World HOt toPPIX

The Dallas Cowboys have not had much of a running game. A look at why, and why it needs to change.

Browse more photos »The Dallas Cowboys have had a lot of positive things happen this year. The pass rush is starting to look awesome, led by DeMarcus Ware; and the defense as a whole is further along than many (like me) expected, Sean Lee is apparently the real deal. Miles Austin has had a monster game, Jason Witten is still pretty much Jason Witten. Jesse Holley has shown he can be a weapon, and of course Tony Romo has given new meaning to the words guts and determination.

Or maybe it is more accurate to discuss the lack of a running game. The latest stats have the Cowboys 30th in the league in rushing yards, with a paltry 54.5 yards a game. That is a sad figure, especially on a team that is so potent through the air, ranked second in the league at 376.5 yds/gm.

What exactly is going on? Is this a deliberate choice, or are there some problems for the team that may come back to haunt them? I don't know the truth, but I do think I have an idea of what is going on. And I am a fan, so of course I think I can suggest a solution.

Prior to the start of the season, there were two Dallas players getting mentioned in a lot of articles as having potential for breakout seasons, Dez Bryant and Felix Jones. Dez certainly showed his potential in the first game, but Felix has been largely ineffective. His backups, Tashard Choice and DeMarco Murray, have also been less than impressive.

There have been several possible reasons offered for the impotence of the Dallas ground game. Many of these are covered in KD's article earlier today. One is, in the first two weeks, the team was up against two very good run defenses in the New York Jets and the San Francisco 49ers. Well, that theory was pretty much blown to smithereens by the Oakland Raiders, who put up 234 rushing yards against the Jets, or 61% of the total offense in their 34-24 win. I would say that is pretty good evidence that the Jets can be run on.

So that leaves two basic theories. One is that Dallas just does not have the personnel to successfully run the ball. The other is that running is just not a priority.

Not having the ability to run the ball is basically something that cannot be fixed. The running backs wouldn't appear to be the problem. Felix and Tashard have both had success in the past. Now, the newly rebuilt offensive line would seem much more capable than the aging line of the past few seasons. A more mobile and faster set of blockers should benefit the running game. So far, that hasn't come to fruition.

Another possibility is that the running game has just not been a priority for Jason Garrett. This is not at all hard to believe. Garrett has long shown a preference for the passing attack. And when your offense is ranked fourth overall in terms of yardage, maybe you don't feel a lot of urgency to change things.

I do think the lack of a ground attack is largely caused by the coaching decisions that JG is making. I do think he does not feel that a strong running game is all that important, and he can use short passes involving his running backs just as effectively.

Tony Romo lost the ball trying to go in from the three yard line against the Jets, and what was looking like a surprisingly easy Cowboys victory turned into a bitter, frustrating defense. One of the reasons this happened was the lack of a Dallas rushing option that could pound the ball in with three chances from the three. This is not a new issue. For the past couple of seasons, ever since Marion Barber lost that ability to get a yard or two, Dallas has lacked a short-yardage, smash-mouth running game. And it was the start of the loss in New York. That alone would indicate this needs to be changed.

The second reason also centers around Tony. More specifically, his ribs. And the rest of his body. I don't like to contemplate losing him for an extended period this year, and he is not getting any younger. One of the advantages of an effective running game is that it keeps the opposing defense honest and forces them to back off a little, which will keep your signal caller from getting the snot beat out of him. Even if you can use swing passes and screens to substitute for runs, they still lead to hits on the quarterback. Screens actually can increase the number of hits, since the onrushing defenders are allowed through to set the screen up, and the quarterback often has to hold the ball until the last second to let the play set itself up.

It would make a lot more sense to have a running game that the other team has to account for. Dallas has perhaps not been in a good situation to work on establishing the run with the way the first two games played out, and now Felix is nursing a sore shoulder. But it just seems to me that the team needs to get someone untracked. The team signed fullback Tony Fiammetta, who was not active last week. The word was that he had not had a chance to learn the playbook. He should be ready now. It is time to get him into the lineup, and to go after the Washington Redskins front seven and get some running established. As KD pointed out in his post earlier this afternoon on the O line, the Redskins are ranked 32nd in run defense, and fourth in pass defense. This may be the game to establish something on the ground.

Hopefully, that is what Jason Garrett is thinking this week, and he plans to get some more production out of running the ball. Get at least one of the backs going, and perhaps give Phillip Tanner a look in short yardage situations. I don't think the Cowboys have nearly as good a chance of winning this game or the rest of them if the offense is one dimensional.

Read More: Miles Austin (WR - DAL), Tony Romo (QB - DAL), DeMarcus Ware (LB - DAL), Jason Witten (TE - DAL), Jesse Holley (WR - DAL), Tashard Choice (RB - DAL), Felix Jones (RB - DAL), Tony Fiammetta (FB - DAL), Sean Lee (LB - DAL), Dez Bryant (WR - DAL)

by Realist Larry on Sep 26, 2011 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions hahahahaa yeah noticed that tooo woman !, dont try to understand em, dont try to make them understand you, for they are a breed apart !

by demonbane on Sep 26, 2011 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions Yeah, my bad. I added that after I saw that KD had also addressed the issue in his post. Obviously I got in a hurry.

by DarkKnight88 on Sep 26, 2011 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions Only old-fashioned farts want a running game, according to some. but of course, the passing game?s, and QB?s, best friend is a decent running attack.

But, there?s also been times where I?ve frozen the screen and can swear I see a crease or an opportunity to bounce one outside that the RB doesn?t see, or take. Maybe 5 times a game. It?s like they are going to the assigned hole rather than being allowed, or choosing, to see what?s developing and find the hole.

Anyone else notice this? It just may be that vision, that all-important nonmeasurable, is just lacking with these guys. Although I think of the 3 Choice would be best at squeezing out yardage where it?s available. Felix just seems like the hole has to be there, or nothing happens. For a guy who?s supposed to be quick, he doesn?t create much.

by CaliCowboysFan92 on Sep 26, 2011 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions I would say that is pretty good evidence that the Jets can be run on.

here?s a interesting tidbit? big rushing plays tend to be very unpredictable. Here?s a possibility. One break away run by McFadden that inflated the totals isn?t good evidence that the Jets can be run on.

but i guess the raiders offensive line is so much more dominant than dallas o-line in run blocking and the jets couldnt run any 46/bear fronts because chaz schillens, darius heyward-bey, denarius moore, and derek hagan were dominating the jets secondary and forced the jets to run a bunch of 4/5 DB packages?

R.I.P. Big Homey Nate Dogg: "Cuz Iiiiiiiiii have ne-evv-ver met a giiiiiiiiiirrrrrrllllllllllllllllllll tha-at I loved in the whole wide wooorrrlllllddddddd"

by Tom Ryle on Sep 26, 2011 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions FiTaT and Larry i think ur both wrong a qb?s best friend is a strong running & passing game, WRs that can catch, oline that blocks, a dominant defense, good special teams, great coaches? am i missing anything here?

by Fan in Thick and Thin on Sep 26, 2011 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions I'd rest Felix Let Tanner go active and then see what the three can give you. No reason to hurt Felix even more.

?He has since gone from bust to beast. McFadden, who averaged 5.2 yards per carry while running for 1,157 yards in 2010, impacts defenses in ways that transcend statistics. As (Shawne)Merriman points out, teams are so concerned with holding the edges to prevent McFadden from bouncing outside that the pass rush is inevitably weakened. Campbell has been sacked only twice for the season, including once by the Jets, who allowed more rushing yards (234) Sunday than they had in any game since Ryan took over as coach in 2009.?

R.I.P. Big Homey Nate Dogg: "Cuz Iiiiiiiiii have ne-evv-ver met a giiiiiiiiiirrrrrrllllllllllllllllllll tha-at I loved in the whole wide wooorrrlllllddddddd"

by starbury_to_s-jaxci2000 on Sep 26, 2011 4:46 PM CDT reply actions 54 yds per game, Emmitt would get that in 1 qtr. Someone please tell JasonB at BGN I was wrong for calling him a prick. A prick is part of a man and he sure ain't a man. ............

by DIRE WOLF on Sep 26, 2011 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions Cry baby Vick is backing off his refs are mean to me. Someone please tell JasonB at BGN I was wrong for calling him a prick. A prick is part of a man and he sure ain't a man. ............

Someone please tell JasonB at BGN I was wrong for calling him a prick. A prick is part of a man and he sure ain't a man. ............

by Final Frame on Sep 26, 2011 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions just NOT impressed with our run game. far too often as has been stated above, that our backs are hit behind the los, we dont seem to have a great push in the run game, knocking people down and moving them out in space. since Emmitt , we haven?t had a truly good back or we haven?t had the o-line or both .

by demonbane on Sep 26, 2011 5:08 PM CDT reply actions The Cowboys ought to have traded their two number ones in 2007 and drafted Darren Mcfadden.

you can say that about that guy they call all day or, really anyone that is in the league. they wanted a ?compliment? to barber. i dont really get the compliment thing, give me a rb that can play; not 4 that are ok.

Cowboys blew the 2008 draft There was so much talk about the Cowboys trading down for McFadden and then all of a sudden it just died down.

by mahuebel on Sep 26, 2011 7:12 PM CDT up reply actions Tanner!! Should be our 3rd down and short yardage back i think he runs hard and physical. What do you think?

by rogerwhitedorcett on Sep 26, 2011 5:21 PM CDT reply actions I'm not sure where the stats you got are from but this is ESPN. the Redskins are ranked 32nd in pass defense, and fourth in pass defense. This may be the game to establish something on the ground.

?After week two, San Francisco and the NY Jets were ranked 1st and 8th respectively in Defense Run DVOA according to Football Outsiders. The Redskins were ranked 32nd, dead last. Before you laugh, know that the Cowboys run offense is also ranked dead last by FO. Washington?s pass defense has been playing exceptionally well, ranked 4th.?

In other words, if everybody runs roughshod over the Eagles, and your running back gets 100 yards on 25 carries, it?s not as good as a game as rushing for 100 yards on 25 carries against the Ravens.

by KD Drummond on Sep 26, 2011 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions Part of the confusion was from my misquote. Otherwise, I was using KD's numbers. Formerly Pineywoods - different name, same cockeyed view of the world.

by Tom Ryle on Sep 26, 2011 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions pure yardage numbers don't tell the whole story the part Tom pulled from was their Football Outsiders DVOA ratings which take into account the situation the yards were gained in and the competition they were forged against.

In 2007 A lot of people were predicting the Cowboys would trade of for McFadden. Then all of sudden the talk died down and the Cowboys just sat on their hands.

by Tom Ryle on Sep 26, 2011 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions Tell us how you feel about the drafts. You?ve been surprisingly quiet on this topic.

by jazzbo251 on Sep 26, 2011 7:07 PM CDT via SB Nation iPhone app up reply actions I talked about Willie Smith for months Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!

by ChiaCrack on Sep 26, 2011 6:24 PM CDT up reply actions O-Line not pushing I have seen no holes for the backs in the first two games.

by Staubach on Sep 26, 2011 5:48 PM CDT reply actions 3-4 defense for the last couple of years, the cowboys have seemed to struggle to run against 3-4 teams. The Jets, 49ers, and Skins all play the 3-4. I?m expecting another tough game trying to establish the run.

by ChiaCrack on Sep 26, 2011 6:24 PM CDT up reply actions Priority #1 Stay healthy. Continue to heal and stay healthy. #2. Turn the Dogs of War loose on Rex Grossman and cripple their offense. #3. Score more points than them which will be easy when they tally a total of 13.

by Final Frame on Sep 26, 2011 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions ugh Fiametta was active last week Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!

by witten82 on Sep 26, 2011 6:28 PM CDT reply actions The Resurrection of Rex? Doesn?t that imply that he was ever good in the first place?

by witten82 on Sep 26, 2011 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions Free and Smith have to have a good game for Romo to stay upright. Their OLBs are good, maybe the best pair we?ll play this year.

Someone please tell JasonB at BGN I was wrong for calling him a prick. A prick is part of a man and he sure ain't a man. ............

by DIRE WOLF on Sep 26, 2011 6:49 PM CDT reply actions Agreed I think Orakpo is one of the best in the NFL. I think Kerrigan still has a lot to prove. He has had 2 good games, but he is still a rookie, and will experience some growing pains.

by witten82 on Sep 26, 2011 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions Dez is dressed and going to play!! This is huge for the passing attack. We need the passing attack to open up the run. This Oline is not strong and experienced enough to go the other way around.

by torchindefenses on Sep 26, 2011 6:53 PM CDT reply actions We need more of a running game. Pass offense is awesome IF you can protect the QB. This line isn?t doing it consistently, and the Ds are just teeing off on Romo.

by Fernie67 on Sep 26, 2011 6:54 PM CDT reply actions Ahh Felix Jones. If JJ didn?t have ties to Arkansas Felix might not have been drafted until the 4th round.

by DIRE WOLF on Sep 26, 2011 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions 4th round? yeah right, Jeff Fisher loved Felix Bruce Carter+Sean Lee=BRUCE LEE!!!!

by ChiaCrack on Sep 26, 2011 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions Garrett has no patience to establish the run If it?s not working on the first two series then it?s pretty much abandones. I wouldn?t mind a few three and outs early as long as we keep pounding it. Let the other D know we are going to jam down their throat. The backs and the line need to find their groove.

by RisingSunCowboy on Sep 26, 2011 7:02 PM CDT via mobile reply actions inactives Tanner is inactive, i was hoping he would be active instead of albright, not really impressed with albright and his special teams contributions. i guess having to have a third Qb active killed Tanner?s chances.

by DIRE WOLF on Sep 26, 2011 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions aw shucks... "Leadership is getting someone to do what they don?t want to do, to achieve what they want to achieve."

by jakezze01 on Sep 26, 2011 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions but only one place kicker? Someone please tell JasonB at BGN I was wrong for calling him a prick. A prick is part of a man and he sure ain't a man. ............

by mahuebel on Sep 26, 2011 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions Disappointing " Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. "

by calicowboysfan94 on Sep 26, 2011 7:06 PM CDT reply actions Why are the Skins team all standing on the Star at midfield and some are stomping on it?......

by ziggy19 on Sep 26, 2011 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions Redskids are going down!!! Rex and company will pay dearly tonight for that..

by ziggy19 on Sep 26, 2011 7:21 PM CDT up reply actions No jinx But Bailey better make everything tonite. I?m a Beuhler fan and I hope this is not a mistake. Field position on KO?s is critical.

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