It’s clear that the Dallas Cowboys are looking to make changes on offense this season. Coaches have repeatedly talked about creating a running back committee to facilitate more dynamic plays on offense. However, what the Cowboys’ running backs showed on the field in the game against the Los Angeles Rams showed that there is still a long way to go.
Still having trouble developing a smoothly running game
Dallas Cowboys running backs desperate to improve
In the game against the Rams, quarterback Trey Lance was the player with the most rushing yards with six carries for 44 yards. It was an impressive performance for the young quarterback, but should give Mike McCarthy and other offensive coaches cause for concern.
Last season, Dak Prescott often had to receive the ball himself and move it down the field instead of relying on a running back to hand off. That’s not ideal because it puts the quarterback at risk, so the Cowboys developed a position-changing running game.
However, this running game depends on multiple backs being able to perform well, and if a quarterback is the one taking advantage of these runs, it shows a gap in the offense.
Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis
Malik Davis initially looked pretty solid during training camp. However, in the game against the Rams, he was very inconsistent, averaging just 2.3 yards per carry, with his longest run being just four yards. In comparison, Rico Dowdle averaged twice as many yards on fewer runs, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. It’s a worrying sight.
The goal of the Dallas Cowboys offense is to make the running game more decisive for big, dynamic plays. Changes are being made in the offense. Running back Hunter Luepke alluded to a 21-personnel offense that would require two running backs and a tight end. But which two running backs would they be if Davis doesn’t get meaningful reps in the preseason?
Of course, there’s Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle, both of whom bring different difficulties and could essentially compete for first place, leaving the other in second place and Davis way down the rankings.
RB battle: Dowdle ahead of Elliott?
Although Elliott appears to be the team’s running back, it’s important to remember that Dowdle is already looking very good. In other words, the battle for a spot in the starting lineup may not be over quite yet.
Dowdle’s biggest downfall is injuries. He suffered a sprained knee in 2019 while attending college at South Carolina. He has also suffered minor aches and injuries during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Staying healthy is the biggest hurdle Dowdle seems to be overcoming, but if he can do it, it would be a huge accomplishment for this Cowboys team that has struggled with running backs.
Additionally, it would make many coaches rethink who should really start. Comparing the two running backs based on last season’s numbers makes the choice clearer.
Elliott had 184 carries for 642 yards, or 3.5 yards per carry. He also scored three touchdowns. Dowdle had 89 carries for 361 yards, or 4.1 yards per carry. He had two touchdowns last season. In other words, his performance as a backup was comparable to Elliott’s performance as a starter.
With more time as RB1, Dowdle has real potential to push the team to its limits.
The Dallas Cowboys running back room starts here
The preseason will show how well these running backs can compete. Snoop Connor and Nathaniel Peat were both irrelevant in this game. Despite having multiple opportunities to make an impact, they came away with little to no yards.
Both of those guys need to improve if this is going to be a team with a formidable offense. Likewise, Dowdle needs to be the man until an injury says otherwise, and hopefully that never happens. Elliott’s time in Dallas may be over, and it might be time for someone else to step in and shape that running back room.
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