Three backs supplying depth and basic expertise most clubs lack. making utilization of largely Marion Barber and Felix Jones, the Cowboys jumped from 21st in 2008 to seventh in total rushing, averaging 131.4 yards every game. They went 11-2 the 13 instances (including the Wild-Card triumph greater than Philadelphia) they topped 100 yards.
Simply put, once the Cowboys ran properly in 2009, they won.
Jones experienced a massive hand in that trend. Recovered from the season-ending toe injury in 2008 together with a sprained knee from the important thing half for the 2009 season, he averaged 13.2 carries and 79.2 yards greater than his last 6 games.
Past Jones and Barber, third-stringer Tashard selection has confirmed with limited purpose that he could begin for one more NFL team. He and Barber are already the make any difference of make trades rumors this off-season, however it appears likely that all three may be back again in 2010.
What They Need:
Not substantially in conditions of personnel. Any alter would likely appear by employing hold distribution.
Based on Jones' accelerated purpose previous due from the year, it's obvious the Cowboys want him additional bundled when healthy. For durability's sake they'd would rather sustain him below the 20-carry limit, but 15 a meet subsequent time period could possibly be ideal.
Barber nevertheless figures to obtain his share, but selection has long been productive when needed. He only obtained 64 carries last year, generally like a third-down or Razorback development guy, so there's genuinely no space for a fourth back again unless he could locate a game-day area of interest like a returner.
At fullback, Deon Anderson has began using the last three seasons but endangered his job protection in feb . when he was arrested following an alleged altercation outside a suburban Dallas restaurant. The Cowboys also have begun to produce utilization of additional and additional two- and three-tight carry out sets featuring Jason Witten, Martellus Bennett and John Phillips.
Who's Out There:
This is not really a particularly deep operating back again school anyway. Clemson's C.J. Spiller is believed to be just one of the finest and perhaps only first-round prospect.
USC's Joe McKnight, who rose using the best of the crowded Trojans backfield, and Fresno State's Ryan Mathews - a big, physical, runner - also rank high.
Despite his tiny frame (5-8, 172) Ole Miss' Dexter McCluster has intrigued clubs with his demand and return ability. Viewed like a change-of-pace runner and perhaps a slot receiver, he could go as huge since the second round. California's Jahvid finest carries a comparable makeup.
SMU's Shawnbrey McNeal, a past observe star with rushing and return skills, was invited using the Cowboys' "Dallas Day" actual exercises for nearby prospects, and Kentucky fullback John Conner was reportedly amid the nationwide site visitors at Valley Ranch last week. the two are believed to be late-round to free-agent picks.
Look Back:
Who could neglect Smith's loud polka-dot meet on April 22, 1990, the day time the Cowboys traded as substantially as 17th from the important thing round and drafted the last for the Triplets: the groundwork for three very Bowl titles from the 1990s.
As the tale goes, the Cowboys in the beginning coveted linebacker James Francis but turned their curiosity to Smith shortly after the Bengals grabbed Francis at No. 12. by no suggests believed to be an elite athlete, Smith retired in 2005 since the league record-holder for rushing yards (18,355), rushing touchdowns (164) and 100-yard fits (78).
He's now the 12th dude with Cowboys ties elected using the professional Football Hall of Fame. He may be formally inducted using the 2010 school in an August ceremony in Canton, Ohio.
Draft Nuggets:
McCluster was amid numerous draft hopefuls to purpose out at Michael Johnson basic performance center in nearby McKinney, Texas, before to the NFL Scouting Combine . . . Georgia Tech's Jonathan Dwyer backed up selection like a freshman in 2007. The following year, shortly after the Cowboys drafted selection from the fourth round, Dwyer led the ACC in rushing . . . N.C. condition rusher Toney Baker's father, Tony, done using the Falcons, Cardinals and Browns from 1986-89 . . . USC's
Stafon Johnson, who's making a remarkable return from the important throat injury suffered in the weightlifting accident, is a buddy and past teammate of Cowboys kicker David Buehler.
