Twitter: Archer: Jerry Jones said the Cowboys will activate Darren McFadden from the NFI list

[haleyrules]

Yeah I hate how Morris keeps getting thrown under the bus. I'm sure it's hard to get into a groove running when you don't get very many chances or series.

With that said, this seems to be a new problem for Dallas to have, too many great to decent running backs. I guess I wouldn't mind seeing what McFadden could do but I am not sure who he should replace.

Agreed. Alfred is such a standup guy. He simply can not get it going the way he is being used. McFadden would be much worse if he didn't get his usual injuries first.

 

[xwalker]

Must have missed it... OK-- so he's an average kick returner. Who do you cut instead of him to make room for McFadden?

When will McFadden be activated. They can have him practice for 3 weeks before they have to activate him.

If it was this week, my guess would be Mayle gets bumped back to the ps.

I do like McFadden and today I was the first time I thought they overused Zeke. He looked tired (Not that he would let that affect his performance) but they have to be careful with him. Zeke is the most important player to the team right now. They don't win today without him.

Dunbar appeared to get as many or more snaps than Morris which could indicate they are not satisfied with Morris. Morris has limitations (blocking, receiving) which were not a big deal when he was the lead back for the Skins on 1st/2nd down, but as a backup they tend to want more versatility.

 

[xwalker]

Yeah I hate how Morris keeps getting thrown under the bus. I'm sure it's hard to get into a groove running when you don't get very many chances or series.

With that said, this seems to be a new problem for Dallas to have, too many great to decent running backs. I guess I wouldn't mind seeing what McFadden could do but I am not sure who he should replace.

Yes, Morris is good as a 1st/2nd down grinder but obviously not close to Zeke. Morris is not a good blocker or receiver which causes his snaps to be even more limited than they otherwise would. They obviously don't want him in the game on 3rd downs based on how they've used him.

 

[Bluefin]

So McFadden is getting activated?

No.

Jerry Jones was talking about Darren McFadden returning to practice this week.

Dallas would then be given an additional 3 week practice window to determine if Run DMC was ready to join the active roster.

The Cowboys would be given an exemption for McFadden until a decision to activate him was made.

No roster move is necessary unless he gets added to the active roster.

 

[links18]

Are you referring to the Dez TD last week? Yah-- not actually a great pickup by Dunbar. His guy broke through and he "rode" him through the pocket and Dak saw it and was able to step to his left and get off a great pass. Dunbar is a small dude and he is simply inferior to both Zeke and McFadden on blitz protection-- and it's not even close.

As far as STs... which units is he on? If he's on some-- he isn't do anything of note as I have not seen him make a tackle, down a punt, or return a kick. In short-- the dude is injury prone and replaceable. He has one exceptional ability: speed. He is a nice receiver out of the backfield...but now that we have Zeke, why would you throw it to Dunbar?

I just don't see the value he's bringing to the team considering the other guys we have. Who would you rather cut?

I don't know, but the coaching staff loves him. They seem intent on playing him, even if they haven't figured out how to get him the ball. Beats me.

 

[Aven8]

When will McFadden be activated. They can have him practice for 3 weeks before they have to activate him.

If it was this week, my guess would be Mayle gets bumped back to the ps.

I do like McFadden and today I was the first time I thought they overused Zeke. He looked tired (Not that he would let that affect his performance) but they have to be careful with him. Zeke is the most important player to the team right now. They don't win today without him.

Dunbar appeared to get as many or more snaps than Morris which could indicate they are not satisfied with Morris. Morris has limitations (blocking, receiving) which were not a big deal when he was the lead back for the Skins on 1st/2nd down, but as a backup they tend to want more versatility.

Mayle had a heck of a game on ST's.

 

[Hawkeye19]

No one......McFadden is a JAG if there ever was one

technically no one has to be cut until McFadden is added to the 53 which is different....he can practice for 21 days before being added to the roster

Yah-- that's true. He can practice for 3 weeks before we need to make a decision. If McFadden is a JAG, then Dunbar is a WGAS.

 

[Hawkeye19]

Mayle had a heck of a game on ST's.

Yes he did! Liked what I saw.

 

[Hawkeye19]

When will McFadden be activated. They can have him practice for 3 weeks before they have to activate him.

If it was this week, my guess would be Mayle gets bumped back to the ps.

I do like McFadden and today I was the first time I thought they overused Zeke. He looked tired (Not that he would let that affect his performance) but they have to be careful with him. Zeke is the most important player to the team right now. They don't win today without him.

Dunbar appeared to get as many or more snaps than Morris which could indicate they are not satisfied with Morris. Morris has limitations (blocking, receiving) which were not a big deal when he was the lead back for the Skins on 1st/2nd down, but as a backup they tend to want more versatility.

Morris has not looked good-- I agree. But he is a thumper. He offers size and power that no one else but Zeke can offer. I think a backfield of Elliot, Morris, and McFadden is great-- keep D Jack on the roster as an inactive.

We are so light at CB right now. Going heavy on RB is a luxury we can't afford at this point. IMO-- we need a 4th CB a lot more than a 4th RB.

 

[SacramentoKing]

I'd rather have McFadden take over the Dunbar package not sure about special teams tho

 

[thisiscowboyscountry]

Agreed. Morris is a better all around back than Darren. He just can not get into a rhythm and get rolling. McFadden does not improve this offense.

Mcfadden is superior on 3rd downs and is probably the most complete back after Elliott... Not sure why some think Morris is the better all around back. He is a good 1st and 2nd down runner. Its a good problem to have that were arguing which on our deep RB roster gets cut?

At this point the player released is probably between Dunbar and Jackson. Jackson is a cheaper option, but hasnt played. Dunbar is on a 1 year deal and hasnt been able to stay healthy, but has made some plays on the field.

It likely comes down to who could contribute more on special teams.

 

[thisiscowboyscountry]

On a side note I also think the Cowboys need to keep Mcfadden to keep him away from rb needy teams like the Vikings and Packers. He could give a boost to both those teams in the playoff hunt.

 

[xwalker]

Morris has not looked good-- I agree. But he is a thumper. He offers size and power that no one else but Zeke can offer. I think a backfield of Elliot, Morris, and McFadden is great-- keep D Jack on the roster as an inactive.

We are so light at CB right now. Going heavy on RB is a luxury we can't afford at this point. IMO-- we need a 4th CB a lot more than a 4th RB.

They had 4 CBs active.

Like I said, McFadden needs to practice before they activate him. He can practice for 3 weeks before going on the 53.

The RB issue is a good problem to have.

Speaking of CBs, I'm concerned about Scandrick. He looks a little sluggish and is avoiding contact on running plays.

 

[xwalker]

Mayle had a heck of a game on ST's.

I like how the Cowboys make Special Teams a priority as evidenced by moves like activating Mayle.

 

[SportsGuru80]

Never allowed my hopes to get up for Smith in 2016. He may never play again sadly. You just don't know.

 

[ferrispata]

I think Dunbar played as much or more than Morris today.

I noticed that as well and was thinking that they were giving him this "extra" work instead of Morris to see if he will be the one cut to make room for McFadden. I wonder.

 

[marchetta]

On a side note I also think the Cowboys need to keep Mcfadden to keep him away from rb needy teams like the Vikings and Packers. He could give a boost to both those teams in the playoff hunt.

McFadden's not going anywhere. Dallas is giving him his FULL year's salary despite the fact that they actually only have to give him a portion of it. They're doing it in good faith, and McFadden is going to repay that kindness. He's going to accept whatever role is offered and be a good soldier.