No RB1

Mikexike

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Davidlee1973 said:
Does it concern anyone that we don’t have a number 1 running back? We got Zeke, Dowdle, a JAG. None of those guys are number one level backs. Lupke is good for like two yards.
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We don't need a RB1 when you have smith, beebe and martin on the interior.
 
plasticman

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In 1996, Emmitt Smith's 7th season, he averaged 3.7 yards a carry. He still carried the ball and average of 21.8 times a game that season.

Zeke never had a lower average per carry than 3.8 yards as a Cowboy. However, his load became less each season as the offense became more pass oriented.

As a Patriot, he was used mostly for short yardage, hence the 3.5 average.

Why should the Cowboys decide to feature a back? We didn't have much use for one in the past considering the pass/run ratio of Coryell wannabes Jason Garrett and Kellen Moore.

Does this offense intend to have more balance? In the combined seasons of 2021 and 2022 under OC Kellen Moore, they passed 53.1% of the time. Last season, under Schottenheimer, they passed 54.7% of the time. The percentage of running plays will most likely continue to decrease

The Cowboys need a durable tough back to take the necessary carries and keep the defenses honest. The ability to help block on passing plays is probably just as valuable. In times of need under pressure, it would be a bonus if the QB and RB were familiar with each other's mindset.

The ability to drive and get the short yardage would make him a "complete" back. Granted this is not as fan-popular as a "dynamic scoring threat from any place on the field."

It is not the ideal Dorsett/Smith scenario but starting Zeke plays a functional role in that a more dynamic Pollard type has the ability to come in fresh and perform to a max level for 10 to 12 plays.

With such a young, developing O-line, would it be advantageous to have a veteran RB to help them? Perhaps.

Zeke isn't going to lead the league in any statistical category. I wish the Cowboys would have been more proactive towards the position in the draft. However, in a true "squad" approach, Zeke will make a meaningful contribution as a starter, that is, RB1.
 
SteveTheCowboy

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Bobhaze said:
The problem with our running game is at RB we have no one that truly threatens a defense.

No one currently on this roster scares a defense enough to not drop their safeties back into coverage which makes the passing game harder to hit intermediate routes. The passing game becomes “check down city” because the safeties are deep. Why are they so deep? They aren’t worried about any of these RBs hitting a long run.
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The real problem has been a lack of decent holes to get up some steam. Having to dart around someone at the hand off....or bolt for the edge like Pollard did....you won't outrun anyone.
If we can make a clean hole...maybe even GASP look for some to pancake 5 yards up field....zeke will put some fear into a db. The other guys will have an easier time of outrunning/eluding 2nd level defense. We haven't seen it since Travis left.
Let's hope the 2024 line can move people. Not stood up or pushed back.
 
starfan1

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SteveTheCowboy said:
The real problem has been a lack of decent holes to get up some steam. Having to dart around someone at the hand off....or bolt for the edge like Pollard did....you won't outrun anyone.
If we can make a clean hole...maybe even GASP look for some to pancake 5 yards up field....zeke will put some fear into a db. The other guys will have an easier time of outrunning/eluding 2nd level defense. We haven't seen it since Travis left.
Let's hope the 2024 line can move people. Not stood up or pushed back.
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:bow:we haven't seen it consistently since Ron Leary left as well as Tfred. Im not the biggest of zeke fans and hes slower to the hole than some oof the other backs IMO but if he has to dance right away or for that matter if any of them do its a recipe for disaster.

If they has a clean lane I can see improvement and that my friends is the single biggest issue on offense in the playoffs being 1 dimensional. Now if the defense steps up under Zimmer it may be a better year
 
DallasEast

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Davidlee1973 said:
Does it concern anyone that we don’t have a number 1 running back? We got Zeke, Dowdle, a JAG. None of those guys are number one level backs. Lupke is good for like two yards.
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You may be looking at this all wrong. Jerry Jones drafted a number one back in 2016: Ezekiel Elliott. Eventually, Jones waived Elliott before last season.

Supposedly, Jones admires Bill Belichick as a head coach. Belichick acquired Elliott and made him the backup running back to Rhamondre Stevenson on a one-year contract.

Afterwards, New England let go Belichick and Elliott. Meanwhile, Jones had an excellent opportunity to negotiate an agreement with Tennessee's former number one back, Derrick Henry. He didn't.

The Baltimore Ravens thought Henry was still a number one running back. They seized upon the opportunity and signed Henry, who is now their starting back for 2024.

After reviewing the offseason pluses-and-minuses at the position, Jones signed Elliott as his new number one running back. Another example of Jones being all in.

It all makes sense. Mad Genius sense.
 
charron

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They do have an RB1. it may not be who you like or want but they will use the guys on the roster.
 
Chasing6

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DallasEast said:
You may be looking at this all wrong. Jerry Jones drafted a number one back in 2016: Ezekiel Elliott. Eventually, Jones waived Elliott before last season.

Supposedly, Jones admires Bill Belichick as a head coach. Belichick acquired Elliott and made him the backup running back to Rhamondre Stevenson on a one-year contract.

Afterwards, New England let go Belichick and Elliott. Meanwhile, Jones had an excellent opportunity to negotiate an agreement with Tennessee's former number one back, Derrick Henry. He didn't.

The Baltimore Ravens thought Henry was still a number one running back. They seized upon the opportunity and signed Henry, who is now their starting back for 2024.

After reviewing the offseason pluses-and-minuses at the position, Jones signed Elliott as his new number one running back. Another example of Jones being all in.

It all makes sense. Mad Genius sense.
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Fans need to understand with QB and WR pay we can't afford RB 1's. Draft 1 every 3 years and let them walk or trade them. RB by committee is the future.
 
Chasing6

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Whiskey Cowboy said:
No

No, it doesn't. What does bother me is they brought in Zeke and Freeman, and tried to sell us on the stability of the position. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm not seeing any difference makers in the committee.

They're banking on Zeke returning to form, Deuce evolving into mighty mouse, Dowdle to stay healthy, and either Leupke or Freeman to show they belong on a roster. I'm not confident any of that will happen.

I'm told it's an easy position to fill, yet I'm left wondering why they haven't properly addressed it. The blatant disregard at the position is bewildering.
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Who was RB1 in NE when they won all their SB's???
 
Mr_437

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Gonna be a lot of meat left on the bone if the OL is really good. Nothing but a group of backup RBs. Dak should have a record year provided the Joneses stop playing with CeeDee's money.
 
big dog cowboy

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Davidlee1973 said:
Derrick Henry was there to be had for 6 million. Which he said he would have taken. The stupidity or arrogance whatever you want to call it to not sign him in inconceivable. I can only conclude it was because dak told Jerry he wanted Zeke back.
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It had nothing to do with Zeke.

It had everything to do with what Henry wanted to be paid.
 
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