Archer: A confusing tale about the Cowboys' running game

[Alexander]

A confusing tale about the Cowboys' running game

7:49 PM ET

Todd Archer
ESPN Staff Writer

IRVING, Texas -- Last season the Dallas Cowboys set their identity with their running game.

DeMarco Murray led the NFL in rushing with 1,845 yards. Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and Zack Martin went to the Pro Bowl.

How well is the offensive line run blocking this season?

“We’re not running the ball as well as we did last year,” coach Jason Garrett said. “It’s a collaborative effort.”

Tony Romo's twice-broken left collarbone and then go to Dez Bryant missing five games with a broken foot. The ineffective quarterback play in place of Romo has not helped, either.

The Cowboys are averaging 17.7 points per game, which is 30th in the league. They are averaging 325.6 yards per game, which is 28th. They are averaging 207.5 yards per game through the air, which is 29th.

So what do the Cowboys hang their hat on offensively?

“Well, I do think we’ve run the ball fairly well this year,” Garrett said. “I think we’re probably in the top third in the league running the football.”

If you’re slightly confused by Garrett’s quotes, the answers came within three minutes of each other.

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas-cowb...confusing-tale-about-the-cowboys-running-game

 

[texbumthelife]

Garrett.....

 

[DallasDW00ds0n]

Is this the worst offense of the garrett era?

 

[cajuncocoa]

Has it escaped everyone's attention that our starting QB has been out for most of the season?

 

[percyhoward]

"We haven’t been as balanced as we need to be,” Garrett said. “So I think in some ways that hurts the running game. If you’re not as effective throwing the football, they can load up against the run on you, so it’s been a harder environment to run the football."

The punch line is that the person who's confused by this is a sportswriter.

 

[Dave_in-NC]

Is this the worst offense of the garrett era?

Considering the weapons he's had? YES

 

[21Savage]

Not sure why Archer is confused by this.

Is there anyone who believes that if we had a healthy Romo and Dez, along with the passing game and 3rd down efficiency from last year, that our running game production wouldn't be close to what it was?

I hate it when I know more than the people paid to present the game to us.

 

[BHendri5]

we will not be drafting a QB this draft either. I'm telling everyone now so that they will not be disappointed. I say we do not need to draft one just yet

 

[PA Cowboy Fan]

A regular politician. lol

 

[DeaconBlues]

Has it escaped everyone's attention that our starting QB has been out for most of the season?

Apparently . . . or folks just don't care.

 

[daveferr33]

Not sure what is confusing. He said not as good as last season, but fairly well this season. Seems consistent.

 

[WPBCowboysFan]

Not sure what is confusing. He said not as good as last season, but fairly well this season. Seems consistent.

Right. There is nothing to see here. Everybody can just move along . . . . . . . . . . . and go bash Garrett in another thread.

 

[windward]

Is this the worst offense of the garrett era?

By far, yes.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

The punch line is that the person who's confused by this is a sportswriter.

And about 2/3rds of the zone...

 

[percyhoward]

And about 2/3rds of the zone...

Many of whom are probably sportswriters looking for ideas.