Close Article Return to stream X
NFL

Dallas Cowboys 2015 Training Camp Profile: RB Joseph Randle

+Read full article
5 Dallas Cowboys Facing Make-or-Break Seasons in 2015

Getty Images

Few players in the NFL have bigger shoes to fill than Dallas Cowboys running back Joseph Randle. It’s no easy task replacing the NFL’s leading rusher from a year ago, but that’s exactly what Randle will be asked to do… probably.

It’s likely that Jason Garrett and the coaching staff won’t ask Randle to do everything Murray did in 2014, because it’s not often a running back gets 392 carries in one season. Randle is still young and inexperienced, so going from 51 carries to 300-plus probably isn’t on the docket. Add in the fact that the Cowboys signed Darren McFadden and have Lance Dunbar and Ryan Williams on the roster as well, and you’ve got yourself a running back by committee in Dallas. That’s not a bad thing, either.

Randle has shown potential in limited time on the field, mainly in his 6.7 yards per carry last season. Obviously 6.7 yards per carry is impressive, but when you watch the film, his case to be a starting running back gets even greater. He shows burst and elusiveness that Murray lacked, although Murray made up for it with sheer power and tackle-breaking ability.

Randle constantly broke off long runs, with three of 20-plus yards and two of 40-plus. As far as percentages go, 5.8 percent of Randle’s carries went for 20 or more yards, and 3.9 percent went for 40 or more. Murray’s numbers for the same stats? Just 3.8 percent for 20-plus and 0.76 percent for 40 or more yards. Only four running backs in the NFL had more rushes of 40-plus yards than Randle, all of whom had 222 carries or more.

Those numbers show Randle’s home run-hitting ability in this offense, which should get Cowboys fans excited. Behind this offensive line, the sky is the limit for Randle and his explosiveness.

The first step in Randle becoming this starter, however, is training camp. He’ll have plenty of competition in McFadden, Dunbar and Williams, but I believe Randle has the upper hand as of now. McFadden hasn’t been able to stay on the field throughout his career, and the same goes for Williams. Even in OTAs, neither player was able to consistently participate in team drills, which could be a sign of things to come.

I see McFadden as Randle’s backup, allowing him to stay fresh for the long haul. Dunbar will be a great change-of-pace back to spell Randle, giving Tony Romo another weapon to get the ball to. He’s the most dynamic receiver out of the backfield and showed that last season. A combination of Randle, McFadden and Dunbar will give Dallas enough firepower in the backfield to consistently run the ball, which is how the Cowboys had continued success in 2014. Murray is a huge loss, but an increased workload for Randle will ease the burden.

Your Favorites