My Thoughts On The HB Position

[AzorAhai]

Solid ball security, did not fumble in 251 touches in 2011.

Whats strange is he's been fumble prone now. I've read about multiple fumbles from him in camp already too. I hope that gets fixed if he's going to get 225-250 carries this year.

 

[jazzcat22]

Im sorry but Im not buying into a guy who has played more then 13 games in a season only once in his career staying healthy and maintaining a consistent rushing load all year

Which is why you started this thread anyway, to get your dislike of our RBs be known still. Which is why 2 more posters posted what we did.
Give it a rest and see what develops.

I am from this point as its a waste of my time.

 

[ActualCowboysFan]

#1 - People forget out of college that he was an all-purpose back and was considered a workhorse.

Who does this remind you of?

STRENGTHS
Productive back in the running and passing game. Possesses enough straight-line speed to eat up yardage when open lanes present themselves. Shows once wiggle in his game once past the line, gets would-be tacklers to lean the wrong way. Seems to fall forward a lot, and is adding weight to his frame each season to get stronger. Attacks targets as a blocker for bubble screens and two-back sets, also flashes the form and willingness to be an effective pass protector. Solid receiver on screens and over the middle; good hands to rein in wayward passes and his shifty hips make him elusive after the catch. Solid ball security, did not fumble in 251 touches in 2011.
WEAKNESSES
Taller back who will run a bit upright at times coming through the line or in the open field. Receiver-like build makes pushing the pile a chore. One-speed back without an elite burst, second gear or great acceleration in the open field. Must learn to explode from cuts using improving strength in his lower half. Struggles to anchor against larger defenders in pass protection, and will duck his head and dive at them instead of staying upright.


Here's Murray's:

STRENGTHS
Murray is tall with a muscular build. Possesses great burst and the top end speed to break the long one. Strong runner that consistently finishes runs and falls forward. Excellent receiver that can get big chunks of yards after the catch. Very capable blocker in pass protection.
WEAKNESSES
Does not have the vision to consistently find open lanes and looks to bounce the ball outside too soon. Runs a bit high and lacks the power to get the difficult yards between the tackles. Lacks the agility to always make the first man miss in the hole. Has struggled to stay on the field.

#2 - Don't put any faith in McFadden. He's a tease. He's been in the league 7 years and hasn't done squat.

Yeah I quoted that after the draft when I was saying that the only real area of complaint was running back so get ready to hear it ad nauseum. I'm not sure how accurate it is but it reads like a carbon copy of a Murray scouting report. I actually think they're quite different and that Randle has some strengths that Murray doesn't and vice versa. But I also agree with OPs general idea that they're missing a piece of the RBBC because the guys they have are somewhat redundant, which diminishes part of the potential advantages of a committee approach.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Which is why you started this thread anyway, to get your dislike of our RBs be known still. Which is why 2 more posters posted what we did.
Give it a rest and see what develops.

I am from this point as its a waste of my time.

Where in the OP did you get that I disliked our HB's. Because I pointed out Darren McFaddens extensive injury history. Actually I was pointing out how we can keep him on the field for a full 16 game schedule. I like McFadden as a player. Dont like him as any kind of workhorse

 

[xwalker]

- I think Randle can carry the ball 300+ times effectively if asked. Question is will they give him that kind of workload. My biggest concern with him, and it has more to do with him being untested, is the 3rd and 1's and goalline carries. Thats something Im going to watch for in preseason

- I believe McFadden offers us alot, however its asking alot for a 7 year pro with an extensive injury history who has been battered running behind poor lines to stay healthy throughout the season. I believe the best was to keep him effective through out the season is minimize his rushing duties and maximize his abilities as a blocker and receiver. He still has his jets, Im confident he can keep them all season if is giving us 80 carries and about 50 catches. Giving him close to 200 carries, Im not so confident.

- Dunbar's role on the team remains an enigma. He is a player alot of good word has been coming out about in camp, but as always what if any role in the offense he has remains a mystery. He seems like a fairly safe bet to make the roster, but if they decide to add another runner, he could be the odd man out.

- I believe if Dallas adds a back, it wont be a guy to start. It would probably either cost at least a 3rd rounder or eating a very large salary to get a back better then Randle and I dont think the club would be willing to do that unless Randle falls flat n his face or gets hurt in preseason. If we add anyone, it will likely be someone like a Thomas Rawls or an Anthony Dixon

That's 500 carries between Randle and McFadden.

I've heard comments from Garrett, Jerry, Witten and even Beasley about how much they love Dunbar and what he can do.

If they add a RB like Rawls they'll likely keep 4 unless McFadden has a significant injury between now and game 1.