The Murky Backfield

[SouthernOregonStud]

http://www.inquisitr.com/2137416/da...g-backs-list-with-adrian-peterson-trade-dead/

"Well, it finally appears as if the trade talk rumors for running back Adrian Peterson to end up with the Dallas Cowboys is dead. Now, the Cowboys have to head into the 2015 NFL season and be happy with Darren McFadden and Joseph Randle in their offensive backfield. If they’re not, there is a list floating around of five veteran running backs that they may look at bringing into the fray."


The more reports I read, it's becoming more & more clear that when looked upon as a whole, these reports, paint a picture of improvements by & large on the defense, offensive line but the glowing, glaring, huge question mark is the "ALL - IN" approach that is taking shape in a murky backfield! The reason there is a sense of urgency when it comes to this position can be summed up very simply, if, the running game, the dirty yards, the pass blocking, the catches out of the backfield, all of the above, begin to erode away, the offense will start to shift to the passing game. Sure, a small increase, wouldn't be that big of a deal, might by us a game or two. However, if the running game continues to suffer, it will be all to easy, in this writer's opinion, to overload Romo's Back & he may be feeling great, now, I just don't want to see this team break even at 8-8 while Romo's back just breaks, again.....

 

[SouthernOregonStud]

I for one am hoping that someone emerges, to do all the important things that led to a passing game that opened up because of the run game, I can't overstate the importance of this!

 

[Doomsday101]

http://www.inquisitr.com/2137416/da...g-backs-list-with-adrian-peterson-trade-dead/

"Well, it finally appears as if the trade talk rumors for running back Adrian Peterson to end up with the Dallas Cowboys is dead. Now, the Cowboys have to head into the 2015 NFL season and be happy with Darren McFadden and Joseph Randle in their offensive backfield. If they’re not, there is a list floating around of five veteran running backs that they may look at bringing into the fray."


The more reports I read, it's becoming more & more clear that when looked upon as a whole, these reports, paint a picture of improvements by & large on the defense, offensive line but the glowing, glaring, huge question mark is the "ALL - IN" approach that is taking shape in a murky backfield! The reason there is a sense of urgency when it comes to this position can be summed up very simply, if, the running game, the dirty yards, the pass blocking, the catches out of the backfield, all of the above, begin to erode away, the offense will start to shift to the passing game. Sure, a small increase, wouldn't be that big of a deal, might by us a game or two. However, if the running game continues to suffer, it will be all to easy, in this writer's opinion, to overload Romo's Back & he may be feeling great, now, I just don't want to see this team break even at 8-8 while Romo's back just breaks, again.....

I think Dallas will continue to run the ball of course not as much as we did this past season. I think the lead back will come down to McFadden or Randle, right now I tend to lean more towards McFadden.

 

[Bleu Star]

http://www.inquisitr.com/2137416/da...g-backs-list-with-adrian-peterson-trade-dead/

"Well, it finally appears as if the trade talk rumors for running back Adrian Peterson to end up with the Dallas Cowboys is dead. Now, the Cowboys have to head into the 2015 NFL season and be happy with Darren McFadden and Joseph Randle in their offensive backfield. If they’re not, there is a list floating around of five veteran running backs that they may look at bringing into the fray."


The more reports I read, it's becoming more & more clear that when looked upon as a whole, these reports, paint a picture of improvements by & large on the defense, offensive line but the glowing, glaring, huge question mark is the "ALL - IN" approach that is taking shape in a murky backfield! The reason there is a sense of urgency when it comes to this position can be summed up very simply, if, the running game, the dirty yards, the pass blocking, the catches out of the backfield, all of the above, begin to erode away, the offense will start to shift to the passing game. Sure, a small increase, wouldn't be that big of a deal, might by us a game or two. However, if the running game continues to suffer, it will be all to easy, in this writer's opinion, to overload Romo's Back & he may be feeling great, now, I just don't want to see this team break even at 8-8 while Romo's back just breaks, again.....

This writer must get out of my head immediately.

 

[Bleu Star]

I think Dallas will continue to run the ball of course not as much as we did this past season. I think the lead back will come down to McFadden or Randle, right now I tend to lean more towards McFadden.

Ckicken legs? Really?

I don't think I have ever seen a RB with no calves before until I saw that close up of him, Ryan Willams, and Randle.

 

[Bleu Star]

Seriously. Where are his calves?

 

[Doomsday101]

Ckicken legs? Really?

I don't think I have ever seen a RB with no calves before until I saw that close up of him, Ryan Willams, and Randle.

I think chicken legs has the overall most talent of the bunch. Ryan Williams I have no faith in what so ever, Randle I think he will compete for the starting job. I have a hard time putting any faith in a guy who was drafted in 2011 and has a total of 58 carries for 164 and a 2.8 ypc avg.

 

[Doomsday101]

Seriously. Where are his calves?

Seriously the guy is a better blocker and faster runner than the rest and is good in the passing game.

 

[AzorAhai]

You know after being right on almost every move they've made the last few seasons in player acquisition, you would think it bought the team some benefit of the doubt. Some of you may choose not to give them this, but I will.

 

[Idgit]

Ooh! A thread about RBs!

Seriously, though, I just don't get why people think we're going to run it less this season or use the RB position less as a whole. Maybe there's a slight shift, or we start using a bit more play action and a bit more of the screen game. So what? We've been effectively offensively for years, and we're going to be effective again this season. No matter what.

It's the defense that kept those 8-8 teams from being division winners, and that's gotten a lot of attention here in the offseason. We deliver on some of our newfound sack potential and nobody's going to be regretting not putting another $8M per on a RB with ~450 carries on him from last season.

McFadden does have chicken legs. Randle is my bet for starter. And I still do like Ryan Williams a lot of he's healthy, though it's true that the team seems to feel otherwise, the guaranteed money they gave him notwithstanding.

 

[Idgit]

You know after being right on almost every move they've made the last few seasons in player acquisition, you would think it bought the team some benefit of the doubt. Some of you may choose not to give them this, but I will.

Not to mention that RB is one of he easier offensive positions to scout and fill.

 

[robjay04]

I for one am hoping that someone emerges, to do all the important things that led to a passing game that opened up because of the run game, I can't overstate the importance of this!

You just need to find the player that is the right fit and it may take a couple week to do that. I wouldn't be surprised if week 3 rolls around and we are all thinking we are doomed at running back and then someone emerges. Look at the Ravens last season, they lost their starter and everyone just assumed Pierce or some other guy would fill in. It took them a couple weeks to realize Forsett was their guy and...who was Forsett before last season? We just have to be patient and I am confident we will find someone who can provide us an ample amount of production.

 

[Teague31]

Something about a dead horse comes to mind

 

[CapnCook]

Something about a dead horse comes to mind

Careful. Some fans will start clamoring for that trade, too.

 

[Hardline]

This team will live or die by the running game. if it fails so does the season.

 

[elcowboi]

http://www.inquisitr.com/2137416/da...g-backs-list-with-adrian-peterson-trade-dead/

"Well, it finally appears as if the trade talk rumors for running back Adrian Peterson to end up with the Dallas Cowboys is dead. Now, the Cowboys have to head into the 2015 NFL season and be happy with Darren McFadden and Joseph Randle in their offensive backfield. If they’re not, there is a list floating around of five veteran running backs that they may look at bringing into the fray."


The more reports I read, it's becoming more & more clear that when looked upon as a whole, these reports, paint a picture of improvements by & large on the defense, offensive line but the glowing, glaring, huge question mark is the "ALL - IN" approach that is taking shape in a murky backfield! The reason there is a sense of urgency when it comes to this position can be summed up very simply, if, the running game, the dirty yards, the pass blocking, the catches out of the backfield, all of the above, begin to erode away, the offense will start to shift to the passing game. Sure, a small increase, wouldn't be that big of a deal, might by us a game or two. However, if the running game continues to suffer, it will be all to easy, in this writer's opinion, to overload Romo's Back & he may be feeling great, now, I just don't want to see this team break even at 8-8 while Romo's back just breaks, again.....

I think way too much is being made about the running back position. The Boys didn't go to the Superbowl with Murray so I'm not sure why so many pundits think Murray leaving will be THE reason the boys have a bad year.

 

[AzorAhai]

Before Murray Left- "RB is the easiest position to fill. Anyone can run behind this OL."

After Murray Left(And another 1st RD OL talent is added mind you)- "Our Running game is going to be bad. We don't have anybody to depend on."

It would be comical if it hadn't reached the critically annoying stage. I really wish people would go look at some stats from the last few years before posting this nonsense.

The NFL average rushing yards per team was 1679 yards.

The NFL median rushing yards per team last year was 1740 yards.

Of last years playoff teams, 6 were ranked 15th or lower in the league in total rushing yards.

Denver 12-4, 15th
Pittsburgh 11-5 16th
New England 12-4 18th
Indianapolis 11-6 22nd
Detroit 11-5 28th
Arizona 11-5 31st

Of the teams in the top 10 in total rushing

New York Jets 4-12 3rd
San Francisco 8-8 4th
Houston 9-7 5th
Philadelphia 10-6 9th
Kansas City 9-7 10th

None of these made the playoffs.

The Super Bowl teams ranked 1st(Sea) and 18th (NE) overall in team rushing yards.

The NFC championship game teams ranked 1st(Sea) and 11th(GB).

The AFC championship game teams ranked 18th(NE) and 22nd(IND).

13 RBs ran for over 1000 yards in 2014. 7 of their teams failed to reach the playoffs.

For everyone clamoring about the doom of this team or the doubts, here are some stats that should at least give you some hope, if not some peace of mind. The team upgraded on defense. They have been a top 5 offense long before Murray last year and should continue to be just that.

 

[Maxmadden]

This writer must get out of my head immediately.

It is a tired subject for sure but this was a decent article. Short and concise, identified the problem (concern), and offered solutions.

 

[CATCH17]

Before Murray Left- "RB is the easiest position to fill. Anyone can run behind this OL."

After Murray Left(And another 1st RD OL talent is added mind you)- "Our Running game is going to be bad. We don't have anybody to depend on."

It would be comical if it hadn't reached the critically annoying stage. I really wish people would go look at some stats from the last few years before posting this nonsense.

The NFL average rushing yards per team was 1679 yards.

The NFL median rushing yards per team last year was 1740 yards.

Of last years playoff teams, 6 were ranked 15th or lower in the league in total rushing yards.

Denver 12-4, 15th
Pittsburgh 11-5 16th
New England 12-4 18th
Indianapolis 11-6 22nd
Detroit 11-5 28th
Arizona 11-5 31st

Of the teams in the top 10 in total rushing

New York Jets 4-12 3rd
San Francisco 8-8 4th
Houston 9-7 5th
Philadelphia 10-6 9th
Kansas City 9-7 10th

None of these made the playoffs.

The Super Bowl teams ranked 1st(Sea) and 18th (NE) overall in team rushing yards.

The NFC championship game teams ranked 1st(Sea) and 11th(GB).

The AFC championship game teams ranked 18th(NE) and 22nd(IND).

13 RBs ran for over 1000 yards in 2014. 7 of their teams failed to reach the playoffs.

For everyone clamoring about the doom of this team or the doubts, here are some stats that should at least give you some hope, if not some peace of mind. The team upgraded on defense. They have been a top 5 offense long before Murray last year and should continue to be just that.

The problem is we lack the creativity and dynamics in the passing game and if we don't run the ball effectively we will be a average team at best.

We've been down this road before and it ends with us hoping Romo can buy time and make plays..

 

[gmoney112]

Hey look, another thread about how a RB is going to make us 8-8 again.

Yawn.