With the Saints game this upcoming Sunday, the Cowboys offense has a huge opportunity if they do one thing: utilize the run game. It would be even more killer to use one of the Cowboys running backs who didn’t get a ton of time last week: Deuce Vaughn.
Deuce Vaughn and Cowboys Run Game Mandatory vs. Saints
The Saints Performance Against the Run Game
Looking at the score of the Saints vs. Panthers, it seems like everything worked great for them. The Saints could do no wrong.
But a closer analysis reveals that there was an area of struggle for the team and that was stopping the run against the Panthers. However, the problem with Carolina is that they didn’t exploit that weakness. Instead, they kept turning to the passing game and making errors there.
If the Cowboys want to ease into a victory against the Saints, the running game is their best bet.
Cowboys Running Backs Against the Browns
In the game against the Browns, the Cowboys used the run a bit, but not to their advantage and to make a difference. They used the run as a filler for when they were trying to develop the pass game.
Although the Cowboys alternated backs, neither was super sensational against a Browns team that probably was better at stopping the run game. However, this is different with the Saints who have a less capable defense.
Even if Ezekiel Elliott has similar rushing capabilities to the last game, that doesn’t mean Rico Dowdle won’t break through. This could be his chance to show that vicious nature and push through the huddle with precision.
Also, there’s the possibility of Vaughn getting in the mix.
Deuce Vaughn Against the Saints
During preseason, Vaughn had a sensational showing and fans are excited to see him do it again in a game that’ll actually count.
The Saints prioritize playing in zone defense. Sometimes, their linebackers play up and close to the line of scrimmage, causing a more difficult run room. This could be great for Vaughn, who tends to be shifty and hard to get a hold of in a mess.
But also, if the linebackers play back, Vaughn can hit the hole and shift to collect some yardage. Even an outside toss is a great possibility with someone his speed and size.
A Bigger Cowboys Running Back Cycling In Too
Another possibility is to use Hunter Luepke either for the run game and breaking through when the linebackers press or as an additional blocking support.
This would open up the run game a lot more in those tighter situations where the line is stacked, and they’re fighting for inches. Especially too, with all of the uncertainty surrounding whether Jake Ferguson will be able to play Sunday.
Adding extra blocking never hurt anybody.
Deuce Vaughn and Cowboys Running Backs with Lots to Do
Previously, the Cowboys haven’t used the run game like they could have. With the rotation of backs through a running back committee, there’s no reason we shouldn’t see them collecting more yards on the run.
And the game against the Saints is the perfect time to do so.
Main Image: Tim Heitman – USA Today Sports
