Really excited about Lance Dunbar

[Galian Beast]

I'm hoping this kid can become healthy as soon as possible. He gives our team a dynamic that we've been sorely missing, and expected from Felix.

It's the ability for Romo to be able to simple check the ball down in the flats are right behind the defensive line in a short route, and still be able to pick up 7,8,9+ yards at a time.

This will open things up just as much as DeMarco Murray running the ball well. And it should make things much easier for our offensive line.

Sometimes I catch myself hoping that Dunbar gets more snaps (not necessarily more carries) than DeMarco Murray.

You always want a player who can take the top off the defense, but you also want a player who can freeze linebackers and put them in a position where they can't be used to blitz.

I think one of our most successful formations will consist of Dunbar at running back, and Terrance Williams as our 3rd receiver, with Austin in the slot.

 

[AsthmaField]

I agree. I am really excited about Dunbar and the problems he can present to a defense.

To me, he looks better than Felix ever did.

 

[CT Dal Fan]

Dunbar can be the Cowboys' version of Darren Sproles. Get him out in space and watch the big play unfold.

 

[StarBoyz83]

I really like dunbar a lot. But not sure we see much or any him until like week 3. He can be a difference maker for us when hes healthy though.

 

[Fredd]

not sure about the sproles reference as I haven't seen dunbar catch much, but his speed should be that change of pace that the team wanted to realize with Felix.

 

[Galian Beast]

not sure about the sproles reference as I haven't seen dunbar catch much, but his speed should be that change of pace that the team wanted to realize with Felix.

On the play that he fumbled on, that was a catch, not a run. The dude is like lightning in a bottle. You give him the ball in space, and he can get you some yards. And he seems to catch the ball naturally, unlike Murray who seems to have to reset himself once he becomes the ball carrier.

 

[Fredd]

sure, I meant more as a pass-catcher in general...you almost expect Sproles to catch the ball when he is in the game

 

[Galian Beast]

sure, I meant more as a pass-catcher in general...you almost expect Sproles to catch the ball when he is in the game

And that is something that really helps out Drew Brees. Sproles came to the saints in 2011, and who saw Brees jump from a 90 QB rating to 110 qb rating.

It's because you don't have to throw the ball away, take sacks, or force the ball into coverage. You can get your yards with a simple check down. It's a huge weapon to be able to rely on.

You compare David Thomas and Reggie Bush to Darren Sproles, and all of a sudden you see the huge difference.

64 total receptions for them, they averaged 7.3 and 6.1 yards respectively. 21 first downs total.

Sproles in 2011? 86 receptions, 8.3 yards per reception, 35 first downs.

 

[Deep_South]

It wasn't that long ago the Eagles and Commanders were abusing our defense a total of four times a year running screens or dumping the ball off to Westbrook and Portis. Maybe we finally get a turn.

 

[Fredd]

don't get me wrong, I see the value in sproles and what he has meant for brees and the saints...I am just not sold on the notion that dunbar could be the next Sproles...I would LOVE to see that option out there...we would truly have a ridiculously dynamic offense if they added that wrinkle

 

[Galian Beast]

don't get me wrong, I see the value in sproles and what he has meant for brees and the saints...I am just not sold on the notion that dunbar could be the next Sproles...I would LOVE to see that option out there...we would truly have a ridiculously dynamic offense if they added that wrinkle

It's not just Darren Sproles.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/stats/b...NFL&year=season_2012&sort=32&timeframe=ToDate

There is a large group of guys out there that we are trying to emulate. It might be difficult to find one guy who can do all of this stuff like a McCoy, but if you can find a committee that can accomplish things... It's pretty good. Lance Dunbar should definitely be our 3rd down back.

 

[ShiningStar]

wait til the next guy comes along, lets get excited about that. I just dont see it in Dunbar. Lords, hes not electifiying or doing anything another rb cant do.

 

[odog422]

I concur with Fredd, in I understand and like the idea, I just don't know that Dunbar is that guy. I was absolutely not impressed with him last year and I'm withholding final analysis this year until I see him in a real game. I just don't see the above average "quicks" and I definitely don't see the strength a guy like Sproles has. All the really successful little guys I remember weren't only really quick, but exceptionally strong for their size. I guess we'll see.

 

[AsthmaField]

I concur with Fredd, in I understand and like the idea, I just don't know that Dunbar is that guy. I was absolutely not impressed with him last year and I'm withholding final analysis this year until I see him in a real game. I just don't see the above average "quicks" and I definitely don't see the strength a guy like Sproles has. All the really successful little guys I remember weren't only really quick, but exceptionally strong for their size. I guess we'll see.

You didn't see above average quicks when he caught that pass and ran 40 yards or so against Arizona? He was about as sudden and quick as a football player can get on that play.

If you haven't seen it, you need to look it up. It lets you know what he can do. The rest of the players looked like they were running in mud.

 

[odog422]

You didn't see above average quicks when he caught that pass and ran 40 yards or so against Arizona? He was about as sudden and quick as a football player can get on that play.

If you haven't seen it, you need to look it up. It lets you know what he can do. The rest of the players looked like they were running in mud.

You mean the one where he fumbled? I kid. Yes, I saw that play, and honestly, I wasn't impressed. He swung out, beat a LB playing way off and had a nice lane to run up the sideline. I credit that more to good play design. And credit to him for the catch and run. But nothing most other pass catching RBs couldn't have done in the same situation IMO. Like I said, I'll withhold judgement til the season, but I don't see anything special.

 

[AsthmaField]

Well, I saw instant acceleration and him looking very quick and fast, so I saw it differently than you did. To me, that one play showed what a weapon he can be for a team that has so many other weapons.

Maybe you're right and he doesn't help much and has average quickness/speed. I guess we are about to find out.

 

[jobberone]

If he can stay healthy he will make some plays. I love having guys who can take it to the house.

 

[tm1119]

There are plenty of Lance Dunbar's in the world, I'm really not excited about him. Don't get me wrong, he was a nice find as an undrafted FA and I have no problem with him as our 3rd RB. I just don't see him ever making being a difference maker on the team other than a nice play here and there. Hopefully he proves me wrong and can find a role though

 

[CATCH17]

wait til the next guy comes along, lets get excited about that. I just dont see it in Dunbar. Lords, hes not electifiying or doing anything another rb cant do.

I don't know how you can judge Dunbar after the very small sample we've seen of the guy.

I don't know if he'll be good or not but that guy can go from 0 to 60 in no time.

 

[AsthmaField]

I don't know how you can judge Dunbar after the very small sample we've seen of the guy.

I don't know if he'll be good or not but that guy can go from 0 to 60 in no time.

That's what I'm saying. His acceleration is pretty rare IMO.

Of course, it needs to be with him being 5-8 and going about a buck seventy-five. Maybe he does great and maybe he doesn't, but if he can get out and catch some passes like he did against Arizona, he's going to scare the **** out of defenses.