Keep 5 RB's?

[jobberone]

The two word no

 

[jazzcat22]

In 2014, we had Witten, Escobar and Hanna with Tyler Clutts at fullback. In 2013, we opened with four TEs on the roster, but Andre Smith was waived in November after appearing in three games and was eventually replaced by Clutts. In 2012, our first-week roster had four tight ends and a fullback, but we were only carrying three TEs and a fullback after that week, cutting Colin Cochart on Sept. 11. In 2011, we opened with four TEs and no fullback, but we cut Martin Rucker on Sept. 4 and added FB Tony Fiammetta, leaving us with three TEs and a fullback.

So last year was the only one under Garrett where we kept more than three tight ends and a fullback on the roster at the same time for more than just the first week of the season.

Yes, whenever they started out without a FB, eventually one was added as I recall. I was about to post that. But not in the detail that you just did.
But you broke it down very well. Good review there you posted.

 

[Irvin88_4life]

This is more how I see it also.
I don't see what others see in Jackson so far. I think most talk themselves into wanting Jackson, just because they don't like McFadden. As opposed to seeing the best for the team.
Now if they keep Jackson over Dunbar, I am fine with that too. As I think McFadden and Jackson can do Dunbar's role.

Jackson is a 6th round draft pick, but people act as if he was taken right beside of Zeke.

Dunbar is by far the best receiving back but him and McFadden can't stay healthy. It's not that people want Jackson cause they don't like McFadden is because Jackson can do everything Mcfadden can do but has upside and plays special teams.

Don't look at box score, Jackson has had 20 yard runs that were called back on holding calls

 

[Omegasupreme]

Morris is proven. He has to be the starting point.

Zeke is not (Nate Newton on Espn Dallas said that there is "preseason speed, regular season speed and post season speed and Zeke has had none of them".

McFadden might still have a little speed but there was a curious statement that Jason made that McFaddens running style did not fit the offense.

Darius Jackson is not only the fastest RB on the roster, he might be the most powerful. Even a Rod Smith does not have the resume for pushing the pile, getting dirty yards, and attacking a defense. Mike Mayock exalted the 19 carries for 66 yards that Jackson had against LSU by saying "that's not a lot of yards, but each run was impressive."

The tough part about Dunbar is his resume. He has flashes and then gets injured. He's really not a faster sprinter than Elliot, McFadden and especially Jackson. How can you release talent in favor of a resume like that? So propose that Dunbar becomes more of the KR/PR/WR/RB that Joshua Cribbs and Dexter McCluster have been. If this is truly a Coryell offense, and the power running game is in place, then they need speed and elusiveness. Dez may not fit the prototype but he is awesome. Beasley fits, Butler fits, but TWilly doesn't fit (Mark Mosley said on Espn Dallas last week that "Terrance Williams may not have the hands or run the best routes...." Ah, why are we continuing with the WR who also admitted "I'm not going to start [catching with my hands] because that will make me uncomfortable. I'm going to keep getting better at what I do.). Frankly, Williams is great after the catch but he, Streets, Mayle, and Jones are all more WCO WRs and lack the speed for the Coryell.

If we have to keep Williams, then keep Dunbar as the 5th WR and 4th or 5th RB.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

In 2014, we had Witten, Escobar and Hanna with Tyler Clutts at fullback. In 2013, we opened with four TEs on the roster, but Andre Smith was waived in November after appearing in three games and was eventually replaced by Clutts. In 2012, our first-week roster had four tight ends and a fullback, but we were only carrying three TEs and a fullback after that week, cutting Colin Cochart on Sept. 11. In 2011, we opened with four TEs and no fullback, but we cut Martin Rucker on Sept. 4 and added FB Tony Fiammetta, leaving us with three TEs and a fullback.

So last year was the only one under Garrett where we kept more than three tight ends and a fullback on the roster at the same time for more than just the first week of the season. In 2011, we were trying to switch to just being a two-tight end offense, but Garrett changed his mind pretty quickly. We tried it again in 2013 before settling back into carrying a fullback and sticking with three tight ends.

Last year, we carried four TEs because of Swaim's potential, so it's possible that we'll do it again if we like the potential of either Traylor or Gathers. But our past rosters under Garrett show that carrying four TEs isn't the norm.

But, in three out of four years, we've opened the season wiht 4 TEs.

 

[UTmodisette]

I honestly don't get the love for McFadden in 2016. I appreciate that he was able to step in once Randle went off the deep end, but he wasn't really that good as a guy who received a few carries here and there. He didn't find a groove until he was getting the majority of the snaps. He won't get that in 2016. I don't see him taking any snaps away from Elliot, there is nothing that he is better than Elliot at in this stage of their careers. He's not the backup as Morris has looked better than McFadden ever looked last year, plus Morris has never missed a game in his career, that's what you want in a backup. And don't compare what Dunbar does and what McFadden does. You can argue we shouldn't trust Dunbar with the injury risk, but Dunbar has elite quickness and is way more of a pass receiving threat than McFadden can ever be. So really the decision is should Dallas keep McFadden or Jackson, and I don't think there is enough value to what McFadden brings to the team in 2016 to keep him over a young guy who is cheap and controllable for 4 years. Not to mention that Jackson plays special teams and McFadden does not.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

This is more how I see it also.
I don't see what others see in Jackson so far. I think most talk themselves into wanting Jackson, just because they don't like McFadden. As opposed to seeing the best for the team.
Now if they keep Jackson over Dunbar, I am fine with that too. As I think McFadden and Jackson can do Dunbar's role.

Jackson is a 6th round draft pick, but people act as if he was taken right beside of Zeke.

If Jackson can contribute on STs, then he is probably the guy who brings more to the team. To me, it comes down to Morris and McFadden. This assumes that Elliot is the guy. Since I haven't seen him, I can only go on what I hear but lets assume that Elliot is the guy. Then you have one back who is not contributing on ST. That, to me, means that there is no room on the roster for two more RBs who do not play STs. If you keep McFadden and Morris, neither of those guys play STs. I don't see that happening.

JMO

 

[jazzcat22]

Morris is proven. He has to be the starting point.

Zeke is not (Nate Newton on Espn Dallas said that there is "preseason speed, regular season speed and post season speed and Zeke has had none of them".



.

Did Newton really say this, is this a quote from him, and how did he mean it. It comes across like he doesn't like Zeke...and if he believes this about Zeke, then I say Nate is back on the weed....
Would like to hear a podcast of this.

And to think Morris is the starting point over Zeke.....is this you posting this, or again is it Nate...regardless, if either, you both must be smoking that weed.....

 

[Verdict]

It is a numbers game,and I don't think you can afford to keep 5 active running backs and go light at other positions absent special circumstances. If you used one of the running backs as a fullback, or one of them was a special return guy, or a really special special teamer, maybe.

If we keep McFadden on the D.L. that is likely the only way we keep all of these guys around, or if we sneak Jackson to the practice squad. I wouldn't be surprised if he made it to the practice squad, or if he got claimed. It is either/or on that one.

I really think we will go with 3 active running backs and keep McFadden on the Pup/NfI list to start the season. I can't see us keeping a 5th RB and let it cost us a guy like Jenkins even though he is the current #3 three tech.

 

[jazzcat22]

For some clarifications, I am not saying keep 5 RB's, just wanted thoughts on it for if they could, or should they. If it came down to having the best 53, and those 1 or 2 is one of the RB's.

I would not be opposed to keeping 4 RB's. My preference would be Zeke, Morris, McFadden and Jackson.
McFadden and Jackson can do Dunbar's role. McFadden offers that protection for Romo until Jackson gets there to do the same, for if either is in the game to spell Zeke and Morris, or they have a package for them.
Dunbar can run and catch, but has been more of a receiver in this offense. He can return kicks, but so can McFadden, and Jackson is being tried there also.

They can keep 4, and a FB, and if they keep 4 TE's, then only go 2 at QB. This of course means 5 WR's, which I think they go 5 anyway.

My thoughts all off season has been Jackson is a PS player all the way. But now, being that Dunbar is a situational player, and on a one year deal. And I never been all that a big fan, though the last few years I came to appreciate what he can do. But I would now rather have Jackson than Dunbar.

And if it's McFadden the odd man out, then so be it. I hope he isn't, as I believe he is the better option to keep at this time. It's been my opinion all along and I won't change it. But who knows, maybe he stays on PUP. But what ever happens, we will have a very deep RB position, and there will be no concerns. To much...LOL...

 

[Irvin88_4life]

For some clarifications, I am not saying keep 5 RB's, just wanted thoughts on it for if they could, or should they. If it came down to having the best 53, and those 1 or 2 is one of the RB's.

I would not be opposed to keeping 4 RB's. My preference would be Zeke, Morris, McFadden and Jackson.
McFadden and Jackson can do Dunbar's role. McFadden offers that protection for Romo until Jackson gets there to do the same, for if either is in the game to spell Zeke and Morris, or they have a package for them.
Dunbar can run and catch, but has been more of a receiver in this offense. He can return kicks, but so can McFadden, and Jackson is being tried there also.

They can keep 4, and a FB, and if they keep 4 TE's, then only go 2 at QB. This of course means 5 WR's, which I think they go 5 anyway.

My thoughts all off season has been Jackson is a PS player all the way. But now, being that Dunbar is a situational player, and on a one year deal. And I never been all that a big fan, though the last few years I came to appreciate what he can do. But I would now rather have Jackson than Dunbar.

And if it's McFadden the odd man out, then so be it. I hope he isn't, as I believe he is the better option to keep at this time. It's been my opinion all along and I won't change it. But who knows, maybe he stays on PUP. But what ever happens, we will have a very deep RB position, and there will be no concerns. To much...LOL...

McFadden can't return kicks haha

 

[Verdict]

Lets say we go with 3 running backs. At this point, it would surprise me if Elliott and Morris aren't both locks. We can stash McFadden on the NFI list. So that leaves Dunbar and Jackson fighting for the last spot. Let's also suppose that you can't sneak Jackson on the practice squad. Who wins out between Dunbar and Jackson?

Dunbar is poisin in the open field, but really isn't even close to being an every down back. He is way too fragile. Jackson could carry the ball 20 times per game, if he had to. That might ultimately come into play in who we keep.

Ironically, Dak's superior preseason play may have just opened up a roster spot if we go with two QBs.

 

[jazzcat22]

If Jackson can contribute on STs, then he is probably the guy who brings more to the team. To me, it comes down to Morris and McFadden. This assumes that Elliot is the guy. Since I haven't seen him, I can only go on what I hear but lets assume that Elliot is the guy. Then you have one back who is not contributing on ST. That, to me, means that there is no room on the roster for two more RBs who do not play STs. If you keep McFadden and Morris, neither of those guys play STs. I don't see that happening.

JMO

Some very good points. But what ST's does Jackson play on. I know they tried him on kick returns, but McFadden can do that also. Though Jackson's speed would be so much better, if he can break one though. I would prefer Jackson though, but all that is a back up to Whitehead.
Also depends on when, if McFadden comes off the NFI. If he doesn't come back soon, it's probable too late for him to stay on the team anyway.
may be best to hope he stays on it.

 

[erod]

For some clarifications, I am not saying keep 5 RB's, just wanted thoughts on it for if they could, or should they. If it came down to having the best 53, and those 1 or 2 is one of the RB's.

I would not be opposed to keeping 4 RB's. My preference would be Zeke, Morris, McFadden and Jackson.
McFadden and Jackson can do Dunbar's role. McFadden offers that protection for Romo until Jackson gets there to do the same, for if either is in the game to spell Zeke and Morris, or they have a package for them.
Dunbar can run and catch, but has been more of a receiver in this offense. He can return kicks, but so can McFadden, and Jackson is being tried there also.

They can keep 4, and a FB, and if they keep 4 TE's, then only go 2 at QB. This of course means 5 WR's, which I think they go 5 anyway.

My thoughts all off season has been Jackson is a PS player all the way. But now, being that Dunbar is a situational player, and on a one year deal. And I never been all that a big fan, though the last few years I came to appreciate what he can do. But I would now rather have Jackson than Dunbar.

And if it's McFadden the odd man out, then so be it. I hope he isn't, as I believe he is the better option to keep at this time. It's been my opinion all along and I won't change it. But who knows, maybe he stays on PUP. But what ever happens, we will have a very deep RB position, and there will be no concerns. To much...LOL...

Jazz, I couldn't disagree with the bolded any more than I do. Dunbar is far and away the most dynamic back in the passing game on this team.

Zeke does everything and NEVER fumbles.

Morris NEVER gets hurt.

Jackson can play special teams.

Dunbar adds a different juice to the equation.

Anything McFadden can do is more than covered by the others. He's an injury risk with limited skills.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Some very good points. But what ST's does Jackson play on. I know they tried him on kick returns, but McFadden can do that also. Though Jackson's speed would be so much better, if he can break one though. I would prefer Jackson though, but all that is a back up to Whitehead.
Also depends on when, if McFadden comes off the NFI. If he doesn't come back soon, it's probable too late for him to stay on the team anyway.
may be best to hope he stays on it.

I don't know. As I said in my post, IF Jackson can contribute on ST, he will be the guy who is of most help. I don't know if he is a good ST player or not at this point. I think that's the key to him making the team. However, I will say this, regardless of if he is kept or not, I don't see it changing between DMac and Morris. We just can't afford to keep three RBs, on the active roster, who do not contribute on STs. That's not going to happen.

 

[gimmesix]

But, in three out of four years, we've opened the season wiht 4 TEs.

Twice with no fullback, so if we carry no fullback this year, then yes, we'll for sure open with four TEs.

If we keep a fullback, then the pattern shows also keeping four TEs isn't likely.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Twice with no fullback, so if we carry no fullback this year, then yes, we'll for sure open with four TEs.

If we keep a fullback, then the pattern shows also keeping four TEs isn't likely.

Don't agree. If the team feels like it wants to run 4 TEs, which lets be honest, they have wanted to try and make this work for some time, they could still go with 4 TEs and a FB. Or, they could go with 4 TEs, and 4 RBs. Either of these things are possible.

 

[gimmesix]

Don't agree. If the team feels like it wants to run 4 TEs, which lets be honest, they have wanted to try and make this work for some time, they could still go with 4 TEs and a FB. Or, they could go with 4 TEs, and 4 RBs. Either of these things are possible.

Didn't say it wasn't possible, just that Dallas has been running two tight ends since Garrett took over and he has not made it a priority to keep four tight ends in any season but last season.

I think based on Dallas' rosters since Garrett has been coach that he wanted to go with 4 TEs and no FB but ultimately decided there are times when he needs a FB in there as a lead blocker. That's why we've ended up carrying a player who receives limited snaps instead of a fourth TE who would receive limited snaps.

If we got to the point where we needed to use the fourth tight end, we would probably just run more fullback sets, or we would pick up a blocking TE. (Gathers is likely to go on the practice squad so maybe he'll be ready for that role when the time comes.)

Anything is possible, even keeping five tailbacks, but some things are less likely based on the previous disposition of this head coach. Patterns aren't perfect but they are predictive.

 

[EMMITTnROY]

If it were me, I'd keep Zeke, Morris, Dunbar and Jackson.

And I'd try to trade McFadden to the Patriots, who just lost Dion Lewis for at least the first six games of the year, or to another team who needs RBs. McFadden has value, is just coming off a 1,000 yard season, isn't too old yet, and has a pretty cheap contract. Teams would want him. Any ideas what we could get from the Pats for him?

 

[BigStar]

Morris is proven. He has to be the starting point.

Zeke is not (Nate Newton on Espn Dallas said that there is "preseason speed, regular season speed and post season speed and Zeke has had none of them".

McFadden might still have a little speed but there was a curious statement that Jason made that McFaddens running style did not fit the offense.

Darius Jackson is not only the fastest RB on the roster, he might be the most powerful. Even a Rod Smith does not have the resume for pushing the pile, getting dirty yards, and attacking a defense. Mike Mayock exalted the 19 carries for 66 yards that Jackson had against LSU by saying "that's not a lot of yards, but each run was impressive."

The tough part about Dunbar is his resume. He has flashes and then gets injured. He's really not a faster sprinter than Elliot, McFadden and especially Jackson. How can you release talent in favor of a resume like that? So propose that Dunbar becomes more of the KR/PR/WR/RB that Joshua Cribbs and Dexter McCluster have been. If this is truly a Coryell offense, and the power running game is in place, then they need speed and elusiveness. Dez may not fit the prototype but he is awesome. Beasley fits, Butler fits, but TWilly doesn't fit (Mark Mosley said on Espn Dallas last week that "Terrance Williams may not have the hands or run the best routes...." Ah, why are we continuing with the WR who also admitted "I'm not going to start [catching with my hands] because that will make me uncomfortable. I'm going to keep getting better at what I do.). Frankly, Williams is great after the catch but he, Streets, Mayle, and Jones are all more WCO WRs and lack the speed for the Coryell.

If we have to keep Williams, then keep Dunbar as the 5th WR and 4th or 5th RB.

The OL has to adjust from zone blocking to man blocking for DMC. That came out as to why he improved towards the end of the year. Zeke, Morris, Jackson bc of ST, and Dunbar as our niche RB. I would trade/cut em and keep a DL bc it seems we're snake bitten at the position.