More looks at Darren McFadden

[Galian Beast]

I just watched a bunch of his college highlights, and something really struck me. This guy and probably Felix Jones, aren't really what you're looking for in lead backs. They're just home run hitters. The Arkansas line would create space, and they would take it. Note, that isn't necessarily a knock on them. One of the biggest criticisms of Murray was leaving yards on the field. I don't think that will be a problem with McFadden when he is healthy.

What I do think will be a problem with McFadden is fighting for yards when they aren't there. He doesn't have anywhere close to the physical capabilities of Murray. My biggest worry with McFadden is that in lieu of home runs he isn't a consistent enough running back.

What I do think about McFadden is that he is a nice part time running back who has vision and hopefully still has the speed and moves to be a major contributor here with an offensive line that should give him all the seams he needs, and hopefully they can do so consistently. I think we're going to struggle a lot more against teams like Seattle who aren't as susceptible to zone runs.

I wasn't really excited seeing him play, because I really do like a running back with Murray's style, but maybe that won't be necessary going forward. I think coming in here, with him not being the key offensive player is going to allow him to be very successful, and not having to carry the lion share of snaps should also allow him to be successful.

Ultimately I think it'll be Randle and McFadden as a two headed monster, with Dunbar being used on 3rd downs due to his speed. I just have no confidence that Ryan Williams can stay healthy. He never has. I think they have a lot of faith in this offensive line, and they've been retaining players who they think have the ability to user their vision to take what the offensive creates for them. I think Randle can be more of an every down back type of player.

If you look at the Patriots they have 4 running backs average close to if not over 4 yards per carry, and collectively what they did was run for about 1700 yards. I actually think we have much better running backs than they had last year. I think the key that people need to stop thinking is that the Cowboys are going to have to somehow rely on one guy to be the show runner here. That isn't the case.

At any rate, I think our offense is going to be very different next year, and whether it will be better than last year depends on a lot of things.

- Can these running backs stay healthy
- Can these running backs or in general our offense maintain it's ability to move the chains and convert 3rd downs (incorporating Beasley more into this offense takes a lot of pressure off of the running backs).
- Can the passing game give the running backs enough breathing room to showcase their abilities.

I think we'll have to rely more on Beasley, and I think we'll have to rely more on Escobar going forward. And certainly Terrance Williams. For this offense to work, the passing game has to become such a weapon that teams can't afford to stack a safety near the line.

 

[ShiningStar]

well theres nothing new. I dont think we have a fair assessment of McFadden due simply to, The Raiders. This year will also not be a fair assessment to him, hes older and banged up. Lets just agree he is a running back and find out what he is today. College is not fair anymore and frankly the Raiders we not helpful to him.

 

[TwoDeep3]

One of the biggest criticisms of Murray was leaving yards on the field. I don't think that will be a problem with McFadden when he is healthy..

And this criticism came from fans who have never played in the NFL, watch the game on TV where they can't see all of the players when the ball is snapped, and have a higher opinion of their own opinion than even former NFL players who say things that disagree with the fan's opinion.

Oh wait, and one RB that sat on the bench when he wasn't stealing underwear, or making comments about his teammates while being booked on shoplifting charges.

Criticism comes from many places in this world. In sports, it comes from predominately two locations. The press, and the fan.

One of those groups is close enough to speak with the principle and formed at least a minor educated opinion.

The other are filled with hubris.

 

[ShiningStar]

And this criticism came from fans who have never played in the NFL, watch the game on TV where they can't see all of the players when the ball is snapped, and have a higher opinion of their own opinion than even former NFL players who say things that disagree with the fan's opinion.

Oh wait, and one RB that sat on the bench when he wasn't stealing underwear, or making comments about his teammates while being booked on shoplifting charges.

Criticism comes from many places in this world. In sports, it comes from predominately two locations. The press, and the fan.

One of those groups is close enough to speak with the principle and formed at least a minor educated opinion.

The other are filled with hubris.

dont hold back man. im not saying you are wrong, but excellent post.

 

[Galian Beast]

And this criticism came from fans who have never played in the NFL, watch the game on TV where they can't see all of the players when the ball is snapped, and have a higher opinion of their own opinion than even former NFL players who say things that disagree with the fan's opinion.

Oh wait, and one RB that sat on the bench when he wasn't stealing underwear, or making comments about his teammates while being booked on shoplifting charges.

Criticism comes from many places in this world. In sports, it comes from predominately two locations. The press, and the fan.

One of those groups is close enough to speak with the principle and formed at least a minor educated opinion.

The other are filled with hubris.

Yeah, it's that or many people at various levels have all agreed with the fact that Murray left yards on the field... nice try though.

 

[jnday]

I just watched a bunch of his college highlights, and something really struck me. This guy and probably Felix Jones, aren't really what you're looking for in lead backs. They're just home run hitters. The Arkansas line would create space, and they would take it. Note, that isn't necessarily a knock on them. One of the biggest criticisms of Murray was leaving yards on the field. I don't think that will be a problem with McFadden when he is healthy.

What I do think will be a problem with McFadden is fighting for yards when they aren't there. He doesn't have anywhere close to the physical capabilities of Murray. My biggest worry with McFadden is that in lieu of home runs he isn't a consistent enough running back.

What I do think about McFadden is that he is a nice part time running back who has vision and hopefully still has the speed and moves to be a major contributor here with an offensive line that should give him all the seams he needs, and hopefully they can do so consistently. I think we're going to struggle a lot more against teams like Seattle who aren't as susceptible to zone runs.

I wasn't really excited seeing him play, because I really do like a running back with Murray's style, but maybe that won't be necessary going forward. I think coming in here, with him not being the key offensive player is going to allow him to be very successful, and not having to carry the lion share of snaps should also allow him to be successful.

Ultimately I think it'll be Randle and McFadden as a two headed monster, with Dunbar being used on 3rd downs due to his speed. I just have no confidence that Ryan Williams can stay healthy. He never has. I think they have a lot of faith in this offensive line, and they've been retaining players who they think have the ability to user their vision to take what the offensive creates for them. I think Randle can be more of an every down back type of player.

If you look at the Patriots they have 4 running backs average close to if not over 4 yards per carry, and collectively what they did was run for about 1700 yards. I actually think we have much better running backs than they had last year. I think the key that people need to stop thinking is that the Cowboys are going to have to somehow rely on one guy to be the show runner here. That isn't the case.

At any rate, I think our offense is going to be very different next year, and whether it will be better than last year depends on a lot of things.

- Can these running backs stay healthy
- Can these running backs or in general our offense maintain it's ability to move the chains and convert 3rd downs (incorporating Beasley more into this offense takes a lot of pressure off of the running backs).
- Can the passing game give the running backs enough breathing room to showcase their abilities.

I think we'll have to rely more on Beasley, and I think we'll have to rely more on Escobar going forward. And certainly Terrance Williams. For this offense to work, the passing game has to become such a weapon that teams can't afford to stack a safety near the line.

My concern is returning to the passing game will put Romo in some situations where he forces the ball and that hasn't worked so well in the past. The offense don't need to change . Romo was at his best when he had a solid lead RB that could help shoulder the load. I hope another RB is traded for so that the offense can continue doing the same thing that they did last year.

 

[Nova]

I agree with GB. You can see it in Run DMC's running style. Even though he is a big back, he is not a churner. Doesn't have the best center of gravity, doesn't keep his legs moving through contact. I'm not super excited about our backfield because despite the fact that it's not hard to find a back with these traits that can wear down a defense, even in a situational type role, there isn't one on the roster.


That said, doesn't mean he can't be successful.

 

[Galian Beast]

My concern is returning to the passing game will put Romo in some situations where he forces the ball and that hasn't worked so well in the past. The offense don't need to change . Romo was at his best when he had a solid lead RB that could help shoulder the load. I hope another RB is traded for so that the offense can continue doing the same thing that they did last year.

I think you are conflating things here.

Romo forced the ball not because he didn't have a running game to lean on, but because the defense was so piss poor. Tony Romo is a player who has played most of his career from behind. That is what causes turnovers, not simply passing the ball. Please compare his splits with any of the "elite qbs" and the first thing you'll notice is that they have passed the ball significantly more times with the lead.

 

[jnday]

I just watched a bunch of his college highlights, and something really struck me. This guy and probably Felix Jones, aren't really what you're looking for in lead backs. They're just home run hitters. The Arkansas line would create space, and they would take it. Note, that isn't necessarily a knock on them. One of the biggest criticisms of Murray was leaving yards on the field. I don't think that will be a problem with McFadden when he is healthy.

What I do think will be a problem with McFadden is fighting for yards when they aren't there. He doesn't have anywhere close to the physical capabilities of Murray. My biggest worry with McFadden is that in lieu of home runs he isn't a consistent enough running back.

What I do think about McFadden is that he is a nice part time running back who has vision and hopefully still has the speed and moves to be a major contributor here with an offensive line that should give him all the seams he needs, and hopefully they can do so consistently. I think we're going to struggle a lot more against teams like Seattle who aren't as susceptible to zone runs.

I wasn't really excited seeing him play, because I really do like a running back with Murray's style, but maybe that won't be necessary going forward. I think coming in here, with him not being the key offensive player is going to allow him to be very successful, and not having to carry the lion share of snaps should also allow him to be successful.

Ultimately I think it'll be Randle and McFadden as a two headed monster, with Dunbar being used on 3rd downs due to his speed. I just have no confidence that Ryan Williams can stay healthy. He never has. I think they have a lot of faith in this offensive line, and they've been retaining players who they think have the ability to user their vision to take what the offensive creates for them. I think Randle can be more of an every down back type of player.

If you look at the Patriots they have 4 running backs average close to if not over 4 yards per carry, and collectively what they did was run for about 1700 yards. I actually think we have much better running backs than they had last year. I think the key that people need to stop thinking is that the Cowboys are going to have to somehow rely on one guy to be the show runner here. That isn't the case.

At any rate, I think our offense is going to be very different next year, and whether it will be better than last year depends on a lot of things.

- Can these running backs stay healthy
- Can these running backs or in general our offense maintain it's ability to move the chains and convert 3rd downs (incorporating Beasley more into this offense takes a lot of pressure off of the running backs).
- Can the passing game give the running backs enough breathing room to showcase their abilities.

I think we'll have to rely more on Beasley, and I think we'll have to rely more on Escobar going forward. And certainly Terrance Williams. For this offense to work, the passing game has to become such a weapon that teams can't afford to stack a safety near the line.

I don't think that it is useful in any way to compare the Patriots and Tom Brady to the Cowboys. Totally different offenses and totally different team. The Pats don't rely on a physical running game and they are not a team concerned with time of possession . Their offense is Brady. Dallas has took the pressure off Romo by having s very good running game and it was the biggest reason for the 12-4 season IMO. They returned to the style of football that the 90's teams used to win Suler Bowls.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

And this criticism came from fans who have never played in the NFL, watch the game on TV where they can't see all of the players when the ball is snapped, and have a higher opinion of their own opinion than even former NFL players who say things that disagree with the fan's opinion.

Oh wait, and one RB that sat on the bench when he wasn't stealing underwear, or making comments about his teammates while being booked on shoplifting charges.

Criticism comes from many places in this world. In sports, it comes from predominately two locations. The press, and the fan.

One of those groups is close enough to speak with the principle and formed at least a minor educated opinion.

The other are filled with hubris.

You mean former players like Emmitt Smith who says Murray runs to darkness?

 

[Galian Beast]

I agree with GB. You can see it in Run DMC's running style. Even though he is a big back, he is not a churner. Doesn't have the best center of gravity, doesn't keep his legs moving through contact. I'm not super excited about our backfield because despite the fact that it's not hard to find a back with these traits that can wear down a defense, even in a situational type role, there isn't one on the roster.


That said, doesn't mean he can't be successful.

Shanahan has proven that getting a running back who fits the system is just as viable as having that lead back type. I think people have forgotten that.

He did it for over a decade.

 

[Galian Beast]

You mean former players like Emmitt Smith who says Murray runs to darkness?

What does that all time leading rusher for the nfl know about running backs?

 

[Galian Beast]

I don't think that it is useful in any way to compare the Patriots and Tom Brady to the Cowboys. Totally different offenses and totally different team. The Pats don't rely on a physical running game and they are not a team concerned with time of possession . Their offense is Brady. Dallas has took the pressure off Romo by having s very good running game and it was the biggest reason for the 12-4 season IMO. They returned to the style of football that the 90's teams used to win Suler Bowls.

One year doesn't set this offense. Offenses can work in many different ways. Patriots are a perfect example. They went from randy moss and wes welker to wes welker and gronkowski and hernandez to gronkowski and edelmen and lafell...

It's not binary.

 

[theogt]

I'd look at actual 2014 games, rather than his college highlights, which are meaningless at this point.

He has strong legs, can slime his way into a crease and is willing to take on a hit. Those characteristics make him a pretty good inside runner.

In 2014, he looked like an all around back, but still had the explosiveness to break off big runs.

 

[CF74]

Dude is already on the sideline nursing his hamstrings.. He's gonna be competing with Austin for stationary bike time..

 

[Toruk_Makto]

My concern is returning to the passing game will put Romo in some situations where he forces the ball and that hasn't worked so well in the past. The offense don't need to change . Romo was at his best when he had a solid lead RB that could help shoulder the load. I hope another RB is traded for so that the offense can continue doing the same thing that they did last year.

Romo threw 100 more passes in 2013 than he did last year. He threw 31 tds and 10 ints. He was better last year from an efficiency standpoint.... But he also led the league...

My point being Romo was plenty good in 2013 and this narrative that he's suddenly a problem. If he has to throw a ton is a joke.

 

[Galian Beast]

I'd look at actual 2014 games, rather than his college highlights, which are meaningless at this point.

He has strong legs, can slime his way into a crease and is willing to take on a hit. Those characteristics make him a pretty good inside runner.

In 2014, he looked like an all around back, but still had the explosiveness to break off big runs.

I looked at his college highlights and his highlights when he was considered a top back in the nfl. It was the same thing. You can also look at his game logs. He doesn't have a great batting average, he is a home run hitter.

 

[Galian Beast]

Dude is already on the sideline nursing his hamstrings.. He's gonna be competing with Austin for stationary bike time..

This is OTAs. I'm not concerned with any players injury situation except for Ryan Williams.

 

[marchetta]

Somewhere I read that Dallas is going to have to sign an "End the game RB." A RB that can pound the ball in the 4th quarter when Dallas is trying to preserve a lead and just running out the clock. Murray was excellent at that. I don't see either of our "Big 4" capable of being that type of grinding 4th quarter RB that can chew up the clock in the 4th quarter.

 

[Galian Beast]

Somewhere I read that Dallas is going to have to sign an "End the game RB." A RB that can pound the ball in the 4th quarter when Dallas is trying to preserve a lead and just running out the clock. Murray was excellent at that. I don't see either of our "Big 4" capable of being that type of grinding 4th quarter RB that can chew up the clock in the 4th quarter.

I think that is people telling themselves that. How do the Patriots close out games? How about the Broncos? Did the Saints have a end the game RB when they won the super bowl? What about Green Bay?

This offense needs to be productive and the defense needs to play at a high level. Both need to impose their will on teams. That's the end of the story.