Stephen Jones very direct about RB situation

[mldardy]

Arizona offered Chris Johnson a one-year deal a few days ago. Nothing on whether he's considering it or not.

I look at it like he is holding out to play for the Cowboys. He probably won't sign with Arizona until he knows for sure he won't be a Cowboy.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Randle, McFadden and Dunbar is a perfectly fine RB corps. If one of them works their way out of a job via either poor play or injury they can be replaced easily enough.

If Dallas thought CJ2K was a big upgrade he'd already be here.

If they thought Ray Rice was still an elite back and worth the bad press he'd be here.

RELAX!!!!!!!

 

[big dog cowboy]

They may very well rest again come pre-season week 4.

And there will be panic in the streets all over again.

 

[superonyx]

this is an indictment of the position, not the players.
teams want guys that know the playbook in and out and protect the QB.
every NFL running back can carry the ball.

Yes and no...there is a reason Adrian Peterson, lynch, MCCoy, Forte, Demarco, all are top tier paid running backs...its not because they know the playbook and can pass protect...not saying it's not important...but that I am not necessarily sold on this new idea that every back is the same. It can be said that every QB in the NFL can make all the throws...but that doesn't mean Rodgers, Romo, Brady, Manning ect are the same as Ryan Fitzpatrick, Mccown, Jason Cambell ect...

We may have a roster full of RB's that are the positional equivalent to Josh MCCown...Do we? And does it matter? Sure teams have won with JAG backs...we just better be prepared for it and hope our defense and coaching staff realizes this isn't last year.

 

[superonyx]

Stephen Jones' quotes:

"There are some really good running back battles going on around the league, and some of them would really fit us."

"I'm confident that by the start of the season, we'll have a running back in here that will fit our team."

"There are a lot of running backs that would love to run behind this offensive line."

That doesn't sound like the words of a man who plans to go into the season with Randle, McFadden and Dunbar. Sounds like he is saying he is waiting for a back to lose his positional battle on other teams so he can swoop in and trade for one...

Does this make you feel worse or better? I'm not sure how to feel about the owner saying some running backs would fit us and love to play here that are currently on other rosters. Interesting.

 

[superonyx]

It's a strange comment given it's team that's prevented McFadden from practicing, rather than McFadden. Randle missed, what, half a practice?

Maybe the team is disappointed that they even have to prevent McFadden from practicing.
Maybe what they have seen from Randle in practice is leaving them feeling underwhelmed.

These are interesting comments.

 

[Doomsday101]

That doesn't sound like the words of a man who plans to go into the season with Randle, McFadden and Dunbar. Sounds like he is saying he is waiting for a back to lose his positional battle on other teams so he can swoop in and trade for one...

Does this make you feel worse or better? I'm not sure how to feel about the owner saying some running backs would fit us and love to play here that are currently on other rosters. Interesting.

I think it is a clear cut message that there is no given at RB. Guys need to get back on the field and go earn it.

 

[mldardy]

That doesn't sound like the words of a man who plans to go into the season with Randle, McFadden and Dunbar. Sounds like he is saying he is waiting for a back to lose his positional battle on other teams so he can swoop in and trade for one...

Does this make you feel worse or better? I'm not sure how to feel about the owner saying some running backs would fit us and love to play here that are currently on other rosters. Interesting.

I feel fine because the front office isn't going to settle for just average or mediocre and is always looking to improve the team.

 

[ConstantReboot]

This will be his eighth season, he's got a bullet in his shoulder, and teams are not clamoring to sign him.

Do the math.

Whats that got to do with his injury history or lack of? Frankly, CJ has been one of the most durable runningbacks in the league. I don't know where you got that idea that he's injury prone.

Secondly, Arizona just offered him a contract. As for Mcfadden, who is often injured every year, and would probably be out of a job if it weren't for the Cowboys signing him. Why does he get a pass?

 

[Jenky]

I consider it a slight indictment on the current situation that Chris Johnson, a 30 year old RB who's career is clearly winding down, is considered some sort of savior.

Savior? No.
Better than what we have? MAYBE.

But that's not worth the look right?

We have a backfield full of uncertainty.
Chris Johnson has only missed 1 game in his career and he has CONSISTENTLY gotten over 1k rushing in 6/7 NFL seasons.

 

[the_h0wey]

Good gosh, no. One woman beater is enough, and Rice is used up anyway.

Used up? He had 1 bad year in 2013, and was injured most the year. The 4 years previous to that he rushed for over 1000 yards and has averaged over 60 catches every year. Not to mention he is only 28 years old, and got an entire year off so he should be fresh.

 

[Stash]

Whats that got to do with his injury history or lack of? Frankly, CJ has been one of the most durable runningbacks in the league. I don't know where you got that idea that he's injury prone.

Secondly, Arizona just offered him a contract. As for Mcfadden, who is often injured every year, and would probably be out of a job if it weren't for the Cowboys signing him. Why does he get a pass?

McFragile gets the pass because:

1) Many Cowboys fans loved him coming out of college and badly wanted the team to find a way to draft him.

2) Still see the player in the youtube highlights and close their eyes to 7 years of disappointment

3) Don't want to face the truth that the player is a sprinter posing as a running back and simply does not have the body to handle the rigors of the NFL position

I see Stephen Jones' comments as putting the trio on notice. All of them have the opportunity here to run in a great offense, behind arguably the league's best line. They need to step up and seize that opportunity or the team will find someone else who will.

 

[perrykemp]

Savior? No.
Better than what we have? MAYBE.

But that's not worth the look right?

We have a backfield full of uncertainty.
Chris Johnson has only missed 1 game in his career and he has CONSISTENTLY gotten over 1k rushing in 6/7 NFL seasons.

Reasonable argument. If nothing else, what is the downside really of bringing Johnson in?

 

[Jenky]

Reasonable argument. If nothing else, what is the downside really of bringing Johnson in?

His blocking isn't great, and you either carry 4 RBs or part ways with McFadden (pass block) or Dunbar (receiving/special teams). I don't doubt the fact that there are trade offs.

But if Randle proves he can pass block or McFadden is just too injury prone, I can see McFadden being cut.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Id keep a close eye on West and Crowell in Cleveland. They have very good depth and either HB could be a starter on alot of teams

 

[darthseinfeld]

Reasonable argument. If nothing else, what is the downside really of bringing Johnson in?

Money possibly. They might not want to spend the vet minimum on a guy with that many years vested. If he would play for the vet minimum.

Not saying its a good way of thinking. I mean Johnson is infinitely better then McFadden and I believe McFadden gets more then the vet min. But it could be what they are thinking.

Whatever the reason, doesnt seem to be much interest on there part

 

[ROUSH8692]

This front office played it wrong. If they were gonna pay Dez anyway why waste the franchise tag? Shouldve franchised Demarco and paid Dez

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

Gone are the days of happy talk and promotional babble from Stephen Jones during preseason. This guy has firmly taken the reins.

Last night, he flat threw down the gauntlet on the running backs during the broadcast.

In a nutshell, he said that every running back in the league would want to run behind this line, and that they have their eyes open for opportunities through trades and the waiver wire for a running back right now. He said that they are looking at this closely every day around the league.

After a long oration to that effect, he finally said he was confident in the guys that were here. Almost like he was catching himself mid-sentence.

I think he really is looking, but I also think he's trying to get the message across that these guys had better run like their careers are depending on it, because they are. He's telling Randle to shut up and play, McFadden to show up or else, and Dunbar that it's time to step for real.

My gut is, at least one of the three backs in Week 1 isn't here yet.

first of all and primarily and initially, I am impressed you no the difference between gauntlet and gantlet.
Also, i agree with you that I like Stephen's bluntness. Now if only coach Garrett could learn some of that. For instance, say a top talent on the Cowboys is caught DUI with a weapon and slapping someone around. Garrett would say, he say: "He is intelligent, his work ethic is unquestioned and we all love and respect him. I am sure this slight abberation do not reflect on his character and we are still awaiting details before we can make a comment on this beloved, intelligent and workaholic athlete who volunteers at the baby milk factory and who rescue puppies from bad guys."

I really miss the Jimma and Bill "fat boy" Parcells bluntness.

 

[darthseinfeld]

This front office played it wrong. If they were gonna pay Dez anyway why waste the franchise tag? Shouldve franchised Demarco and paid Dez

They signed Dez at the 11th hour. If you try that and fail without the tag, odds are Dez walks as a UFA

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

Just wish Jones will be proactive and sign Ray Rice before someone else beat us to the punch!! Seriously Rice could help this team and shouldn't cost us much in the process.

Yes Dallas would received some bad press from certain media outlets but winning silence the critics and this gamble could turn into a huge success story about 2nd chances and opportunities.

Yeah, Rice gift her a second chance to shape up and she didn't! So it is not his fault.