Cowboys: Where Is The Running Game?

By Dink Kearney | Sep 17, 2015

The Dallas Cowboys played an outstanding game but only had 81 rushing yards. The Cowboys need their run game to produce at a high level to be successful.

When the Dallas Cowboys defeated the New York Giants on Sunday night, it was one of the most epic victories in Cowboys history. Tony Romo played the part of Roger Staubach as he engineered one of the best 4th quarter comebacks I’ve ever witnessed. Romo passed the ball consistently and effortlessly on that final drive as he found Jason Witten in the end zone to win the game.

That was Romo’s 24th comeback victory since 2006, the most of any NFL quarterback.

Although Romo led the Cowboys to victory with his arm, where was the running game? Where was the running back by committee approach? Why did the Cowboys only have 81 rushing yards?

Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden combined for 22 carries in their first regular-season game replacing DeMarco Murray. Murray set a franchise record with 1,845 rushing yards in 2014. A total of 81 rushing yards is a poor start to what the Cowboys want to accomplish with their running game.

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Randle and McFadden ran the ball effectively and looked good doing it. Randle started the game and had a team high 16 carries for 65 yards. McFadden entered the game in the second quarter and carried the ball six times for 16 yards. Randle’s best run was his 15-yard carry on the opening drive.

The Cowboys were impressive on that opening drive, too. However, the Cowboys finished the game with a 45-22 pass ratio. It’s a far cry from last season’s balance that the Cowboys need to display on a weekly basis with their running game.

So why only 22 carries between the running backs?

According to head coach Jason Garrett, four of the Cowboys’ 10 possessions were like two-minute drill situations. Garrett referred to two at the end of the first half and two at the end of the game. Of course, the Cowboys couldn’t lean on the run game on the last drive of the contest.

What about the other six possessions? The Cowboys could’ve run the ball on those other possessions because the offensive line was handling the Giants defensive front. The Cowboys moved the ball up and down the field like a video game.

The Cowboys hurt themselves with turnovers, completely self inflicted wounds. Take away the turnovers and Dallas would’ve been watching a preseason scrimmage.

Although the Cowboys lost Dez Bryant to injury and they fell behind by 10 points in the second half, there were ample opportunities to run the ball. For example, the Cowboys could’ve run the ball on the fumbled pass play by Devin Street. If the Cowboys run the ball on that series, maybe they get a better feel about their running backs and their is no turnover.

The Giants were the perfect team to run against. Randle averaged 4.1 yards a carry, which is better than decent. McFadden showed his power, too. It’s not like the Cowboys were down three or four touchdowns and had to pass.

My point is they need to run the ball to be successful this season.

Romo throwing the ball 45 times a game isn’t the recipe for success. This strategy places Romo at risk for injury, regardless of how great the offensive line is. A quarterback with a surgically repaired back slinging it 45 or more times a game is risky.

Romo had the best quarterback rating last season because he handed the ball off to Murray. It’s that simple.

Opponents are hoping the Cowboys lean heavily on the passing game now that Bryant is lost to injury. Blitz happy teams aren’t scared of the wide receivers on this roster. Terrance Williams, Devin Street, Cole Beasley, Lucky Whitehead and the newly acquired Brice Butler aren’t keeping defensive coordinators up at night.

Maybe defensive coordinators might lose some sleep over Witten, but that’s about it.

The Cowboys need balance because they won’t be playing the inept Giants every Sunday.

They better find their running game because as of right now, its missing.

Next: Cowboys: Christine Michael Brings The Power

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