The Cowboys will be better off with Joseph Randle instead of Demarco Murray, at least according to Sports Illustrated's Andy Benoit. In June, Randle said, "Murray left meat on the bone," according to Benoit.
Benoit agrees with Randle saying that Murray doesn't always run on a straight line and that "his weakness is in his hips, which are a little stiff, and his feet, which are sometimes too heavy to maintain balance when changing direction."
Several coaches have privately agreed with this assessment, and so have two historic running backs, Emmitt Smith and LaDainian Tomlinson. Murray led the league in rushing last season with 1,845 yards, which was 484 yards more than any other running back.
There are people who believe Randle could have rushed for more yards, including Benoit. Randle had 343 yards last season, but there can be some optimism as he ran for 6.7 yards per carry. The only question will be how he will perform when NFL teams have game film on him. Playing behind Murray may have given Randle and edge last season, as defenses were tired of trying to bring down a number one rusher who plays physical.
The real reason Randle has a great chance this upcoming season is his offensive line. The Cowboys have arguably the best offensive line in the league, and they are young. Three Cowboys' offensive linemen made the Pro Bowl: Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, and rookie Zack Martin. Martin will be in his second season at guard, and the more time the line has to gel together, the better the "Boys" will be.
It may be unreasonable to think Randle will have more yards than the Murray from a year ago, but behind this offensive line it's possible for the Cowboys to be the top rushing team in the league.
