Randle or Dunbar as the backup?

[Staubacher]

The only negative about Randle is, he doesn't have Murray or Dunbar's game changing speed.

Dunbar has yet to change a game. Hopefully he'll produce in the regular season

 

[coult44]

Murray is no #22 and this isn't the same game as back then.

Agree on Murray and game isn't the same. But the game being different has nothing to do with playing single featured running backs. If anything the backs should be more durable because of the pass happy NFL.

 

[RoyTheHammer]

Agree on Murray and game isn't the same. But the game being different has nothing to do with playing single featured running backs. If anything the backs should be more durable because of the pass happy NFL.

How many teams now have feature RB's who play pretty much the whole game?

 

[gimmesix]

Randle by mid-season.

I'm not sure at this point if Randle is going to turn out any better than Choice. Their vision and speed are similar, but Randle seems to have more wiggle.

Still, it's too early to call. Lots of fifth-round running backs turn out to have mediocre careers; few go on to more than that.

 

[coult44]

How many teams now have feature RB's who play pretty much the whole game?

How many of those teams win the Super Bowl? It's better to have one RB with someone who spells and plays mop up time.

 

[RoyTheHammer]

How many of those teams win the Super Bowl? It's better to have one RB with someone who spells and plays mop up time.

I wouldn't say its better. It'd be nice to have a back that does everything well and can play in every situation and doesn't get injured often.. but if we have a guy like Dunbar who can produce as well.. why not keep both those backs fresh?

As of yet, it doesn't seem like Murray is a back that can stay healthy.

 

[coult44]

I wouldn't say its better. It'd be nice to have a back that does everything well and can play in every situation and doesn't get injured often.. but if we have a guy like Dunbar who can produce as well.. why not keep both those backs fresh?

As of yet, it doesn't seem like Murray is a back that can stay healthy.

Very True.....

 

[Idgit]

I'm not sure at this point if Randle is going to turn out any better than Choice. Their vision and speed are similar, but Randle seems to have more wiggle.

Still, it's too early to call. Lots of fifth-round running backs turn out to have mediocre careers; few go on to more than that.

He doesn't look special to me. If the scouts weren't high on him, I wouldn't give him much of a shot, long term. He's quicker than I expected, but he doesn't have enough top-end speed to be a real impact back in the NFL.

 

[4lifecowboy]

He doesn't look special to me. If the scouts weren't high on him, I wouldn't give him much of a shot, long term. He's quicker than I expected, but he doesn't have enough top-end speed to be a real impact back in the NFL.

I guess i'm the only one who want to see Randle against a 1st team defense. To me displayed great vision and the knack to always get positive yards. He is not flashy (nor is Murray) but seems consistent, which I prefer over flash for long term success.

 

[starfrombirth]

That sounds exactly like #22 to me..... ;D

 

[noshame]

I'd like to see all the back-ups get significant time against the #1 defenses over the next 2 weeks. Honestly, at this point I can't decide who I like as #2

 

[Bullflop]

Seeing as how Dunbar is currently listed as he #2 RB currently in the Cowboys' pecking order, it's a pretty good indication, IMHO, that he's firmly in line to take over that role at this time. Randle would really have to come on like gangbusters to unseat him as our #2 guy at this point. Barring a big surprise, Dunbar's the main backup guy behind DeMarco Murray. No doubt that Randle will be a contributing factor as well, though.

 

[hutch1254]

So far I think Dunbar has done a nice job of acclimating himself now having a year under his belt and it has shown in the two games so far. Right now I see him as a kind of a Sproles type. Not sure he could carry the load all the time. Randle I think is going to need time to make the transition with the playbook. He definitely could carry the load if Murray went down and I was really happy when we drafted him. Murray is the horse but I do think we need to find away to get these other two guys into the mix. While having the one lone horse at RB is great it's just not how the league roles anymore and I think injecting Dunbar and Randle during games can keep defenses off balance. I wouldn't hesitate to use Dunbar's quicks in situations where it appears the opposing defense looks tired. I still don't have a feel on how Tanner fits in right now but I like that he got quicker. I agree that this may be the best depth we've had in some time.

I just hope that the guard situation gets squared away otherwise we'll see guys getting blown up in the backfield again regardless of who is toting the rock.

 

[Bowdown27]

I think this year Dunbar is 2 but randle will jump up there. Kid was good in college but fell because of "wear and tear" issues. He had over 1000 yard season every year. Amazing how nfl standards for running back has changed

 

[Hailmary]

I don't think we'll know for sure until a few games into the regular season. It's hard to ***** young RBs in the preseason because they can look really good, but it's usually against the opponents 2s and 3s. Tanner is a prime example.

On paper, I actually think Kendial Lawrence has a higher ceiling than any of the backups. He has a stocky enough build with a low center of gravity and has an extra gear. He's produced in school against very tough competition. I just don't know where he is with his blocking and whether the coaches trust him enough to keep the QB upright.

 

[Eskimo]

I actually really like Randle. He shows decent vision and good moves. He also seems to have a good nose for the end zone which we have been lacking since Barber got paid.

I think if Murray went down Randle would move to #1 and Dunbar would continue as the COP back and 3rd down back. I think that is a better role for him. He still seems to want to try and turn the corner on most of his runs which just isn't typically possible against first string defenses even if you're Chris Johnson. I need to see more of him running between the tackles before I believe he can be a #1 RB even for a few games. I do like the element he brings to the offense and I hope he has a few plays designed to get him the ball in space with a single defender to beat.

Tanner is clearly the #4 guy on the totem pole. He runs with determination but without much burst, vision or wiggle. I'd be okay with releasing him and then calling him up off the street should the need arise. I just don't see anything special there but he could be a competent backup.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Yep, that running back by committee was how we won all those Super Bowls. Tell #22 that..

Really? Exactly how many other back have there been in the history of the NFL like #22?

 

[coult44]

Really? Exactly how many other back have there been in the history of the NFL like #22?

Re-READ it!!!!!! My point was tell #22 we should have had a RBBC...All this garbage about guys not being able to handle a workload is crap...

 

[Toruk_Makto]

Nah, i don't think that's the way to go. I'd rather see them rotate the guys in if they have 3 good backs.

Keeps everyone fresher for the stretch run and keeps Murray healthier.

Yeah but what about my fantasy squad?

 

[igtmfo]

I think it's Randle vs. Kendial Lawrence for No. 4.

Seriously. .. Or there may not be a 4th RB.

Jonathan Bales, contributor dallascowboys.com & dallascowboystimes.com, sez speed and weight are the key statistical factors for success the last decade or more.

Randle ran 4.63 at combine and is 204 pounds light. Both, Bales says taken together, project very slim hopes for him, just running the simple stat numbers. (I think Randle ran in the mid 4.5's at his pro day though.) ... Neither a speed nor a power back.

Randle has great moves and lateral quickness to my eye. Not a great burst to the line which even Kendial Lawrence has. ... I ask you though, against NFL first teamers during the regular season - what good is Randle's shiftiness, lateral quickness, spin moves, instinct? ... This isn't 1965 and Gale Sayers is running the ball (although he would have made it nowadays ..). .... No time to be shifty but a step slow in the NFL now.

Can Randle play special teams the next few weeks doing anything, running down and tackling someone like Tanner can do, or running back kicks like Dunbar can do. If Randle can tackle someone, he might make the team.

Don't want to be a hater, hope Randle succeeds. But all teams whiff on fifth rounders before for sure and will do it again.