A closer look at RB Phil Mafah and what he can and can't be

[kskboys]

Mafah will not be running behind our starting Oline in pre-season. He also won't be running against starters. That being said I'm still hoping he does well in the pre-season.

Doesn't matter, in preseason you evaluate skillsets, not yards.

 

[AtomicDog]

Surprising in what way? What leads you to believe this?

Go on YouTube and watch his highlights. They are pretty impressive.

 

[RonWashington]

Wouldn’t short and goal to go be tailor made for Mafah . The downs where a washed Zeke would get buried and MM would look disgusted . That and midfield leave Mafah in to pass protect then let him bleed out into the flat for a swing pass from comeback player of the year # 4 and watch Mafah run over the safety for an exciting chunk of yards . I’m pumped .

 

[GINeric]

We may get somewhat of an accurate idea of what to expect from Mafah in his preseason outings.

The improved performance of our OL should offer good clues as to his capabilities. Let's take note.

I doubt he gets reps with the starting offensive line in preseason.

 

[Bullflop]

I doubt he gets reps with the starting offensive line in preseason.

That's a very probable outcome, although, he'll likely also be about to experience the 2nd and 3rd reps from the backup opposition. If he's lucky enough to play with the starting lineup at some point, perhaps we'll see how that goes, also. It might take time before that happens, though. At some point, coaches will want to see how he fares with their best blockers to test his ceiling -- maybe just in practice.

 

[Bobhaze]

That's a very probable outcome, although, he'll likely also be about to experience the 2nd and 3rd reps from the backup opposition. If he's lucky enough to play with the starting lineup at some point, perhaps we'll see how that goes, also. It might take time before that happens, though. At some point, coaches will want to see how he fares with their best blockers to test his ceiling -- maybe just in practice.

One of the more underrated parts of any RB’s skill set is the ability to pick up the blitz in passing situations.

I haven’t seen much made of this for either Blue or Mafah but it is important in the NFL for a RB to be counted on in critical moments as a blocker. That was one area of Zeke’s game that kept him relevant for a little longer after his running wheels were gone - he was an excellent blocker.

Being able to block is a part of any RBs game. If they can’t pick up blitzes well their playing time will be diminished.

 

[Bullflop]

One of the more underrated parts of any RB’s skill set is the ability to pick up the blitz in passing situations.

I haven’t seen much made of this for either Blue or Mafah but it is important in the NFL for a RB to be counted on in critical moments as a blocker. That was one area of Zeke’s game that kept him relevant for a little longer after his running wheels were gone - he was an excellent blocker.

Being able to block is a part of any RBs game. If they can’t pick up blitzes well their playing time will be diminished.

I agree with that, but on the contrary, I wasn't referring to Mafah's blocking but the blocking of his OL. I expect his size and strength would stand him in good stead for the blocking that you referred to. I'm fairly confident that he'll be capable of meeting the requirements for doing that.

I wouldn't be surprised, in the least, if the newest version of the Cowboys OL meets the necessary standards that the NFL demands. In fact, I believe they'll turn out to be an improvement over their predecessors. At least, I'm definitely hoping that's the case. I think they'll open up the lanes that will make the most of Mafah's abilities, even if he's a bit less than ideal as a runner. Power is his game.

 

[Bobhaze]

I agree with that, but on the contrary, I wasn't referring to Mafah's blocking but the blocking of his OL. I expect his size and strength would stand him in good stead for the blocking that you referred to. I'm fairly confident that he'll be capable of meeting the requirements for doing that.

I wouldn't be surprised, in the least, if the newest version of the Cowboys OL meets the necessary standards that the NFL demands. In fact, I believe they'll turn out to be an improvement over their predecessors. At least, I'm definitely hoping that's the case. I think they'll open up the lanes that will make the most of Mafah's abilities, even if he's less than ideal as a runner.

Mafah is definitely a player I will be interested in watching in TC and PS games.

The Dallas MN beat writer Calvin Watkins predicts Mafah will only be a practice squad player based on what he’s seen of him so far. But when players put on pads, everything changes. Will be interesting!

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

Sounds like DHenry. A lot.

 

[Carter]

Short yardage/goalline backs live on quickness.

but also need Power to move the trenches on lets say inside the 5 yard line.

 

[Hadenough]

Sounds like he is a Luepke clone.

 

[Pass2Run]

Surprisingly, Deuce had twice the amount of receptions in 3 seasons that Blue had in almost the identical amount of games in college......one wonders why Deuce hasn't been utilized that way here?

Let's be honest. Deuce wouldn't be here if not for his dad. It's time to end it. He's not making the team unless, say, Turp gets hurt. Even then, I think we'd see Tolbert take over.

We don't need a 5'5'' RB taking up a roster spot.

There's no way to be nice about it. Just reality.

 

[kskboys]

but also need Power to move the trenches on lets say inside the 5 yard line.

Sure, but power w/o quickness doesn't work in the NFL.

 

[kskboys]

I doubt he gets reps with the starting offensive line in preseason.

Doesn't take starting reps w/ the OL to evaluate his skillset.

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

Surprisingly, Deuce had twice the amount of receptions in 3 seasons that Blue had in almost the identical amount of games in college......one wonders why Deuce hasn't been utilized that way here?

Deuce is a good college RB. But for NFL he is too smallish and simply not a good NFL player. Lot of college players like that

 

[kskboys]

Deuce is a good college RB. But for NFL henis too smallish and simply not a good NFL player. Lot of college players like that

I was rooting for him, but in his limited play time so far, I haven't seen anything to indicate NFL player.

 

[Mr_437]

Mafah vs Luepke is not a thing, Luepke is on the 53...Mafah ehh we'll see.

Luepke plays FB, RB, 3rd down RB, H-Back (small TE), and he's a core STs player.

Mafah plays RB, and he's fighting for his life to make the 53 as RB3. Mafah doesn't have the versatility nor value of Hunter Luepke at the moment.

 

[Bobhaze]

Mafah vs Luepke is not a thing, Luepke is on the 53...Mafah ehh we'll see.

Luepke plays FB, RB, 3rd down RB, H-Back (small TE), and he's a core STs player.

Mafah plays RB, and he's fighting for his life to make the 53 as RB3. Mafah doesn't have the versatility nor value of Hunter Luepke at the moment.

This is the time of year where every draft pick is considered an immediate impact player by many fans. When in reality, a 7th round draft pick is a long shot at best.

Cowboys beat writer Calvin Watkins has watched Mafah in mini-camp and has said he is a developmental project probably headed for the practice squad. Unless he can be an excellent ST player, he is definitely a long shot.

 

[kskboys]

Mafah vs Luepke is not a thing, Luepke is on the 53...Mafah ehh we'll see.

Luepke plays FB, RB, 3rd down RB, H-Back (small TE), and he's a core STs player.

Mafah plays RB, and he's fighting for his life to make the 53 as RB3. Mafah doesn't have the versatility nor value of Hunter Luepke at the moment.

Nor the quickness that Lups possesses.

 

[kskboys]

This is the time of year where every draft pick is considered an immediate impact player by many fans. When in reality, a 7th round draft pick is a long shot at best.

Cowboys beat writer Calvin Watkins has watched Mafah in mini-camp and has said he is a developmental project probably headed for the practice squad. Unless he can be an excellent ST player, he is definitely a long shot.

Yeah, I have nothing against Mafah personally, just don't think he's good enough.