It’s clear that the Dallas Cowboys want to create changes on offense this season. Over and over again, coaches talk about having a running back committee in order to open up more dynamic plays on offense. However, what the Cowboys’ running backs presented on the field during the game against the Los Angeles Rams proved there’s a long way to go.
Still Struggling to Create a Smooth Running Game
Dallas Cowboys Running Backs Desperate for Improvement
In the Rams game, the player with the most rushing yards was Trey Lance at quarterback with six carries for 44 yards. This was an impressive feat for the young quarterback, however, it should be a concern for Mike McCarthy and other offensive coaches.
In the past season, Dak Prescott often had to step into the position of taking the ball and moving it down the field himself instead of depending on a running back to hand it off. This isn’t ideal because it puts the quarterback at risk so the Cowboys came up with a shifting running game.
However, this running game depends on multiple backs being able to perform well. When a quarterback is the one capitalizing on these rushes, it shows a hole in the offense.
Dallas Cowboys Running Back Malik Davis
Malik Davis originally looked pretty steady during training camp. However, he came off very inconsistent during the game against the Rams, only averaging 2.3 yards per carry, his longest carry being for only four yards. Compared to Rico Dowdle, who averaged twice as many yards per carry at 4.7, for fewer carries. It’s a troubling sight.
The goal of the Dallas Cowboys offense is to make the run game more pivotal for big, dynamic plays. Changes are being made offensively. Running back Hunter Luepke alluded to a 21-personnel offense, which would require two running backs and one tight end. But which two running backs would it be if Davis doesn’t create meaningful reps in preseason?
Sure, there’s Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle, both of which present different difficulties and could essentially be competing for the number one spot, leaving the other in second and Davis far down the depth chart.
RB Battle: Dowdle Before Elliott?
Although Elliott appears to be the starting running back for the team, it must be noted that Dowdle already looks very good out there. In other words, the fight for a starter might not be over quite yet.
Dowdle’s biggest downfall is injuries. In 2019, he suffered a sprained knee injury during his time in college at South Carolina. Throughout his 2021 and 2022 seasons, he suffered minor pains and injuries as well. Staying healthy is the beast that Dowdle seems to struggle to overcome. If he can manage to do so though, it would be momentous for this Cowboys team who has struggled with running backs.
More so, it would give much of the coaching staff second thoughts on who really should start. Comparing the two running backs based on last season’s numbers, the choice becomes more clear.
Elliott had 184 carries at 642 yards, for 3.5 yards per carry. He also had three touchdowns. Dowdle on the other hand had 89 carries for 361 yards, at 4.1 yards per carry. He had two touchdowns this past season. In other words, his performance as a backup was comparable to Elliott’s performance as a starter.
With more time as the RB1, Dowdle has real potential to take this team to new limits.
The Dallas Cowboys Running Back Room Starts Here
Preseason will reveal more about how these running backs are able to keep up. Snoop Connor and Nathaniel Peat were both inconsequential in this game. Given multiple opportunities to make something, they came away with little to no yards.
Those two guys must improve if this is going to be a team with a formidable offense. Similarly, Dowdle must be the guy until injury says otherwise, and hopefully, it never will. Elliott’s time in Dallas might have passed him and it could be time for someone else to step up and shape this running back room.
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