News: Gary Brown thinks we need to keep a FB

[Texas_Pete]

IRVING, Texas – Running backs coach Gary Brown thinks a trend that ended last season should continue in 2014.

Brown believes the Cowboys, who talked up the two tight end formation prior to the 2013 season but finished the year with a fullback on the roster, need to keep a fullback this year again.

“I think you do,” Brown said. “If you look at the teams who are winning it – Seattle, Baltimore – they all have a running game and they have that fullback in there for that presence, that physical toughness you have to have when you want to close games out.”

After using Lawrence Vickers as the fullback in 2012, the Cowboys elected to go without one for much of the 2013 season.

But as the year went on, they started to use other position players in the backfield, particularly near the goal line. Early on, center Phil Costa was an option at fullback, and later in the season it was linebacker Kyle Bosworth.

For the last four games of the year, the Cowboys brought on Tyler Clutts, an actual fullback, to fill the role. Clutts is still on the roster and will be competing with J.C. Copeland for the spot, if the Cowboys elect to use a fullback.

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[Fredd]

of course, the RB coach is gonna lobby for another guy in the backfield, but I agree with him

 

[links18]

He's right, of course.

 

[Bullflop]

Can't help but wonder what J. C. Copeland's weight will be whenever his weight reduction and conditioning is settled upon. He was 5-11 and 275 when he first arrived at VR. If anything, it should improve his quickness. Let's just hope he won't lose any blocking effectiveness with less poundage. Anyhow, it looks like Tyler Clutts might be getting some stiff competition. Could be interesting.

 

[Hostile]

I think it is pretty obvious that Murray runs better behind a FB than a TE trying to lead block.

 

[scooper]

I don't know if fullbacks are relavemt in the nfl anymore.

 

[SportsGuru80]

Hello Mr. Copeland... He was a load as a LSU Tiger, I loved watching him in SEC action!

 

[RonSpringsdaman20]

FB... yes please
if we have the oline&a good fb... we can keep other teams d's on the field, and ours off..... without having to pass on 3&2

 

[Texas_Pete]

I think it is pretty obvious that Murray runs better behind a FB than a TE trying to lead block.

Improved OL + good FB = big year for DM29. I hope JC makes the roster.

 

[Maxmadden]

I don't know if fullbacks are relavemt in the nfl anymore.

Everything seems to come back in style sooner or later. Why not be ahead of the curve and set the new trend? I think if you really are dedicated to running the ball then a good fullback is a must. Most TE's don't provide that smashmouth mentality.

 

[DoctorChicken]

I don't know if fullbacks are relavemt in the nfl anymore.

Seahawks and Ravens both employed fullbacks.

 

[noshame]

The problem with a fullback is we won't commit to it, every time we bring him in a red flag goes up on the defense. But believe me, I wish we'd commit.

 

[Stash]

I agree with him 100%.

I've been hoping for a full return of the position for years, but we've had only short glimpses for several years (like Fiametta).

I think it's clear that Murray does his best running with a fullback in front of him.

 

[burmafrd]

Everything seems to come back in style sooner or later. Why not be ahead of the curve and set the new trend? I think if you really are dedicated to running the ball then a good fullback is a must. Most TE's don't provide that smashmouth mentality.

Might take a few more years but the way so many are trying to make the DL so quick and small, a old style Cowboys type OL and running game with a bull for a FB could literally shred light defenses.

 

[Oh_Canada]

If you take the Patriots model, you look at trends and immediately do the opposite.

Teams are building defenses to stop the proliferation of the "12" package and spread formations. So, you combat that with a a big running back and a battering ram for a fullback.

 

[jnday]

Hello Mr. Copeland... He was a load as a LSU Tiger, I loved watching him in SEC action!

If they keep a FB, I want one that can run the ball well in goal line situations and catch passes when needed. I don't know if Copeland can do it at the pro level. I hope so.

 

[jnday]

Might take a few more years but the way so many are trying to make the DL so quick and small, a old style Cowboys type OL and running game with a bull for a FB could literally shred light defenses.

I agree. The 90s Cowboys had the type of offense that could steamroll over these small DL. The one piece missing is a top FB. They are hard to come by due to the lack of colleges using a FB .

 

[DoctorChicken]

If you take the Patriots model, you look at trends and immediately do the opposite.

Teams are building defenses to stop the proliferation of the "12" package and spread formations. So, you combat that with a a big running back and a battering ram for a fullback.

It's worked for the Seahawks and worked for the Ravens, and we have a better OL than both of them.

Ground and pound.

 

[Idgit]

If they keep a FB, I want one that can run the ball well in goal line situations and catch passes when needed. I don't know if Copeland can do it at the pro level. I hope so.

I agree. He's not my body style of choice at that position. Though it is fun watching the big guys blow up 'backers now and again.

 

[CashMan]

Seahawks and Ravens both employed fullbacks.

Means nothing! Are you questioning Jason/Jerry? What have those 2 teams accomplished?