The 2015 Dallas Cowboys and the Myth of DeMarco Murray

[Doomsday101]

I'd be lying if I didn't say I wasn't nervous about this running back situation. I think we underrate Murray and overrate him at the same time. But the fact remains we don't have anyone proven yet. Doesn't mean that can't change but we shall see.

I don't know if I can deal with an 8-8 season after all the smack I talked this off season.

I agree. For me this is not even about Murray. It is the fact we have unproven players most late draft picks and the one who is a top pick has been a bust for the most part.

 

[Bullflop]

No way Randle or DMC make it through the whole year. They bettee get some vet help. Chris Johnson,Ray Rice, etc

What I've been reading lately is that the FO isn't interested in the older vets and prefers the younger ones with upside, years ahead of them and more cost-effective contracts. That being the case, Gus is a prime candidate. Whether or not they change their minds in time, we'll see.

 

[Doomsday101]

What I've been hearing lately is that the FO isn't interested in the odl vets and prefers the younger ones with upside, years ahead of them and more cost-effective contracts. That being the case, Gus is a prime candidate. Whether or not they change their minds in time, we'll see.

True if they feel that player can help them win. If not they may have a change of heart to get a vet on a short term deal and look to the draft next season for their future RB. Assuming Randle proves he can't take on that role.

 

[Nightman]

All I will say is that coming off 12-4 with a vet QB was not the time to experiment with a new RB roster theory. We are 10m under the cap and Murray costs 5m. You can do the math.

 

[DallasEast]

Look DEEP into my eyes!
I'm in you HEAD!
FEAR what you have lost and... dang it. There goes another Kraken banner...​

 

[Doomsday101]

I know one issue with Murray was the fumble however on avg he had 1 fumble every 78 carries. How about Randle? Once every 25 carries.

 

[CowboyRoy]

I would say it is about pushing the envelope in a balanced and well thought out manner. More aggressive offense certainly leads to more points. You're comparing us to the rest of the league, rather than a more aggressive version of the cowboys.

Balanced? Now I certainly like that statement. As far as more aggressive=more points? I don't see the correlation on a consistent basis.

To me more aggressive means more passing and less running. Is that not what you are saying?

 

[Galian Beast]

Balanced? Now I certainly like that statement. As far as more aggressive=more points? I don't see the correlation on a consistent basis.

To me more aggressive means more passing and less running. Is that not what you are saying?

It's not just about more passing it is also the style in which you pass the ball. More strikes down the field, but yes, in general it means more passing. We were 5th in scoring last year, and guess what the teams that outscored us had in common, they threw a lot more than us.

When you can dominate in the air, score quickly, and your defense can get off the field, it gives you more time to score again. It's not a radical concept.

 

[Doomsday101]

It's not just about more passing it is also the style in which you pass the ball. More strikes down the field, but yes, in general it means more passing. We were 5th in scoring last year, and guess what the teams that outscored us had in common, they threw a lot more than us.

When you can dominate in the air, score quickly, and your defense can get off the field, it gives you more time to score again. It's not a radical concept.

I think Dallas will take some shots but not much more than they did last year. Broaddus report I think gives some insight on how Linehan will utilize what he has

2) I like what Scott Linehan is doing with the running backs in space by stretching the field. With the way he is setting the formations, he is creating opportunities for the one-on-one matchups inside. With the defense in a Cover Two look (safeties on the hashes), Linehan opened the middle of the field even wider for Cole Beasley to catch a simple pass over the middle and take it for a sizable gain before the defense had a chance to react. Nice use of personnel and scheme by the offensive coordinator.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2...rival-strong-dt-play-among-12-thoughts-monday

I think Cole will be used more this year than ever before.

 

[JBS]

Right, there isn't much at all to go by other than hope. We will find out quickly if this guy has what it takes to carry the load. If he doesn't, then what is our fall back plan? Darren Mcfadden? Dunbar? Seriously?

Let's pretend all of our RBs suck when the lights turn on

We will still be able to make do given the strength of the rest of the team...it's not like the whole team is going to collapse

 

[CowboyRoy]

It's not just about more passing it is also the style in which you pass the ball. More strikes down the field, but yes, in general it means more passing. We were 5th in scoring last year, and guess what the teams that outscored us had in common, they threw a lot more than us.

When you can dominate in the air, score quickly, and your defense can get off the field, it gives you more time to score again. It's not a radical concept.

Yah, we dont need to score more. We score plenty. What we need to do is increase the margin of victory by holding teams to less points. More passing means more risk, more turnovers, more sacks, more 3 and outs, ect....ect... And with Romo and his back, that isnt wise. If this defense is better then there is absolutely no reason to "get more aggressive" and pass the ball more. Unless your running game isnt working.

But if that is what you would do, then thats fine. Not for my money.

 

[ufcrules1]

Let's pretend all of our RBs suck when the lights turn on

We will still be able to make do given the strength of the rest of the team...it's not like the whole team is going to collapse

Did I ever say the team wouldn't be able to make due? I do think we can still make due but not sure how far we will get. I think we took a huge step forward on defense, so that will possibly make up for the step back we are taking at RB.

 

[Doomsday101]

Let's pretend all of our RBs suck when the lights turn on

We will still be able to make do given the strength of the rest of the team...it's not like the whole team is going to collapse

I expect to make the playoffs the issue is when you face other top teams who have just as much fire power. Having the ability to shove the ball down the opposing teams throat is a good way to take the fight out of them.

 

[JBS]

Did I ever say the team wouldn't be able to make due? I do think we can still make due but not sure how far we will get. I think we took a huge step forward on defense, so that will possibly make up for the step back we are taking at RB.

I didn't say you suggested otherwise...I was just making a point

 

[JoeBoBBY]

I can use the same argument...

If the team felt Murray was so much better than Randle...why didn't they keep Murray?

That's fair. And how they handled the RB position has confused me. We won because of the running game....for the first time in a long time. We have an aging franchise QB with a 2-3 year window, that performs much better with a running game.

The stock answer is they have a top price they want to pay a RB , and with the investment in the OL, I think, they think, a couple of number 2 type RBs will get the job done........I don't think they are right. I think they are gambling somewhat at that position. To me, that's the engine that makes this team go. Now, Romo can take over games and win. He is that good. But he can't do it against the better teams, and with his age and back, etc etc. we don't want him doing it.....

It's going to be interesting to see how it all plays out.

 

[JoeBoBBY]

I expect to make the playoffs the issue is when you face other top teams who have just as much fire power. Having the ability to shove the ball down the opposing teams throat is a good way to take the fight out of them.

That's exactly where I am at. Randle and DMC will have big games. But can they take over that must have game , when Romo is off that day?

 

[JoeBoBBY]

Aggressive offense leads to more points. The reason not to take risks are if you don't trust your defense. I think this will become a defense we can trust. And by scoring more points, we'll be putting them in position to create more turnovers and get more sacks. By becoming more of an aggressive team we can become a dominant team rather than one that needs to sneak in close games.

aggressive offense also leads to momentum changing pickles!

The defense has been addressed in a real way. I'm just not sure if they can improve at a speed that counts for this season? -- I am hoping they can, I just don't have confidence in it. I am thinking we have a top 10 Defense , 2 years from now. Not this year.

 

[DandyDon52]

That's fair. And how they handled the RB position has confused me. We won because of the running game....for the first time in a long time. We have an aging franchise QB with a 2-3 year window, that performs much better with a running game.

The stock answer is they have a top price they want to pay a RB , and with the investment in the OL, I think, they think, a couple of number 2 type RBs will get the job done........I don't think they are right. I think they are gambling somewhat at that position. To me, that's the engine that makes this team go. Now, Romo can take over games and win. He is that good. But he can't do it against the better teams, and with his age and back, etc etc. we don't want him doing it.....

It's going to be interesting to see how it all plays out.

thats how I see it, curious to see how it turns out.

Also wonder if the "myth" will have 100+ games against dallas.
the giants game ho hum compared to the eagle game week 2.

 

[JBS]

That's exactly where I am at. Randle and DMC will have big games. But can they take over that must have game , when Romo is off that day?

Maybe...maybe not

Murray couldn't either....he fumbled the game clincher vs gb

 

[Galian Beast]

aggressive offense also leads to momentum changing pickles!

The defense has been addressed in a real way. I'm just not sure if they can improve at a speed that counts for this season? -- I am hoping they can, I just don't have confidence in it. I am thinking we have a top 10 Defense , 2 years from now. Not this year.

Not to be rude, but you're hedging.

The defense was 19th in yards per game last year with 355.1 yards per game. The 10th ranked defense was 339.8 yards per game (Carolina).

Dallas was 15th in points allowed per game with 22 points allowed. 10th place San Fran had 21.3 points allowed per game.

They were second in the league in takeaways with 31, compared to first place Houston with 34.

They've made tremendous investments in defense where many in the top 10 have probably declined.

There is no reason this defense can't be top 10 this year. They were pretty close last year.