Why the Cowboys running game will be fine without Zeke

The Dallas Cowboys may be without the services of running back Ezekiel Elliott, but the rest of the runners are more than capable of getting the job done.

The Dallas Cowboys All Pro running back, Ezekiel Elliott, will be suspended the first six games of the regular season, forcing the Cowboys to find another back to replace his outstanding production.

Unless Zeke’s suspension gets overturned or reduced (highly unlikely), the Cowboys will open their season against the New York Giants with Darren McFadden, Alfred Morris, and Rod Smith as their running backs.

Although the Cowboys will miss the talented Zeke’s play making ability, the Cowboys running game will continue to flourish. Here’s why…

When NFL commissioner Roger Goodell handed down a six -game suspension to Zeke for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, NFL experts alike predicted the Cowboys will lose many games and maybe not make the playoffs.

Not so fast critics. Have they forgotten about the Cowboys’ other running backs?

I’m specifically talking about McFadden and Morris at the moment, two backs who can still carry the rock and be productive.

Darren McFadden

In 2015, McFadden rushed for 1,089 yards, three touchdowns, 239 carries, and rushed for 4.6 yards a carry. Also, McFadden had 40 receptions for 328 yards.

To be fair, McFadden played in all 16 games, but he only started in 10 of those games. Imagine if McFadden had started in all of them with a better quarterback at the helm.

In fact, McFadden’s best game was against the Giants when he rushed for 152 yards and one touchdown on 29 carries. He had another game where he rushed for 129 yards, and there were two other games where he rushed for 100 yards with carries of 16 and 19 respectively.

McFadden is a veteran runner that can still hit the holes and gain four to five yards a carry. Of course, he’s a drop down in talent from Zeke, but McFadden is no slouch by any stretch.

That’s because McFadden can move the chains, be productive, and keep opposing defenses honest with the play action fake.

Another benefit of McFadden is that he’s working with fresh legs, due in part to playing behind Zeke last season and from healing from an injury.

So McFadden isn’t coming off of a 239 carry season like he did in 2015. With McFadden’s injury prone history, fresh legs is a good thing.

As long as McFadden can run behind Dallas’ All Pro offensive line and move the chains, this team will not skip a beat in terms of its running game, which is its strength and foundation.

Alfred Morris

Morris is another running back Dallas can use for production. Morris doesn’t get any credit as a quality back because he lacks speed, but Morris is more than capable of carrying the rock.

No, Morris isn’t about to fake a linebacker out his cleats or jump over a few defenders for a few yards, but Morris will lower his head and shoulders and ploy up the middle like an old school running back.

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That bruising running style is very effective, whether its picking up extra yardage or punishing would be tacklers. Last season, Morris averaged a paltry 3.5 yards a carry on 69 rushing attempts for 243 yards while running behind Zeke.

Honestly, McFadden and Morris aren’t going to get a lot touches running behind Zeke. But since Zeke will more than likely miss six games, the combination of McFadden and Morris can get the job done.

And if Rod Smith continues to impress along with Ronnie Hillman, Dallas’ running game will remain legit.

Dallas’ offense will definitely miss Zeke’s explosiveness, speed, and the ability to break off a 60-yard touchdown, but the running game will remain a strength..

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With two former 1,000-yard rushers in McFadden and Morris ready for action, Dallas’ offense is more than capable of making plays and beating every team it faces in Zeke’s absence.

And because of that, America’s Team will be just fine.

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