The Murky Backfield

[DFWJC]

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!

But you DID overstate it.

Let's see this play out. If we get deep I to camp and people that know more about the position than any one in this forum don't like what they see...you an be sure they'll make a move.

 

[big dog cowboy]

I think that the predraft visits gave a clue as to the feelings that the coaches had toward the current RBs on the roster. Every decent RB that entered the draft came to Dallas for a visit.

And yet they did not feel a need to draft a single one of them. Ever think there is a reason for that? Not one single trade from the most well known owner willing to make a deal.

No free agent RB's other than DMC signed.

They are more satisified with their current RB's than most on here want to admit.

 

[Risen Star]

But you DID overstate it.

Let's see this play out. If we get deep I to camp and people that know more about the position than any one in this forum don't like what they see...you an be sure they'll make a move.

Do you know more than the team?

You're better than that.

 

[Risen Star]

My opinion of the RB group in Dallas this year is it's a collection of crap. If they produce with these guys then it forever puts to bed the RB/OL debate.

 

[jday]

But you DID overstate it.

Let's see this play out. If we get deep I to camp and people that know more about the position than any one in this forum don't like what they see...you an be sure they'll make a move.

I really hope you are right. The effort to make a move could be there, but the teams willing to deal to a team that look's very much like a RB away from competing in the playoffs (if not more) may be non-existent. Also, keep in mind that the scheme the Cowboys run narrows down the number of RB's who can do everything that is needed (run, pass protect, catch and create with the ball in space, etc). Then what?

 

[DFWJC]

Do you know more than the team?

You're better than that.

That's what I said...I don't know more than the team. Nor does anyone else.

 

[DFWJC]

I really hope you are right. The effort to make a move could be there, but the teams willing to deal to a team that look's very much like a RB away from competing in the playoffs (if not more) may be non-existent. Also, keep in mind that the scheme the Cowboys run narrows down the number of RB's who can do everything that is needed (run, pass protect, catch and create with the ball in space, etc). Then what?

I was in the camp assuming we'd for sure take a RB at some point in the draft, even if we had to move up or down to make it happen.
So I was wrong from the start.

 

[mattjames2010]

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.

Denver has Manning, they are a pass first team. Patriots have a legendary QB and legendary coach, pass first team. Steelers had Le'veon Bell, rushed for 1,300 yards and had an additional 800 yards in receiving. Indy and Detroit specialize in the passing attack. Different offensive philosophies.

You are then comparing more complete teams to teams like Philly (Who made the playoffs the year before with a good rushing attack), Kansas City (Made the playoffs the year before with a good rushing attack), Houston who made the playoffs in 2011 and 2013 relying on the run, and San Francisco who made the playoffs from 2011 to 2013 because of a good rushing attack. They miss one year, and now their offensive philosophies are something we are going to overlook? Philly and Houston have no QB, and Philly was kept out of the playoffs mainly because of a certain team that specialized in rushing (Who was that!?). Kansas City Chiefs are still a solid team playing in a very tough division.

Sorry, but I'm not seeing your argument here.

 

[jnday]

And yet they did not feel a need to draft a single one of them. Ever think there is a reason for that? Not one single trade from the most well known owner willing to make a deal.

No free agent RB's other than DMC signed.

They are more satisified with their current RB's than most on here want to admit.

Recent reports are saying otherwise. You know as well as I do that the draft fell in a way that didn't allow them to get a top RB without trading up or making a big reach. If you look around, you won't see any top RB available for a trade, including AP. there is no doubt that they want a lead RB, but so far the opportunity hasn't come along to get one.

 

[jnday]

I was in the camp assuming we'd for sure take a RB at some point in the draft, even if we had to move up or down to make it happen.
So I was wrong from the start.

It would have cost too much. There was only two backs in this draft that has shown the potential to be lead RBs at this time. Dallas was in the worst possible position to get either of these RBs or the RBs that was rated lower.

 

[DFWJC]

It would have cost too much. There was only two backs in this draft that has shown the potential to be lead RBs at this time. Dallas was in the worst possible position to get either of these RBs or the RBs that was rated lower.

I think Gregory miraculously falling to us at 60 changed our plans anyway. Can't really pass on that gift, so I see how it turned out the way it did.
I'd heard they also liked Coleman, Yeldon, and Duke Johnson. Not sure how much though.

 

[jazzcat22]

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

Yawn.

Right, it never fails...sadly it won't be the last....
Last year it was about how the D was going to be worse than the previous year.
This year it is how our RB's suck.
What will it be next year.....

You ever wonder why some need to pick a negative view of things, everything, and not a positive, that a group can be good.....

 

[jday]

I was in the camp assuming we'd for sure take a RB at some point in the draft, even if we had to move up or down to make it happen.
So I was wrong from the start.

You and I both.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

My opinion of the RB group in Dallas this year is it's a collection of crap. If they produce with these guys then it forever puts to bed the RB/OL debate.

It's not impressive... not by past accomplishments anyway.

However I don't think this is the group that will start the season.

 

[AzorAhai]

Denver has Manning, they are a pass first team. Patriots have a legendary QB and legendary coach, pass first team. Steelers had Le'veon Bell, rushed for 1,300 yards and had an additional 800 yards in receiving. Indy and Detroit specialize in the passing attack. Different offensive philosophies.

You are then comparing more complete teams to teams like Philly (Who made the playoffs the year before with a good rushing attack), Kansas City (Made the playoffs the year before with a good rushing attack), Houston who made the playoffs in 2011 and 2013 relying on the run, and San Francisco who made the playoffs from 2011 to 2013 because of a good rushing attack. They miss one year, and now their offensive philosophies are something we are going to overlook? Philly and Houston have no QB, and Philly was kept out of the playoffs mainly because of a certain team that specialized in rushing (Who was that!?). Kansas City Chiefs are still a solid team playing in a very tough division.

Sorry, but I'm not seeing your argument here.

The arguments were laid out clear as day. Teams with mediocre to poor rushing attacks made the playoffs. Teams with very good rushing attacks didn't. Everyone on here is acting as if you have to have a great rushing attack or RB to be a good team, when obviously they don't. You state more balanced teams like thats a bad thing. Am I missing something or aren't the Cowboys trying to become a more balanced team? I mean they did invest heavily on the defense didn't they? I fail to understand your argument.

 

[jnday]

Right, it never fails...sadly it won't be the last....
Last year it was about how the D was going to be worse than the previous year.
This year it is how our RB's suck.
What will it be next year.....

You ever wonder why some need to pick a negative view of things, everything, and not a positive, that a group can be good.....

Should an obvious weakness be ignored and not be discussed? We can discuss the oline, but I don't think those positions could result in the team losing s few more games. I guess was can say all is good with the RB and just ignore it and call ourselves positive.

 

[mattjames2010]

The arguments were laid out clear as day. Teams with mediocre to poor rushing attacks made the playoffs. Teams with very good rushing attacks didn't. Everyone on here is acting as if you have to have a great rushing attack or RB to be a good team, when obviously they don't. You state more balanced teams like thats a bad thing. Am I missing something or aren't the Cowboys trying to become a more balanced team? I mean they did invest heavily on the defense didn't they? I fail to understand your argument.

Because those teams have effective passing attacks! Can we make the playoffs being a passing team? Yes, but when you start to bring up teams like Patriots, Broncos, and Lions, you are forgetting these teams have their QBs throwing over 500 times...sometimes over 600. That's not balance. Do we want Romo throwing that much? I don't.

Our offensive philosophy last year was to run the ball to set up the pass and win time of posession, we rushed the ball over 400 times last year. The "balance" last year worked for us due to an effective running game. It's simple, we had our best record since 2007 due to an effective running game; not just because we ran the ball more, but because running the ball worked for us. We have an offensive line that specializes in run blocking and a QB that specializes in play action; you play to your players strengths.

As I said earlier, if you want to bring up those teams that made the playoffs with mediocre rushing attacks; you better bring up that those teams also had their QBs throwing a ton as well.

 

[Blast From The Past]

I think we are good to go. If not we will either trade or pick up a castoff or two. I think Joe Randle may be the answer with RunDMC the compliment back. Williams is still here for a reason as well. Dunbar may be the odd man out. This is a tired worn out subject of the offseason I know. Anyone still care to debate, add or even surprise to this?

 

[jday]

I think we are good to go. If not we will either trade or pick up a castoff or two. I think Joe Randle may be the answer with RunDMC the compliment back. Williams is still here for a reason as well. Dunbar may be the odd man out. This is a tired worn out subject of the offseason I know. Anyone still care to debate, add or even surprise to this?

 

[endersdragon]

CJ2K and I will think we are good to go, he is out there right now and will be really cheap and he had a 1,400 yard season 2 years ago and was a part of the #3 run attack in the league last year. Just make it happen Jerry.