KoRnyBrad;4610062 said:
Do you think Jones and Murray will be a successful 2 back combination?
I think both are excellent backs and I can see them both starting. But that's the problem both (I believe) want to start. So not to ruffle any feathers do you think we will see equal work from both backs in games?
Felix Jones and DeMarco Murray complement one another very well like Bill Callahan has stated. Their running styles are very different, and they are two different types of running backs. However, both backs can run the exact same plays. This can challenge a defense, because they have to be ready for both players. Plus, the defense has to deal with the sudden change in real time. It will be interesting to see how the carries break down, but there should be enough carries for both running backs in the Dallas offense. Felix Jones has excelled in both roles ("starting" and "change of pace"). Jason Garrett has stated this fact, and Jones' production when rushing in the double digits will back him up.
During the past 3 seasons, Felix Jones has been given the
opportunity to rush the football in the double digits 22 times. That includes 2 playoff games in 2009. Jones averaged 14.3 rushes per game in those 22 games. Here are those stats:
315-1593 (
5.1 YPC)
Now, compare the numbers above to Felix's career rushing stats:
488-2543 (
5.2 YPC) (2 playoff games included)
Again, when the Cowboys have fed Felix Jones the rock, in the double digits, Jones has delivered the goods to the Cowboys. Again, Felix Jones has proven to be extremely explosive and extremely productive in the 14-16 rush range during the past three seasons. Furthermore, Jones can tote the rock 20+ times in a game if you need him to do that, too.
I think the Cowboys should field their best offensive line since 2009, except the 2012 version should have youth and upside on its side. The Cowboys ran the football 394 times that season (regular season). Felix Jones hung a
146-902-4 (6.2 YPC; LG 73T) season on his ledger (16 games; including the playoffs). Jones had runs of 56, 40, 46T, 49T, and 73T in 2009. Last season, Tyron Smith re-opened the entire field (including both edges) in the running game. Smith's impact in the running game is very underrated, and I fully expect the Cowboys to run his way a bunch this season. Smith is an elite run blocker.
Despite Jason Garrett not committing to a "starter" at running back, the Dallas media has pretty much crowned Murray as the ultimate. However, being the "change of pace" back might not be such a bad thing for Felix Jones if that does unfold. With players like Tyron Smith, Nate Livings, Phil Costa, Ronald Leary/MacKenzy Bernadeau, and Doug Free, I could see Felix Jones pushing 1.000 rushing yards and doing it in the 150-170 rush range. Jones will definitely be lurking and waiting for his opportunities. Felix is a very competitive player who played with Darren McFadden.
The Cowboys just have to make sure that Jones gets his carries/touches, especially at home and especially inside the division. Felix Jones is just too explosive of a football player, and he is a clutch player, too. Jones has delivered the goods to the Cowboys when it has mattered the most. Simply, Jones needs the football in his hands. Again, Jones can do either role. He can "start" or be the "change of pace". That doesn't really matter, imo. Getting the football in Jones' hands is what matters the most.
Based on my re-search of Bill Callahan, especially his outside zone with the Jets, I think Callahan will want to take advantage of Jones' unique talent and skill set. Jones will "change your pace" alright. The Cowboys are very justified when they give Felix Jones the football, and Jones' numbers will back them up.
