Every offseason there are battles across the NFL for positional supremacy, starting jobs and playing time. As the offseason progresses, Sports World News will analyze position battles, and even update ones we've covered when there are major shifts.
Today, we will look at one of the most important position battles for fantasy football purposes-the Dallas Cowboys running back position. The Cowboys had the No. 1 offensive line in football last season, and that led to a breakout year for since-departed running back DeMarco Murray. He ran the ball 352 times, led the NFL in rushing with 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns. Now that he's gone, a battle ensues to run behind those Dallas behemoths. Here's how it currently shakes out.
Leader of the Pack: Joseph Randle
Randle was Murray's primary backup last season, and even though his role was extremely limited, he shone when he did get a chance. He averaged 6.7 yards per carry (51 attempts), scored three touchdowns and posted a 65-yard run, showcasing big play potential. He's just 23 years old, and a fifth-round pick.
With a line as potent as the Cowboys' it makes sense to turn to a high-upside, but cheap talent. Dallas has to worry about re-signing WR Dez Bryant, paying Tony Romo and keeping their defensive talent in place. The problem is Randle's behavior off the field. In October 2014 Randle was arrested for shoplifting underwear and cologne from a department store. In February 2015, Randle was picked up on drug charges by police responding to a domestic violence call. He has since been cleared of both charges.
Randle doesn't have great pedigree, and he' on thin ice behaviorally, so any grip he has on the lead is tenuous. Still, he's the frontrunner.
The Veteran: Darren McFadden
McFadden has been a tease for just about his entire career. In 2010 McFadden rushed for 1,157 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games for the Oakland Raiders, where he's spent his entire NFL career. Besides 2010, he's never played in more than 12 games, nor has he reached 1,000 yards or scored more than five touchdowns. McFadden's career has been all sizzle and no steak, even if it looks juicy.
It can't be ignored that the Raiders have been dreadful for most of his tenure. In 2014, while he's still just 27 years old, he will be a super-talented back running behind the best O-Line in the game with a proven offensive scheme in place. If he stays healthy, he should be able to produce with all those advantages, and he's a better bet to avoid trouble than Randle is. Early drafters should spend a late flier on McFadden, because he is a big threat to have a breakout campaign.
Dark Horse: Lance Dunbar
Dunbar was neck-and-neck with Randle last season for the No. 2 role behind Murray, and while Randle received more carries, Dunbar was the back catching passes. Dunbar carried the ball 29 times and also received 22 targets in the passing game; Randle carried 51 times but only saw five targets. If McFadden gets injured or has lost a step, Dunbar may be the most complete back in the rotation.
The Long Shot: Ryan Williams
Williams was once a second-round pick, but his career has been decimated by injuries. He's only played in five games over the last four seasons thanks to various injuries and he hasn't even had a real opportunity to build on the talent he showed as a college star for Virginia Tech.
Williams' inactivity will hurt him, as will a lack of track record. He does have the advantage of being in a situation with no truly established frontrunner. Randle's young and unproven, McFadden has the "injury-prone" label as well, and Dunbar is another unproven back who was not even drafted. There's a chance.
Prediction: McFadden enters Week 1 as the Cowboys top RB.
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