The Myth of the Bell Cow

[Stash]

I agree with that take.

I think a "bell cow" back can have 16-18 carries a game and still be a "bell cow" back.

I agree. For me, it's the guy that everyone can see is the team's #1 guy. He gets the largest number of carries. He's option A. Not a third down or passing game back, not a goal line only back. A well-rounded player who can do all things good enough to stay on the field.

It's not easy to put a number on it for me in yards or carries.

 

[Bleu Star]

I agree with that take.

I think a "bell cow" back can have 16-18 carries a game and still be a "bell cow" back.

I agree that carries are a better measurement than overall yards gained. How often are they relying on that back to carry the load?

 

[MichaelWinicki]

I see that one more as a changing of the guard or transitional year. But you are right that they were able to win with it.

Yeah, that was part of it.

If I recall Dorsett wasn't even the starter for the first 4 games of the season... apparently he had not earned the full trust of the coaching staff. If Dorsett had been name the starter he would have no doubt earned a greater share of the carries but Dorsett never carried the ball a ridiculous amount, he averaged 17.5 carries per game for the Dallas part of his career. I think that's a good number for any "bell cow" 17.5 attempts a game.

 

[Bleu Star]

Well, then it's a shame that those damn Cowboys did not pay Murray what he wanted so the the Cowboys could afford some damn other players that were needed for that damn defense. That damn Murray is going to tear it up this season and those damn Cowboys are back to 8-8! Damnit!

No one here wants a return to 8-8 but it has to be part of the discussion when qualifying risk (even if you don't like it).

 

[5Stars]

No one here wants a return to 8-8 but it has to be part of the discussion when qualifying risk (even if you don't like it).

I have you on ignore...so I did not see this post.

 

[Bleu Star]

I have you on ignore...so I did not see this post.

 

[Bleu Star]

My apologies if I don't blow roses & rainbows into every conversation. I see it how I see it like most others and if that puts anyone off.... bye felicia.

 

[jobberone]

For you @stasheroo

2014-look at power success which is third or fourth down conversion rate.

http://i471.***BLOCKED***/albums/rr75/jobberone/Screen%20Shot%202015-06-02%20at%205.58.11%20PM_zpsaepazwqa.png

2013

http://i471.***BLOCKED***/albums/rr75/jobberone/Screen%20Shot%202015-06-02%20at%206.02.55%20PM_zpsxdemqrng.png

2012

http://i471.***BLOCKED***/albums/rr75/jobberone/Screen%20Shot%202015-06-02%20at%206.05.40%20PM_zpsz2vsvoxt.png

2011

http://i471.***BLOCKED***/albums/rr75/jobberone/Screen%20Shot%202015-06-02%20at%206.07.43%20PM_zpszk9ossnw.png

Keep in mind this is run success and I did not put up pass success. You can look back further as you wish.

Data via Football Outsiders

 

[jobberone]

I guess we still do not have consistent agreement on what a "bell cow" back is.

Do you have me on ignore again?

 

[jobberone]

Yeah, that was part of it.

If I recall Dorsett wasn't even the starter for the first 4 games of the season... apparently he had not earned the full trust of the coaching staff. If Dorsett had been name the starter he would have no doubt earned a greater share of the carries but Dorsett never carried the ball a ridiculous amount, he averaged 17.5 carries per game for the Dallas part of his career. I think that's a good number for any "bell cow" 17.5 sacks a game.

A RB gets 17 sacks a game. Trade the next three drafts for the guy.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

A RB gets 17 sacks a game. Trade the next three drafts for the guy.

A good mod would have corrected my error.

 

[justbob]

A good mod would have corrected my error.

I was going to change it for you as part of my new kinder campaign.

 

[blindzebra]

As for bell cow, for me percentage of offensive plays seems like a reasonable place to start. In a brief look at Emmitt it seems 50% and up seems to be the upper bar...I would probably call any back getting over 45% of the offensive touches is a bell cow.

 

[jobberone]

A good mod would have corrected my error.

Oops! My bad. I am lower than pond scum.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

I don't care about what 'bell cow' means. I don't want anyone having over 250 carries. I don't care if we had kept Murray.

 

[jobberone]

I was going to change it for you as part of my new kinder campaign.

When is that scheduled to start? 2016 or so?

 

[jobberone]

Was Murry on Dorsett's level?

Uhhh.....no.

 

[Bleu Star]

As for bell cow, for me percentage of offensive plays seems like a reasonable place to start. In a brief look at Emmitt it seems 50% and up seems to be the upper bar...I would probably call any back getting over 45% of the offensive touches is a bell cow.

Wow. Common ground. I'm in shock.

 

[perrykemp]

I don't care about what 'bell cow' means. I don't want anyone having over 250 carries. I don't care if we had kept Murray.

Why not?

That's just 15.6 carries per game.

 

[jobberone]

Wow. Common ground. I'm in shock.

I looked it up and your common ground rating is not quite 23%.