There's certainly something to be said for execution. But, if Seattle gave that ball to their bellcow, are we having this conversation?
Why wouldn't we be? New England has had many years of success without a stud "bellcow RB". Even if Seattle won the SB this year that wouldn't change the fact that NE was successful with a committee approach. New Orleans and many others have had really good offenses too with multiple RBs. Don't get me wrong, I'd rather have a stud RB to play the majority of the game because he's probably a really good player. However, I think there are many ways to win in this league. In fact, I'd argue that we wore Murray down last year. We could have significantly reduced his number of touches throughout the season by playing Randle and Dunbar a bit more. I still have no idea what Garrett and co. were doing playing Murray and Romo in the 2nd half of that 2nd Washington game. Murray was taking all kinds of shots and was playing with an injured hand too. Murray looked less explosive late in the season and in the playoffs to me. His #s also went down. Who knows? Maybe if he was fresher (having had fewer touches throughout the year), he would've been a little more explosive in the postseason and gotten past Peppers. Who knows? Regardless, I think a different style of RB can keep a defense on their heels. McCoy and Sproles, Bell and Bush, etc. These guys prevent a defense from getting too comfortable with any one style of RB.
In the end, the OL, and passing game make a big difference here. As long as the team doesn't have some incompetent RB lining up and the guy can play solid football, an offense can run well with a top OL and passing game. Holes will open (top OL) and defenses can't load up in the box because of guys like Romo, Dez, Witten, etc.
I like that we signed a vet RB who can pass block and was considered the most talented prospect in the greatest RB class in history. He has been injured on a bad team for years. He may never be good, or maybe he has a bounce back year - it's certainly possible in this offense. If not, it was worth a look. This is a deep RB class and we should be able to get a good RB in the 2nd or possibly the 3rd.
I liked Murray's physical style and leadership. His style of play helped to wear down defenses. I appreciate what he did for us but it was wise to not overpay for a guy with that mileage (college/pros), injury history, lack of speed, and fumbling issues. RBs are probably the easiest players to replace in football. Rookies can come in and have an impact and they don't even have to be top picks. I'm much more concerned about this defense. I though we'd have signed at least one solid DL like Sheard at this point. Hopefully we find a couple of Mincey-like values in FA and draft well or we'll likely spend another year watching QBs pick us apart.
