Elliott's Arrival Means Departure of Running Back Committee

Last year the Cowboys got 1,000 yards in only 10 starts from the NFL’s 4th-leading rusher, Darren McFadden.

Last month they added veteran insurance to their running back position by signing Alfred Morris.

And don’t forget Lance Dunbar, who was on pace for a record receiving season when he tore up his knee.

Getting the ball to those three was going to be a challenge for offensive coordinator Scott Linehan. Now, enter Ezekiel Elliott. So long, committee?

Said vice president Stephen Jones, “You don’t pick a running back with the 4th pick unless you think he’s unique. If you’ve got one that’s special, one that brings something unique to the table, then, yeah, you use that guy more. And you don’t use the committee.”

The Cowboys drafted Elliott so high because, they say, he’s a talented runner. An above-average blocker. A great blocker in blitz pickup. He stays healthy. And he doesn’t fumble.

In other words, yep, bye bye committee.

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In 2014 DeMarco Murray was the Cowboys’ lone workhorse. If they’re going to attempt to follow that blueprint, the only scraps left will be split between McFadden and Morris. So, sure, it could be said that they wasted money on Morris.

Last year the Cowboys had a committee. This year, they face a conundrum.

A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.

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