Concerns over Cowboys' running backs rising

A lot of people panicked when running back DeMarco Murray left the Dallas Cowboys for the Philadelphia Eagles in the off-season. I didn’t panic. When the Cowboys didn’t draft a replacement back in the draft, the fans and the media alike were worried. I again wasn’t worried. As training camp started, people weren’t comfortable with the idea of a running back committee of Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden, and Lance Dunbar. I again was comfortable with the idea of the three-headed monster at running back. Yet, as the pre-season ended and the news the Cowboys traded for draft disappointment Christine Michael, I started to get worried.

We are less than a week away from the start of the 2015 season and the Cowboys have some concerns with their running backs. While I was excited about the prospect of Randle and McFadden running behind this talented offensive line, I am started to have some doubts. My main concern is with Randle, who is expected to be the starter. The talent is there and I think with enough carries, Randle could break out to be a big star in this system.

The problem is his off-the-field issues and how much of a knucklehead he is. Remember last season when he stole cologne and underwear from a department store, or his domestic violence situation in Wichita, Kansas? While both situations were settled, it didn’t seem Randle ever learned from his actions. Now, it seems that another problem has occurred with the Oklahoma State back. Randle never showed up for the Cowboys Kickoff Luncheon and the team only said that the absence was excused.  Rumors started to run rampant about whether or not Randle might have been involved in another legal dispute. Nothing is confirmed, but the rumors became more rampant once the Cowboys traded for Christine Michael. That doesn’t really bring me some confidence that he can be the lead dog here in Dallas.

The next man up isn’t more comforting. Darren McFadden, who has been a disappointment ever since he entered the league, is trying to make a comeback. The talent is there and you some of that burst and acceleration in the Cowboys’ third preseason game. Yet, you have to wonder when he will go down with another injury. His tenure with the team has already been marked with two hamstring injuries.

Lance Dunbar is a good back, but he really is more of a change-of-pace back that will mostly be used in the passing game. Then you have your new toy in Christine Michael. Michael, who was traded to the Cowboys from the Seahawks in exchange of a conditional seventh-round pick, has a lot of “potential”.  Looking at his very limited highlight tape, you see why the Seahawks picked him in the second round in 2013. He has burst, great speed, and is a very skilled player in short-yardage plays. His major problem is fumbling the football and not paying attention to coaches.

The only thing that makes me feel better about this year’s rushing attack is the offensive line. They are arguably the best in football and can open up major holes for these running backs.

Remember, the goal is not to replace Murray, but his production. He had 1,845 yards last season on 392 carries. So between four running backs, they each need to have around 98 carries for 461 yards. That is very doable, but they have to stay healthy and stay out of trouble.

My worries won’t go away until we see them in action, but it is something that all fans should be paying attention too. It could be nothing and the Cowboys could be right by betting everything on the offensive line. If they are wrong, this offense might revert to being stagnant and the dreams of a sixth championship might have to wait until they get a capable running back.