DeMarco Murray may not be replaced by just one running back in the Dallas Cowboys' backfield. It's long been assumed that Joseph Randle would be the lead back, with Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar chipping in every now and then. But Dallas' offensive game plan against the Minnesota Vikings in Saturday's preseason loss suggested a more balanced approach.
In the first quarter, Randle carried the ball six times for 15 yards. In the second quarter, McFadden carried the ball four times for 37 yards. In terms of workload, that's a clear example of a running back-by-committee approach.
"I thought they both did a good job," quarterback Tony Romo said via ESPN. "I thought the looks were a little tougher for Joe early on with the way they played it, then we got to some runs we could attack them with and it opened up some holes. Darren obviously did good on those and made some explosive runs.
"But sometimes the dirty ones are some of the best ones too."
McFadden showcased some solid burst on a 13-yard run that owner and general manager Jerry Jones describes as "vintage McFadden." The veteran running back struggled through a hamstring injury early in training camp but is now fully healthy.
"You don't need every (snap)," McFadden said. "When it's time to play, you have to just be ready. I tried to do that tonight. For a running back, one you get in the groove, it's hard to get out of it. Once you're getting carries, you get the groove."
The running back competition will extend into the final week of the preseason though each of Dallas' rushers may see significant playing time throughout the season.
"I think we are going to keep working and we're going to keep grinding," Randle said. "We'll let the coaches do their job."
Jones has expressed his confidence in this group heading into the Sept. 13 opener against the New York Giants.
"I see how we can line up certainly this coming week but I see how we can line up against the Giants, yes, I do," Jones said. "You say, Well, couldn't you see it before?' Now, I saw the same things before. I expect [Randle] to give us and has the talent to make some of the plays we saw him make tonight. I certainly know [McFadden] can make them and [Lance] Dunbar can do the same. If they're healthy, I'll take their skill and what they can bring and go to the game against the Giants and won't ask for any more."
