A lot has been made of the Dallas Cowboys' handling of their running back situation this offseason. First, they let DeMarco Murray, who led the NFL in rushing with more than 1,800 yards, walk in free agency. Then they decided not to add another running back in the draft or free agency outside of the run-down Darren McFadden. Had Jerry Jones finally lost his mind (you know, more than usual)?
The answer to that question won't be known for sure until the regular season is over, but as of now it seems like the gamble could payoff. The Cowboys boast the NFL's best offensive line with first-round picks Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and Zack Martin. They also added first-round talent La'El Collins this offseason. Jones believes any rusher can succeed behind that offensive line which is why the team is heading into the season with Joseph Randle as their starter.
ESPN Senior Fantasy analyst Matthew Berry believes Randle will take full advantage of his opportunity and be a productive running back in fantasy football.
"I say Joseph Randle is a top-10 running back this season," Berry wrote in his bold predictions column. "My thinking: Everyone is assuming there will be a time-share right now and that's fair, based on what we've seen. But an injury to Darren McFadden and Randle's natural talent (I'm a believer) will allow Randle to take the job and, er, run with it. Sorry."
Randle impressed in limited playing time last season, carrying the ball 51 times for 343 yards (6.7 YPC) and three touchdowns. However, he has just 105 career carries and failed to produce with a similar workload his rookie season (3.0 YPC). It's unknown if he can handle the everyday rigors of being a lead back.
Still, he's in an advantageous position running behind the NFL's top offensive line and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him produce this year.
