Who Are the Odd Men Out?

[Tabascocat]

All I know is that Dunbar better be thinking ahead for employment.............

 

[John813]

Wasn't there something about Williams not making the team last year due to him not being able to contribute on ST/the Cowboys want their 3rd back to be able to contribute on ST?

 

[jobberone]

I don't think anyone is a lock although the odds are better for some.

 

[d_dub88]

FB, Rookie, McFadden, Williams.

You want to go into the season, as a power rushing offense, without one back that truly knows the system? Unless Dunbar or Randle are total no-shows at camp one if not both should make the team.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Wasn't there something about Williams not making the team last year due to him not being able to contribute on ST/the Cowboys want their 3rd back to be able to contribute on ST?

Yeah, he couldn't really add anything there but honestly, if he makes the team, he's going to make it as a back who is getting carries on offense. If that's the case, he won't be playing ST IMO. If he can't be that guy, then he probably doesn't make the team. JMO.

 

[DFWJC]

Special teams snap counts

29Kyle WilberLBDAL1632444772.5%
55Dwayne HarrisWRDAL1629944766.9%
69C.J. SpillmanSDAL1628744764.2%
109Cameron LawrenceLBDAL1626544759.3%
125Jeff HeathSDAL1425544757.1%
157James HannaTEDAL1623144751.7%
193J.J. WilcoxSDAL1621244747.4%
194Barry ChurchSDAL1621244747.4%
231Lance DunbarRBDAL16 190 447 42.5%
245Dan BaileyKDAL1618344740.9%
326Gavin EscobarTEDAL1615644734.9%
366Bruce CarterLBDAL1314744732.9%
381Chris JonesPDAL1614544732.4%
388L.P. LadouceurLBDAL1614444732.2%
418Anthony HitchensLBDAL1613944731.1%
500Tyrone CrawfordDEDAL1511944726.6%
534Joseph RandleRBDAL16 111 447 24.8%
540Terrell McClainDTDAL1310944724.4%
553Orlando ScandrickCBDAL1410544723.5%
617Tyler PatmonCBDAL119044720.1%
635Jason WittenTEDAL168844719.7%
651Travis FrederickCDAL168544719.0%
652Tyron SmithTDAL168544719.0%
653Mackenzy BernadeauGDAL168544719.0%
654Jermey ParnellTDAL168544719.0%
682Ronald LearyGDAL158144718.1%
696Brandon CarrCBDAL168044717.9%
719Nick HaydenDTDAL167844717.5%
720Zack MartinGDAL167844717.5%
827Tyler CluttsRBDAL166944715.4%
841Keith SmithLBDAL106844715.2%
952Jeremy MinceyDEDAL165844713.0%

 

[KJJ]

The run game is still driven by the passing game and, to a lesser extent, the OL. Randle has shown he can be productive, albeit in a limited sample, and the staff is obviously high on Williams. With Dunbar in a specific niche, I don't think we necessarily need anybody else, including McFadden.

People forget that this offense still runs through Tony's arm.

Run to open up the pass and pass to open up the run both feed off each other but to be an efficient passing team you have to be able to run the ball unless you have Aaron Rodgers as your QB. It's no surprise Romo had the most efficient passing season of his career having the franchise's most prolific single season rusher to turn to. Romo had career highs in completion percentage and passer rating all due to the running game. If you can consistently run the ball it opens up the passing game especially play action pass. If you can't run the ball you're going to be in passing situations all day and defenses are going to pin their ears back and come after the QB. In 2011 Aaron Rodgers had a 122.5 passer rating with over 4600 yards and 45 TD's despite having the 27th ranked rushing attack but he was sacked 36 times that season. Many Cowboy FANS think Rodgers gets handed these MVP awards but he carries his offense with very little help from his running game although the addition of Eddie Lacy a couple of years ago has added some punch on the ground.

Russell Wilson wouldn't have had the success he's had without a running game. Although Seattle has a great defense being able to run the ball consistently keeps their defense off the field and fresh. Their running attack allows Wilson to manage games which keeps him efficient. Having an elite runner that defenses have to game plan for helps open up the passing game. Last season the Cowboys offense revolved around Murray which resulted in Romo having career lows in attempts and yards in which he played at least 15 games. Romo only attempted 50 passes in the playoffs which is incredible when you consider he had 2 games in 2012 in which he attempted more than 60 passes. Romo was able to manage games last season and play within himself that's when he's at his best.

His great efficiency was a result of him not being asked to win games every week. The Cowboys rode Murray all season he carried the ball more in 2014 than Emmitt Smith ever carried it for the 90's Cowboys. As much as the Vikings depend on AP not even he ever carried the ball more than Murray did last season. Romo will have to throw the ball more in 2015 we just have to hope he's not put back in a position where's he's being asked to win games every week or the Cowboys will struggle to win 9 games. The more that's asked of Romo will lead to lower efficiency and more mistakes. To keep him healthy/efficient and the team consistent the Cowboys must be able to run the football.

 

[xwalker]

It's fairly certain that the Cowboys will be adding a RB in the draft at some point this year.

With this addition it will bring the position's total to 7, which includes two FBs.

An NFL team normally carries 4 RBs going into the season, to include one FB.

Here is what the team will have to choose from when it's time to set the final roster:
(Assuming an AP deal has not been made)

1) Player X (2015 Draft Pick)
2) Darren McFadden
3) Joseph Randle
4) Ryan Williams
5) Lance Dunbar
6) Jed Collins (FB)
7) Ray Agnew (FB)

We know that McFadden and the draft selection are automatics to make the team. We know that we're keeping at least one FB.

My question is, Who do you feel rounds out the rest of the 4 player position when it's time to make final cuts? With a standardized roster, that leaves us two choices from the list below:


Joseph Randle was a 5th round selection in the 2013 draft. We know he has talent. But is he worth keeping with his off the field issues? Randle has a 4.8 YPC average with 5 TDs in his 2 year career with the Cowboys.

We know Ryan Williams has talent as well; but he's been injury prone in the past. He's only played 5 games in his NFL career for the Arizona Cardinals for a 2.8 YPC average and 0 TDs. Since his release from the Cards, he's turned down offers from several other NFL teams to play for the Cowboys, accepting a practice squad role to do so. Now healthy, has he earned a promotion?

Lance Dunbar was signed as an UFA in 2012. His expectation was to be a change of pace back but injuries and fumble issues impacted his playing time. He had a breakout game against the Raiders (82 yards with a 6.8 YPC average) but also suffered a season ending knee injury in that game. Basically a 3rd back option and practice team filler, will he show enough for the Boys to retain him?

Jed Collins was signed as an UFA following the 2008 NFL draft by the Eagles. He didn't see the field until he was picked up by Saints in 2011. He played 3 seasons with the Saints appearing in every game except one. In 2014 he was picked up by the Lions. where he appeared in all 16 games. He has a career 4.8 YPC average with 5 TDs.

Ray Agnew was signed as an UFA following the 2014 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns. His father (Ray Sr.) is and 11 year veteran of the NFL. He has very limited time on the field. In 2014 he had 2 rushes for 2 yards and 3 receptions for a total of 15 yards. Agnew is a raw talent. Will he show enough to beat out Collilns for the job?


So there you have it. A quick, very limited summation of those fighting for a job to be on the team in '15. I understand that Training Camp and Pre-Season will have a lot to do with the final makeup, but who are your early favorites based on what we know of the players so far?

I don't think they will force a pick at RB. It' s possible that they don't draft one.

They have carried 4 RBs and a FB at times in the past.

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

Just not that impressed with Randle. I means, he couldn't even outrun the security guard.

 

[Idgit]

Wasn't there something about Williams not making the team last year due to him not being able to contribute on ST/the Cowboys want their 3rd back to be able to contribute on ST?

There was. He was workign hard to come up to speed on STs, but didn't get there. Randle, though, was a good coverage player.

The problem was exacerbated because I think they really wanted Dunbar as a weapon in the screen game, but he really only gives you backup return man options on Teams. They couldn't go into the season with 3 backs on the roster who give you nothing on Teams just to have a RB2 they like on offense. Not when Randle gave you good production offensively, too.

 

[chagus]

McFadden isn't durable and Williams hasn't had a regular season carry since the 2012 season plus he didn't make the 53 man roster last season due to concerns about his blocking. Randle's off the field issues makes him a risk. The Cowboys would really be rolling the dice entering the season with those 3.

I agree... and in looking at it this conclusion, i conclude its pretty obvious they will draft a RB.

 

[KJJ]

I agree... and in looking at it this conclusion, i conclude its pretty obvious they will draft a RB.

There's a good chance they'll be a couple of backs the Cowboys like at # 27 so they'll probably trade down and grab one in the 2nd round unless they're in love with one of them and don't want to risk losing them.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

IMO, none of them are automatic. None of them had major resources invested in them. Any of them can go if they can't play. I hope all of them can play. Well in regards to the running backs. The FB's.....its too early to tell.

As of right now I would like to think Joseph Randle is the best back on this team as of right now.

 

[dallasdave]

I agree with you that nobody is a given to make the team. But the way JJ has been lording him it just seems apparent to me that he makes the squad.

I agree unless McFadden is hurt he will be on the team.

 

[Risen Star]

McFadden isn't an automatic to make the team at all.

I don't even think it's a given that we'll add another RB.

Don't even say that. To go from the best rushing attack in the league to platooning McFadden-Randle-Williams would be awful.

 

[Risen Star]

Peterson
Gurley
McFadden

Jed Collins

 

[AsthmaField]

I don't think McFadden is assured a spot on the team, at all. Not at all.

These Cowboys are all about competition these days, and Garrett has proven he is going to keep/play the best guy no matter their salary or status. The players know that and it keeps the vets working hard and the low round/UDFA rookies working hard too.

McFadden will have the entire off season, training camp, and preseason to show he is one of the best 3 backs. If he doesn't, he won't be here IMO.

Play time competition makes it really difficult to tell who will get cut and who won't this far out... but it is by far the best thing for the team.

 

[Bullet22]

Mcfadden is the starter.. so he is an automatic...

 

[KJJ]

Mcfadden is the starter.. so he is an automatic...

You're wrong!

 

[KJJ]

Peterson
Gurley
McFadden

Jed Collins

The Cowboys aren't going to trade everything it would take to get Peterson which would be a lot then use a premium pick on Gurley. They've already shown they don't value RB's that much.