DMN: Bob Sturm: I think this role for Darren McFadden is best fit for Cowboys

[jobberone]

Bob Sturm: I think this role for Darren McFadden is best fit for Cowboys
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Bob Sturm Follow @sportssturm Email sturm1310@me.com
Published: August 22, 2015 5:15 pm
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Dallas Cowboys running back Darren McFadden (20) catches a pass during morning practice at training camp on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015, in Oxnard, Calif. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News)

Special contributor Bob Sturm answered questions in a chat Friday. Here are some highlights.

Question: I know people like to categorize Dunbar as a 3rd down back but wouldn’t you rather have McFadden in their on 3rd down and in 2 min drills being Romo’s personal protector against the blitz? I think Dunbar certainly has value and can be used in a variety of roles but he wouldn’t be my first choice to stand up against the blitz.

Bob Sturm: That is exactly how I feel. I wrote a breakdown of each of Dunbar, McFadden, Randle, and even Ryan Williams this summer which you can find in the archives. Anyway, in my McFadden piece, I came to this very conclusion that I think McFadden’s best fit might be as the 11 personnel RB that specializes in receiving and pass protection. McFadden can do that very well. Dunbar is a real weapon and can be used in many scenarios, but I don’t want him trying to keep 245 pound LBs from Romo. That won’t go well. Dunbar to me is a specialty back, not a 3rd down back. He also can play the slot opposite Beasely.

Question: What will you be keeping your eye on Sunday evening?

Bob Sturm: More from the defensive line to see what the plans are for each particular spot. The defensive backfield will be my full focus as we continue to see if the Cowboys prefer Jones or White to their safeties they have in reserve like Jeff Heath and Danny McCray. Also, I would like to see more obviously from RB and the Showers/Vaughan battle. More than anything, I just want to see this team in a competitive environment to see how they hold up against a pretty decent roster in SF.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL CHAT

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[gimmesix]

I don't think we'll use McFadden exclusively as a third-down back because he's also the closest thing we've got to a power back. I think he'll get a few series in relief of Randle if we go this route and he stays healthy.

I don't see Dunbar as being a back who steps in for a series or two or if we're trying to run out the clock, but rather in a similar role that he had last year where he comes in for a play here and there throughout the game.

 

[CF74]

I'm expecting a one two combo of Randle and DMac come game 1. If Dunbar gets 3 touches it will be a miracle...

 

[JohnsKey19]

That's how I would use him exclusively. Would probably make him a more valuable player. Puts DMC in favorable running situations against light boxes.

Let Randle handle the bulk of traditional running situations. Mix in Dunbar as needed.

 

[MarionBarberThe4th]

He's spindly. his best runs come with more space(duh)

But what I mean is he can't make something out of nothing. but he can work an angle here or there slip a hole and take off. He's like a pg on a fast break.

Off tackle and the old delayed draw play we used to run would be effective IMO. The delayed draw is a nice blitz beater .


Hey speaking of that is there a way to have an option for that delayed draw? Like for romo to see the rush and decide what to do. And if he keeps it McFadden is now a blocker for the pass