Cowboys: Cole Beasley Will Help Run Game

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The Cowboys running game will receive assistance from Cole Beasley’s increased role in the passing game.

It’s hard to overstate the impact DeMarco Murray played in the Cowboys running game last season. After all, the NFL’s leading rusher racked up 437 rushing attempts behind the Cowboys offensive line.

Filling the hole left by the departure of DeMarco is no easy task, and many expect it to be divided among Joseph Randle, Darren McFadden, and Lance Dunbar. While the chances of some sort of running back by committee approach are likely, one name left off many people’s radars is Cole Beasley.

Fourth year slot receiver, Cole Beasley, and his newly signed 4yr/$13.6M contract, are looking to take up a bigger role in the offense this season for the Dallas Cowboys. While not a running back himself, the short pass receptions he specializes in, can help stabilize the offense that found perfect balance last season with Murray.

The 5’8” 180 lbs. undrafted free agent from SMU has collected a combined 76 receptions the past two seasons with the Cowboys. Beasley, 26, has found a niche in this game, and that niche is serving as Tony Romo’s safety value, hot route, and generally uncoverable playmaker.

"“Cole’s been good since he started playing,” said Romo. “It’s just a matter of getting reps and getting out there and seeing the different looks. His tree, his route tree has expanded.”"

Lately, Cole Beasley has been more than just a steadily developing player, though. Lately, Cole and Tony seem to be operating on their own shared frequency, and defensive backs have found it impossible to stand in the way of their obvious chemistry.

"“You know, he’s just very difficult to guard 1 on 1 and he’s got a great, and really unique, understanding of the game that compares very favorably to how I think of it,” Romo continued.  “So when he sees something and reacts, he does it at my timing, and the way I see it, which make us very compatible together.”"

Beasley’s just always open.

It’s that special compatibility that has flashed in previous seasons, and seems to be taking full form in training camp this season.

The chemistry Romo and Beasley enjoy these days harkens back memories of Patrick Crayton. Crayton never exploded with talent, but he always had a knack for being exactly where Tony Romo needed him. If Romo got in trouble and had to scramble, Crayton would be mirroring Romo upfield, holding up a hand.

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Cole Beasley’s ceiling certainly shouldn’t be capped at Patrick Crayton levels, for multiple reasons. First, Cole Beasley’s small stature and quick movements make him one of the most elusive receivers in the game. Second, Beasley plays a much different position in the slot (Crayton rotated positions). Third, Beasley’s just always open.

Playing out of the slot places Cole Beasley in the perfect position to make plays in this Dallas Cowboys offense. Jason Garrett’s brand of the Air Coryell Offense, focuses on downfield passing. This directs and targets receivers and tight ends alike.

Often times, the slot receiver is the only available short route to Romo. When facing a blitz, Beasley (and Jason Witten) are the primary hot routes Romo identifies. During a scramble, Beasley moves with the flow and finds space within the chaos.

We’ve seen Romo go to Beasley on critical postseason 3rd down plays as well, making Beasley more than just an afterthought and/or safety valve on offense.

The likelihood of the Cowboys repeating last season’s enormous rushing success, whether by one man or a committee of running backs, is slim to say the least. But Cole Beasley can make that regression a progression as he looks to take a bigger bite out of the offense in 2015.

Next: Devin Street Gives the Cowboys a Valuable Asset

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