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Dallas Cowboys: Jerry Jones wise to endorse Joseph Randle

By Nick Ziegler

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The Dallas Cowboys are coming off a very successful 2015 season, as they returned to the playoffs and won a game. There was however a big loss in free agency this offseason.

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One of the biggest reasons for the success in Dallas last season was their ability to run the football. Running back DeMarco Murray was outstanding last season. In 2015, Murray totaled 1,845 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns, and 4.7 yards per carry average. He was also a huge factor in the passing offense, as he totaled 57 receptions and 416 receiving yards.

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The Cowboys were in a bit of cap turmoil this offseason with Murray and star wide receiver, Dez Bryant both being free agents. The Cowboys would elect to place the franchise tag on Bryant, which then led many to believe that Murray would get his new contract. The Cowboys however never seemed close to re-signing Murray, and he left to join the Philadelphia Eagles. Bryant has recently received his new long-term deal with the Cowboys, but Murray had to find his new deal in Philadelphia.

Coming off a ridiculous season, it will be impossible to replace Murray’s production with another player. Dallas does however have themselves some options at running back, and also one of the best offensives lines in football.

In recent years, Dallas has been using their first-round picks on offensive line, and last season they reaped the benefits. In 2011, the Cowboys selected left tackle, Tyron Smith, and then drafted center, Travis Frederick in 2013. Last season, the Cowboys added guard Zack Martin in the first-round, and he seemed to be the player to put their offensive line into elite status.

This offseason, the Cowboys’ offensive line may have gotten even better after the strange situation surrounding La’el Collins. Days prior to the NFL Draft, Collins was brought in for questioning in a crime, and it led to him going undrafted. Collins was never charged with anything, and the Cowboys were able to add themselves a first-round talent without using a draft pick.

The Cowboys’ offensive line is a dream for running backs to run behind, and the player who seems to be getting the chance to be the starter is Joseph Randle.

Jerry Jones has recently given Randle a big endorsement as the team’s No.1 running back.

Randle was the backup running back last season for Murray, and he also reaped the benefits of the strong offensive line. In his second season, Randle totaled 343 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, and a ridiculous 6.7 yards per carry average. The sample size for Randle is extremely small with Murray being the workhorse last season, but the yards per carry average is very enticing for the Cowboys. It’s unrealistic that Randle will have a 6.7 yards per carry average in 2015, but it is very possible he is around 4.5 yards per carry.

The Cowboys signed the often injured Darren McFadden this offseason. McFadden has been a disappointment in Oakland, as he is always hurt and really can’t be relied on.

Jones and the Cowboys are wise to be giving Randle a shot to be the featured back in Dallas rather than going with McFadden or a running back by committee to start the season. Randle may flake out as a starter, but there is some potential there and it is a risk the Cowboys should take going into the 2015 season.

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