Darren McFadden or Joseph Randle

[weepaws 2,460]

MJD averaged a full yard less than McFadden last year. Granted, he didn't get too many carries. McFadden was terrible but far from the worst back on the Raiders last year

Agree with that , and also the he has been terrible for sometime .

[sirensong 111]

interesting article on murray v randle:

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2530203-can-the-cowboys-offensive-line-turn-joseph-randle-into-demarco-murray

[Cruzer 1,992]

They had a pretty good offensive line to open the 1993 season too. I still think they're a move away. And when I say 'away,' I mean NFC champs.

What people don't realize is that our standing and rise to power in the NFC has less to do with offense, as it does with defense. As long as A. Rodgers is around - you don't advance unless you can get him off the field on 3rd down. We failed miserably last year at that, and Dez catch or no catch - we would have still lost that game bcoz of that very reason.

[Cruzer 1,992]

interesting article on murray v randle:

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2530203-can-the-cowboys-offensive-line-turn-joseph-randle-into-demarco-murray

I don't think most realize just how big Randle actually is... I know I didn't... Randle is 6' and about 200 lbs - with speed.... Between the ears is what I'm going to worry about.

[sirensong 111]

I don't think most realize just how big Randle actually is... I know I didn't... Randle is 6' and about 200 lbs - with speed...

 

i'd say more acceleration and short-area quickness than speed. murray is substantially faster--in an entirely different class. mid 4.5s are a dime a dozen. hell--i ran mid 4.6s e-time, and that wasn't even competitive enough to play college ball.

 

what randle offers is good low-gear work through the hole, along with angle awareness downfield that allows him to play faster than his 40 time. but that's not going to help him turn the corner on stretch plays, which was one of murray's strengths. murray had good success running behind smith/leary on the left, but running weakside requires more long speed. so it'll be interesting to watch the scheme/personnel adjustments.

[R8RMick 242]

I don't think most realize just how big Randle actually is... I know I didn't... Randle is 6' and about 200 lbs - with speed.... Between the ears is what I'm going to worry about.

Randle runs a 4.6 forty. He's basically a poor man's Andre Ellington. He came into games last year against defenses which were reeling from Murray's hammering. I'll be the first to eat words on the guy, I just don't see it.

[R8RMick 242]

What people don't realize is that our standing and rise to power in the NFC has less to do with offense, as it does with defense. As long as A. Rodgers is around - you don't advance unless you can get him off the field on 3rd down. We failed miserably last year at that, and Dez catch or no catch - we would have still lost that game bcoz of that very reason.

The biggest asset for Cowboy defense last year was DeMarco Murray and the running game, which kept the Boys defense off the field almost three entire games less than 2013.

 

You go back and check the defensive numbers between 2013 & 2014 they are identical. All except one.

 

Time of possession. That more than anything is what they'll miss with Murray. They are better on defense, but I got news for you. Nobody stops Aaron Rodgers. You do that by keeping him off the field.

 

By the way, if Bryant makes the smart football play and cradles that ball in for the catch first, then perhaps Dallas burns a couple plays from the 4 yd line before they punch it in? But that's not Bryant lol... he's got to lunge for the goal line. Nothing wrong with that type of player, just making an observation.

[Flgatorguy87 160]

Would you rather keep Randle for a 10th or B. Cooks for a 6th in a standard league?

[stonewall 647]

Randle has just been waiting for his chance. Forget the nay-sayers....watched him at Okla. State, and he has the skillz, particularly behind this A+ o-line. He has the size. He has sufficient speed and power. He can pass block (esp. if he has been coached up). He can make guys miss in the open field. He can finish runs. He has a nose for the end zone.

 

Dallas was determined to run Murray into the ground last year....and did. Randle is fresh and hungry. They kept him after the underwear/cologne debacle for a reason. Don't miss out on Murray fantasy numbers for a Gurly price tag.

 

[weepaws 2,460]

Would you rather keep Randle for a 10th or B. Cooks for a 6th in a standard league?

.

 

Randle . Just not so sure that Cooks can be the go to wr vs the other teams top cover guys now that Graham is gone , he both becomes the go to guy on the Saints and the focus of the defenses they will be facing . I think Randle will be the number one back with the Cowboys and behind that oline should be able to put up very good numbers .

[tanatastic 2,061]

Would you rather keep Randle for a 10th or B. Cooks for a 6th in a standard league?

I kind of agree with Wee but only cuz a 10th is such a small investment. A 6th is still a potentially useful player so to get even a chance at a productive RB for a 10th is too sweet to pass up.

[Flgatorguy87 160]

I kind of agree with Wee but only cuz a 10th is such a small investment. A 6th is still a potentially useful player so to get even a chance at a productive RB for a 10th is too sweet to pass up.

I'm really feeling the same way as both of you guys. I see Randle as a lottery ticket that I have no interest in purchasing for face value, but at a discounted price is really hard to pass up. I'll be pairing him with J. Hill from the 6th round.

 

I made a mistake. Cook will cost an 8th. I still feel the same way. I could trade Cooks rights away up until the week before the draft but I've thought about leaving him in the draft pool and trying to draft him.

[weepaws 2,460]

Randle for a number ten is a steal IMO .

[weepaws 2,460]

Also why I think Brees falls out of the top five in Fantasy points this season . Who is going to make the players for Brees when he passes the ball ?

[stonewall 647]

Who is going to make the players <sic> for Brees when he passes the ball ?

 

Spiller?

[tanatastic 2,061]

Also why I think Brees falls out of the top five in Fantasy points this season . Who is going to make the players for Brees when he passes the ball ?

He makes playmakers out of anyone. Before Graham they never had anyone that great on his wr group. Someone will emerge and earn his trust.

[weepaws 2,460]

I agree with spiller excited to see what he can do . But he can't see, to stay healthy to play enough to be that go to guy . If he does stay healthy he could have a very good season in that system .

[weepaws 2,460]

He makes playmakers out of anyone. Before Graham they never had anyone that great on his wr group. Someone will emerge and earn his trust.

Yea you could be right . But you know them gut feelings and I am having one about him this season . Another fantasy season .

[Cruzer 1,992]

The biggest asset for Cowboy defense last year was DeMarco Murray and the running game...

This is the single point that separates me from you, and many others..... I think the biggest asset for the Cowboys' defense last year was our offensive line - which is exactly why Murray (in the Jones' minds) was expendable.

[Ray_T 591]

The biggest asset for Cowboy defense last year was DeMarco Murray and the running game, which kept the Boys defense off the field almost three entire games less than 2013.

 

You go back and check the defensive numbers between 2013 & 2014 they are identical. All except one.

 

Time of possession. That more than anything is what they'll miss with Murray. They are better on defense, but I got news for you. Nobody stops Aaron Rodgers. You do that by keeping him off the field.

 

By the way, if Bryant makes the smart football play and cradles that ball in for the catch first, then perhaps Dallas burns a couple plays from the 4 yd line before they punch it in? But that's not Bryant lol... he's got to lunge for the goal line. Nothing wrong with that type of player, just making an observation.

You are so totally correct on this.

 

A great running game will cover up a lot of flaws on defense. Most defenses give up more points in the second half (and 4th quarter) when they get tired. If the run game keeps the other teams offense(and your defense) off the field, your defense is fresh going into the second half (and maybe the fourth quarter) and they are far less likely to get beat as the result of a physical or mental mistake resulting from fatigue.

[jaxjag 43]

The biggest asset for Cowboy defense last year was DeMarco Murray and the running game, which kept the Boys defense off the field almost three entire games less than 2013.

 

You go back and check the defensive numbers between 2013 & 2014 they are identical. All except one.

 

Time of possession. That more than anything is what they'll miss with Murray. They are better on defense, but I got news for you. Nobody stops Aaron Rodgers. You do that by keeping him off the field.

 

By the way, if Bryant makes the smart football play and cradles that ball in for the catch first, then perhaps Dallas burns a couple plays from the 4 yd line before they punch it in? But that's not Bryant lol... he's got to lunge for the goal line. Nothing wrong with that type of player, just making an observation.

 

I think the vast majority of NFL players reach for the goal line.

 

Interested in your take on Ryan Williams. Can he recover from the knee injury or has it just taken something he can't regain?

[R8RMick 242]

This is the single point that separates me from you, and many others..... I think the biggest asset for the Cowboys' defense last year was our offensive line - which is exactly why Murray (in the Jones' minds) was expendable.

 

 

Well, the team also decided to commit to the run as well. You know full well the Cowboys per carry average in 2014 was about what it was historically the last few years. I've heard you personally lament the fact they would not commit to the run. But getting back to the question at hand... I think the running style of DeMarco Murray to be FAR more conducive to a power running/ball control offense than any back they currently have on hand. Offensive line or not.

 

The only way to conclude definitively is to re-visit later this season. I'll stand on hand as saying your team is in big trouble if it rolls with Randle/McFadden. You may compete for the division, but it will be more heartache in January in Green Bay or Seattle. Windows slam damn fast in the NFL. If Randle/McFadden can't handle to heat, and Romes/Garret/Linehan throw the running game back out the window, you're back to passing 40 times a game with a guy in Randle they were loathe to trust in protection. The Cowboys cannot win without playing the power running style they showed last year. Period. A running back by committee with Randle/McFadden can't give them that.

 

Too bad Bryant wouldn't have signed his deal four months ago, then you could have franchised Murray, ran him into the ground one more year, and won your super bowl. But I digress.

[R8RMick 242]

Randle has just been waiting for his chance. Forget the nay-sayers....watched him at Okla. State, and he has the skillz, particularly behind this A+ o-line. He has the size. He has sufficient speed and power. He can pass block (esp. if he has been coached up). He can make guys miss in the open field. He can finish runs. He has a nose for the end zone.

 

Dallas was determined to run Murray into the ground last year....and did. Randle is fresh and hungry. They kept him after the underwear/cologne debacle for a reason. Don't miss out on Murray fantasy numbers for a Gurly price tag.

 

 

 

Yeah, watching that tape he looks like a guy who runs about a 4.6 forty. Go back and watch it again, but this time picture the first defender as being an NFL linebacker who's wrapping him up immediately.

[Cruzer 1,992]

Well, the team also decided to commit to the run as well.

Did they decide to commit to the run bcoz they had D. Murray - or bcoz they had a beast of a line? Murray was already here in 2011 - if he were the end all, beat all, reason we finally committed to the run - why did we draft T. Frederick and Z. Martin after he was already here?

 

The commitment here was made to build from the inside out - Murray and the rest fell into place as a result of that.

[R8RMick 242]

Did they decide to commit to the run bcoz they had D. Murray - or bcoz they had a beast of a line? Murray was already here in 2011 - if he were the end all, beat all, reason we finally committed to the run - why did we draft T. Frederick and Z. Martin after he was already here?

 

The commitment here was made to build from the inside out - Murray and the rest fell into place as a result of that.

 

 

Respectfully, the reason they drafted that offensive line was because Tony Romo ended 2011 on his back and writhing in pain.

 

Let's just re-visit.

[Cruzer 1,992]

 

 

Respectfully, the reason they drafted that offensive line was because Tony Romo ended 2011 on his back and writhing in pain.

 

Let's just re-visit.

I think the reason they addressed, drafted and built this offensive line was bcoz of a change in philosophy - not Romo. The philosophy with Jerry was bells, whistles and shiny things. It's clear the thinking of Stephen, Garrett and McClay is vastly different.

[Flgatorguy87 160]

Randle for a number ten is a steal IMO .

Not that anyone cares too much....but I went a different direction.

 

Ended up pulling a trade for L. Murray who I can keep for a 14th. I'll pair him with J. Hill who I keep for a 6th. Excited about this upside, but I still prefer Randle in a vacuum.

[sirensong 111]

I think the reason they addressed, drafted and built this offensive line was bcoz of a change in philosophy - not Romo. The philosophy with Jerry was bells, whistles and shiny things. It's clear the thinking of Stephen, Garrett and McClay is vastly different.

 

agree here. people see the draft results, not the reasoning. in 2011, DAL had to choose between smith and watt, and decided on smith. since then though, OL has not been the draft priority. yes, they would have liked to snag warmack or cooper in 2013, but those guys went unrealistically high. and given the chance to snag warford in the 2nd, they passed.

 

after 2011's smith, and 2012's claiborne (passing on center decastro), in 2013, DAL wanted S vacarro. when NO snagged him, jerry went to the phones and traded down, landing a run-blocking specialist with some liabilities in pass pro. in 2014, DAL also wanted to go defense, coveting DT donald and LB shazier. when they came off the board, the consolation prize was martin.

 

my point is that smith>claiborne>frederick>martin looks like a master plan at work. but had DAL gotten the drafts they wanted at the time, we are likely to have seen smith>claiborne>vacarro>shazier. this still looks like a plan, but an entirely different one.

 

so from a drafting perspective, the current gold-plated OL was not a conscious effort to build the great wall of dallas, but rather a smart reaction to how the boards in those drafts played out.

[WMagnum1 4]

Would you rather keep Randle for a 10th or B. Cooks for a 6th in a standard league?

 

I'm in the same boat, except it's AFoster for a 3rd, or Randle for a 16th. It seems based on value alone, it should be Randle, but the bust-ability or Randle is also high. I don't have to decide for another month or so though.

[weepaws 2,460]

i'm in the same boat, except it's AFoster for a 3rd, or Randle for a 16th. It seems based on value alone, it should be Rabble, but the bust-ability or Randle is also high. I don't have to decide for another month or so though.

 

Foster for a third is a great move , he is a first round pick .

[Flgatorguy87 160]

 

i'm in the same boat, except it's AFoster for a 3rd, or Randle for a 16th. It seems based on value alone, it should be Rabble, but the bust-ability or Randle is also high. I don't have to decide for another month or so though.

Randle is a great lottery ticket but hard to pass on Foster for that price.

[ralphster 274]

 

I think the vast majority of NFL players reach for the goal line.

 

Interested in your take on Ryan Williams. Can he recover from the knee injury or has it just taken something he can't regain?

 

I think with rumors that DAL is talking with Chris Johnson confirms that Ryan Williams isn't going to be able to get back. Unfortunately. Kid was a great talent.

[Maulers1973 117]

Injuries are nearly impossible to predict. However, I am confident that Mcfadden will get injured. It's a matter of when rather than if. Behind that line mediocre talent can shine or at least be efficient. I am higher on Randle at this point.

[Cruzer 1,992]

 

I think with rumors that DAL is talking with Chris Johnson confirms that Ryan Williams isn't going to be able to get back. Unfortunately. Kid was a great talent.

There is no interest in Chris Johnson in Dallas. All the "talk" has been a 1-sided affair from Johnson's agent.... Dallas evaluated Johnson, never having brought him in, and decided not to pursue that option.... Of course, this is as of right now under normal circumstances. Not to say an injury to DMC or Randle later might not change that.

[Cruzer 1,992]

so from a drafting perspective, the current gold-plated OL was not a conscious effort to build the great wall of dallas, but rather a smart reaction to how the boards in those drafts played out.

Some of this is true for sure... But Dallas went into that 2013 draft targeting offensive and defensive tackles. The top 6 were off the board early, then Vacarro flew off the board at 13. So we moved down to 31, picking up a 3rd rounder (who turned into T. Williams).

 

Something can be said for fate. I remember 1990 and the name James Francis... Had the Bengals not drafted him, he would have been Dallas' pick in that 1st Round... Instead, they had to settle for some kid named Emmitt Smith.

[R8RMick 242]

 

agree here. people see the draft results, not the reasoning. in 2011, DAL had to choose between smith and watt, and decided on smith. since then though, OL has not been the draft priority. yes, they would have liked to snag warmack or cooper in 2013, but those guys went unrealistically high. and given the chance to snag warford in the 2nd, they passed.

 

after 2011's smith, and 2012's claiborne (passing on center decastro), in 2013, DAL wanted S vacarro. when NO snagged him, jerry went to the phones and traded down, landing a run-blocking specialist with some liabilities in pass pro. in 2014, DAL also wanted to go defense, coveting DT donald and LB shazier. when they came off the board, the consolation prize was martin.

 

my point is that smith>claiborne>frederick>martin looks like a master plan at work. but had DAL gotten the drafts they wanted at the time, we are likely to have seen smith>claiborne>vacarro>shazier. this still looks like a plan, but an entirely different one.

 

so from a drafting perspective, the current gold-plated OL was not a conscious effort to build the great wall of dallas, but rather a smart reaction to how the boards in those drafts played out.

That's a detailed and pretty damned interesting synopsis, though I would have liked to see the Manziel angle added in there as well.

[R8RMick 242]

There is no interest in Chris Johnson in Dallas. All the "talk" has been a 1-sided affair from Johnson's agent.... Dallas evaluated Johnson, never having brought him in, and decided not to pursue that option.... Of course, this is as of right now under normal circumstances. Not to say an injury to DMC or Randle later might not change that.

Instead of washed up vets who've lost a step, I'd like to see the Boys target some young talent flying under the radar. Like a Knile Davis or a Khiry Robinson or Tre Mason.

[Cruzer 1,992]

Instead of washed up vets who've lost a step, I'd like to see the Boys target some young talent flying under the radar. Like a Knile Davis or a Khiry Robinson or Tre Mason.

I'm all on board with this - agreed.... Keys to winning (imo): Build from the inside out, get young, get speed - find a franchise qb.

[Mr Neil 63]

Saints won't trade Khiry, why would they? He is cheap insurance who is a great backup to Ingram who I guarantee will not last the season. I'm a saints homer and Sony have much faith in Ingram. As far as kniles Davis I think he would be amazing in Dallas. Love that guy. But the same thing applies for him. He is in the cheap. Why off load him when you have no one behind him.

 

 

Instead of washed up vets who've lost a step, I'd like to see the Boys target some young talent flying under the radar. Like a Knile Davis or a Khiry Robinson or Tre Mason.

[Frozenbeernuts 1,652]

Instead of washed up vets who've lost a step, I'd like to see the Boys target some young talent flying under the radar. Like a Knile Davis or a Khiry Robinson or Tre Mason.

Imagine Antone Smith in that system. 3k yards