Is Darren McFadden good enough

[Kaiser]

I always thought DMC should have been the starter this year. I also think that if he had been the starter and Romo & Dez were healthy all season, DMC would have come reasonably close to what DeMarco would have done had he resigned. That is mostly because I think last year's production was on the OL and the passing game, DeMarco is a good but not great back. DMC is a lesser but cheaper version of DeMarco.

To the OP, I think DMC will be the starter next year but I would be VERY uncomfortable going into the season unless we drafted a RB in the first three rounds. (with Devontae Booker my bet for the best value pick).

 

[cowboyuptx]

Absolutely not. I'd rather keep Turbin and draft a RB(s) in rounds 2-4.

 

[fredp22]

Zeke, McFadden, Dunbar would be a nice trio

 

[vlad]

Depends on what would need to be sacrificed to upgrade significantly. I would be leery of his injury history, but I think we'd be better spending the resource first on wr, safety, cb, dt. I'd definitely want 2/-4 round type back in the mix, but I think McFadden proved rbs can be found.

 

[Nova]

McFadden was about what I expected. He probably would have had around 1400 yards to end the year had he been THE guy the whole season.

But I don't like that a guy his size can't knock someone over.

i actually didn't mind the dynamic once turbin was brought in though.

What I did mind was the short yardage personnel decisions thereafter.

 

[Arkyvarminter]

I don't know what peoples fascination with Dunbar is...He's never done anything. DMac is a good back and I would like to have him back but not as a every down back....

 

[MRV52]

Any back that can get 1000 yards is good enough.

 

[superonyx]

I would rather they draft Ezekeil Elliot, sign Jeffery and Weddle.

However this plan has several problems....Zeke will be gone before we draft in the second round which would make him a first round pick, Jeffery may end up getting a franchise tag.
And the big problem is we are determined to find our next QB so that may be the first round target.

 

[percyhoward]

I would rather they draft Ezekeil Elliot, sign Jeffery and Weddle.

However this plan has several problems....Zeke will be gone before we draft in the second round which would make him a first round pick, Jeffery may end up getting a franchise tag.
And the big problem is we are determined to find our next QB so that may be the first round target.

This season proved we don't need to draft a RB in the 1st round, or even the 2nd round.

 

[ScipioCowboy]

I'm anxious to see what Philly does with Ryan Matthews.

 

[tm1119]

I'm not against bringing McFadden back, but we still need to draft a rb in the 2nd or 3rd no matter what. Getting a guy like Ken Dixon or Alex Collins at the top of the 3rd would make a pretty nice pair with DMC

 

[gimmesix]

Is Darren McFadden a good enough running back with a healthy Tony Romo and healthy Dez Bryant?

Would people feel comfortable going into the season with him, Turbin, and Dunbar if we allocated our resources on offense towards a high caliber 2nd receiver instead of drafting or signing any running backs?

How the off-season would look:

Team re-signs Dunbar and Turbin, but does not re-sign Hardy, Claiborne, or Hanna. It cuts Free and Carr.

Either Green or Collins starts at right tackle, while either Collins or Leary starts at left guard. Swaim becomes the #2 tight end until Escobar returns.

Team goes after Jeffery or Gordon in free agency at WR and Norman if he is not franchised at CB and maybe Weddle or Berry.

Team drafts pretty much all defense in the draft, especially in the secondary.

I don't think rolling with McFadden as the main back we rely on is smart for two reasons.

First, he's older and has a pretty extensive injury history. Now, he's appeared in 10 or more games in all but one of his eight years, but he's missed games in all but one year and that doesn't get better with age.

Second, he's hit and miss. When he's able to use his speed, he can translate it to power to deliver a wallop. When he hesitates, he can't generate any power and goes nowhere.

In my opinion, all of that makes him a good rotational back that we can mix with a guy more suited to a power running game.

 

[gimmesix]

No, I would not feel comfortable. Going into next season without a strong candidate to compete with McFadden for the starter position would be irresponsible. Predictable, knowing Jerry, but irresponsible.

The fact that we cycled through several backs trying to find a suitable one to at least pair with McFadden hopefully showed the staff we need to try that again.

 

[BAZ]

Just to note: Darren McFadden is currently 5th in the NFL in rush yards this year.

I'm shocked.

 

[BAZ]

I don't know what peoples fascination with Dunbar is...He's never done anything. DMac is a good back and I would like to have him back but not as a every down back....

I couldn't understand why they kept him around, but this year he killed it in his limited time. Single handedly was the difference maker on the drive in the Giants win, was catching the ball 20 yards down the field over his shoulder against the sideline in the Eagles game. Bring him back on a one year and just make him a receiver. Him and Beas on third and short is a nice match up problem.

 

[TheSport78]

No, but he has undoubtedly earned a roster spot on this team for next year. If we nab an RB like Elliot or Henry, I expect McFadden to begin the season as the starter, but the young kid should take over midseason.

 

[superonyx]

This season proved we don't need to draft a RB in the 1st round, or even the 2nd round.

This season proved many many things....... If the best player available is a running back then I would want us to take a RB. Some believe it's better to draft a QB and in 3-4 years he will hopefully be good and play for you. I am not sold on the crop of QB's and I still believe we have a shot to do something with Romo.

I guess this year also proved that you don't need a pass rusher who is capable of double digit sacks since our defense was not the problem for us either.

Since new Offensive coordinator isn't available in the first round I still want a RB who is capable of being a long term strength.

 

[MissionCoach]

I think DMac did an admirable job, considering the Defenses did not have to respect the pass and pretty much stacked the box. This also speaks volumes about just how good our O-Line is!

That being said there were some decent RB's found in the later rounds of last years draft, David Johnson-3rd, Jeremy Langford-4th, Jay Ajayi-5th, Karlos Williams-5th, Cameron Artis-Payne-5th, Thomas Rawls-FA. I think good RB's can be had in the later rounds and hope the Boys draft a young guy in the upcoming draft to add to the rotation.

It's ironic that the Cowboys had so many injuries this year, but DMac remained healthy. Who would have figured with his history of injuries. No sense in pushing our luck, we need to pull the trigger on a RB in the draft.

 

[Eric_Boyer]

Is Darren McFadden a good enough running back with a healthy Tony Romo and healthy Dez Bryant?

he is good enough to be the #2 in the rotation. A great change of pace style back that you can somewhat rely on to start a few games when the lead guy is dinged.

we would be crazy not to look for a younger upgrade.

 

[JoeKing]

This is what I know concerning Darren McFadden. Before the season started I bet a bunch of you out there that he would rush for at least 1000 yards this season... you know who you are. It's time for you to pay up.