

I am not sorry if you can't handle the truth, as this has nothing to do with Zeke.

Yes, your “truth.”

Thanks for sharing.

 

[gimmesix]

It's May.

It is, but I'd be surprised if we make any other moves unless these players just crap out. Then, we'll do like we did at receiver last year and go looking for a player. But just because you're looking doesn't mean you'll find. We looked at Hilton last year as early as camp and he didn't end up signing with us until late in the season.

 

[mattjames2010]

Pollard isn't going to be a full on starter. We aren't going to have a backup RB, we are going to have a back that splits carries.

 

[quickccc]

Ronald Jones will not make any difference in the fortunes of the 2023 Cowboys. Backup RBs don't tend to be difference makers.

The Cowboys have been hamstrung for decades, and it has nothing to do with the backup RB position. The problem lies above.

Depends upon the quality and skill set of the backups- and it depends upon the coaches.

But for most part, its a reason why they are backup RBs.
But you'd want those backups to have to not only present enuff quality capability to factor, but come up reliable in an injury emergency pinch.

Pollard himself has been a backup most of his career - and we've seen both flashes of his big play speed and skill set.
as we've also seen our past coaches " waste" his talents on the bench because they were so fix-dependent on bell cow/blocker Zeke.

The dynamics have flipped and changed everything to where it gradually became more big play Pollard, and less of slower, lumbering Zeke Elliott, en route to his release.

 

[glimmerman]

All these RBs we have are going to have to try to make the team. Some will not. I think if Elliot don’t get the offer he wants and comes back (yes, it’s still a possibility) then most won’t make the team. They are hoping Deuce and another will be a big hit. Pollard will be gone next year. If he is the same as last year he will get more money and if he is not the same player he won’t be back. If Elliot comes back it may just be for 1 year. We need to have replacements. A few that can run behind our O-Line..

 

[Typhus]

Jones is the number 2. Deuce will be practice squad.

Duece is going to surprise a lot of peeps.

 

[slick325]

I think Jones is capable of being a backup RB. He will not be asked to have 20 or more touches. He is in Dallas to spell Pollard.

For years fans have been begging for Pollard to be the lead back. Now is his time. Let him be RB1. He earned an opportunity.

Since he is on the tag, how he performs in an increased role will determine if he gets a longer deal in Dallas.

 

[BlindFaith]

well IMHO they all make the roster with the acceptation of Dowdle vs malik i doubt both make it and if Jones was to get dinged or simply looks terrible in camp/PS games he could be replaced with anther vet like him. but the others are a lock IMO

So you're saying Hunter, Davis or Dowdle and Vaughn are all locks to make it?

So who doesnt make it then?

We carry only 3TEs? That frees up a spot for Hunter.

If RJ is RB2 and Davis is RB3, then whos spot does Vaughn take? Turpin? So Vaughn replaces our probowl return guy. Even though hes never returned punts and only a handful of mediocre kick returns.

Or are you guaranteeing Vaughns spot by him being RB3? Where he most likely contributes nothing on ST and will be used as a gadget guy for 3 plays a game. Or you think Vaughn will justify this lock of a roster spot by taking away plays from either Pollard or Jones? Hes a complete liability in blocking. He may have some slot value, but so may Turpin. And Turpin is an experienced, pro bowl returner.

 

[jazzcat22]

Yes, your “truth.”

Thanks for sharing.

My truth is the real truth.

 

[Typhus]

So you're saying Hunter, Davis or Dowdle and Vaughn are all locks to make it?

So who doesnt make it then?

We carry only 3TEs? That frees up a spot for Hunter.

If RJ is RB2 and Davis is RB3, then whos spot does Vaughn take? Turpin? So Vaughn replaces our probowl return guy. Even though hes never returned punts and only a handful of mediocre kick returns.

Or are you guaranteeing Vaughns spot by him being RB3? Where he most likely contributes nothing on ST and will be used as a gadget guy for 3 plays a game. Or you think Vaughn will justify this lock of a roster spot by taking away plays from either Pollard or Jones? Hes a complete liability in blocking. He may have some slot value, but so may Turpin. And Turpin is an experienced, pro bowl returner.

There are zero guarantees at this point, but Im telling ya, that little fella got some game to him.

 

[DuncanIso]

This maybe knee jerk reaction this soon before the OTAs and training camp summer, but not only could i see new vet RB Ronald Jones as the Cowboys primary No.2 backup RB .. but I could also see him as our specialty short yd/goal line back.

Hs may not be as flashy splashy and electrifying speedy as Pollard and Deuce, but he maybe more workman like and present a stronger, more physical presence among the current RBs

Despite all the talk of we need a FB (ala Hunter Luepke) and normally when they give a player a guarantee to sign on as undrafted- they usually stick on
the practice squad...or Cowboys possibly re-signing Zeke..... or exploring a regard back that offers a power game

Yes.

RJ stats almost the same as TonyP.

 

[DuncanIso]

Not sure what happened in KC. Sounds like to me that he signed an incentive laden contract and KC decided to give the other guys they had more of a chance so as to not have to pay him.

He was a healthy scratch the first 6 games or so. Then he mentioned he wanted to be released.

Ive only watched a few hilight vids of him. He is more powerful than I thought. Not super quick, but sneaky fast. And once up to speed he can run away from most.

He's a Texas kid I think and coming back home could be good for him.

Hes definitely more than a JAG. Should be a very capable #2. Provided there arent other issues as to why he didnt play in KC.

He will be our RB1 until TonyP heals.

 

[BlindFaith]

There are zero guarantees at this point, but Im telling ya, that little fella got some game to him.

100s of full sized, super athletic, alpha blue chippers, with very good college careers only get a cup of coffee in the NFL. Some dont even make it through the door.

But he now has his chance. All we can do now is sit back and watch.

 

[BlindFaith]

He will be our RB1 until TonyP heals.

He will NEVER be ours or anyones RB1. EVER.

Sproles wasnt ever the lead dog. And Vaughn isnt nearly the player Sproles was.

You guys severely underestimate how talented NFL players are. How fast the game is. How smart they are. Big, strong and athletic.

The jump to the NFL is far greater than the jump from high school to college. And there are 1000s of really good high school players that never do anything in college.

Just like there are 100s of really good college players that dont do anything in the NFL.

 

[KJJ]

If the Cowboys run into real problems this upcoming season where they may be looking to make a trade it could be at RB. The backs we have to replace Zeke are all downgrades until proven otherwise. Let’s say Pollard doesn’t return to form after the injury, that could lead to some major issues running the ball. I’m surprised we didn’t take a back higher in the draft.