Cowboys Head Into Giants Game With Questions At Running Back
The Dallas Cowboys open their 2015 NFL season with a match-up with their division rival New York Giants. While the Cowboys won the NFC East last season, there are questions thanks to the departure of Offensive Player of the Year DeMarco Murray and some interesting free agent signings. Here is a look at what the Cowboys are considered with as they start this season.
Garrett Unconcerned About Starting Running Back
Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett was asked at practice who he saw starting at running back in Week 1 and he said that it didn't matter who the starting running back is. "It doesn't matter," Garrett said. "The only thing that matters is everybody getting ready to play and when their number is called upon, be ready to go out there and be their best." His choices leading into the game are Joseph Randle, who backed up DeMarco Murray last season and Darren McFadden, the former first round draft pick from Oakland.
Right now, Randle is the player that should get the most carries. He ran for 343 yards on 51 carries in 2014, an average of 6.7 yards per carry. If he falters, expect Dallas to go with the hot hand from that point on, with McFadden and Randle both getting chances to run the ball and whoever plays best will ride the tide that game.
Offensive Line Ready For Repeat Performance
The Dallas Cowboys had the best offensive line in 2014, with three players starting in the Pro Bowl along with the running back they opened holes for, DeMarco Murray. With Murray gone to Philadelphia, the Cowboys offensive line now must prove that it was them, and not only Murray's skills, that made the Cowboys the leading rushing attack in 2014. The linemen were quiet in the preseason with four of the five starters injured at points leading into the season opening game with the Giants. However, with Zack Martin returning to practice on Wednesday, the entire line is healthy and ready to roll.
Cowboys Add New Quarterback to Practice Squad
The Dallas Cowboys added quarterback Kellen Moore to the practice squad, and while this has no bearing on the weekend's game with the New York Giants, it could be a significant addition for the future. Last season, the Cowboys added former Cleveland Browns' first round draft pick Brandon Weeden, and the Cowboys lost his one start in 2014 in embarrassing fashion. While Dallas wanted Dustin Vaughan to step up and claim the role of quarterback of the future, he regressed this preseason and Dallas cut him. Replacing him on the practice squad is Moore, who threw for 14,667 yards and 142 touchdowns in college for Boise State. He has a chance to win over Cowboys' officials and possibly replace Weeden over time. Garrett called him a very productive player, saying "he knows how to win."
Giants Sign Former Cowboys' Linebacker
The Dallas Cowboys made their final roster cuts. One of the players that the Cowboys cut was linebacker Jasper Brinkley. Dallas brought in Brinkley to add depth to the linebacker corps, but decided they needed help in other areas and let him go. Brinkley was quickly picked up by the New York Giants, just before their game with the Cowboys. The timing is interesting, as an ESPN report concerning the New England Patriots this week alleged that the Patriots signed players from opposing teams leading into games with those teams. It is unclear if Brinkley has enough information to reveal the Cowboys' game plans to the Giants this weekend.
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Shawn S. Lealos is a freelance writer who graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2000 with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism. He writes for a variety of national publications and has over 15 years of sports journalism experience. Follow Shawn on Twitter @sslealos. Examiner.com.