Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Cowboys have assembled the best offensive line in the NFL, but the front office may be overvaluing the unit by settling on Darren McFadden as the team’s starting running back. I know Jerry Jones loves players from his alma mater, but McFadden has battled nagging injuries throughout his career and has failed to produce, although behind a porous Oakland Raiders‘ offensive line. In fact, by signing McFadden, it shows how little the organization believes DeMarco Murray had to do with the team’s rushing success in 2014, which be an incorrect observation.
When McFadden came out of Arkansas, he was quick, elusive and explosive, but since he’s been in the NFL he’s been the opposite. He seems indecisive, displays poor vision and doesn’t have that explosion like he once did. Although the offensive line opened massive holes for Murray to run through last season, Murray was decisive, made one cut and burst up through that hole. It’s possible that the Cowboys catch lightning in a bottle with McFadden, but I don’t foresee that happening.
With the limited options remaining on the free agent market and the Cowboys’ limited cap space, the best value deal available is Ray Rice. Jones has not been afraid to sign players who have a checkered past, as long as there’s enough talent there to be worth the risk. Despite only gaining 660 yards on 214 attempts, a 3.1 YPC average, in 2013, during his four years prior, Rice averaged 1,267 yards on 277 carries, good for a 4.57 YPC average. I would roll the dice that 2013 was a down year as opposed to a sign of things to come.
Rice would be a low-risk, high-reward option for the Cowboys, and I don’t believe he will be any sort of off-the-field problem for the team. He understands if he’s given a second chance, all eyes will be on him and everything he does will be scrutinized. Rice will be on the straight and narrow, and the Cowboys could be the on-the-field beneficiaries. If the Cowboys sign Rice, I believe that makes them legitimate 2015 Super Bowl contenders, which can’t be said at the moment.
Jason Fletcher is a MLB Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonFletcher25, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google+.
