So perhaps, as we’ve surmised repeatedly, the Cowboys aren’t as content with their running-back-by-committee as they publicly profess.
If so, why is veteran running back Ben Tate at Valley Ranch for a workout Thursday?
It was just last week that owner Jerry Jones claimed the Cowboys’ running game would in 2015 be “better” despite the departure of NFL leading rusher DeMarco Murray. Assuming that belief is genuine, then why continue the search for a running back?
The answer, to me, is that while the Cowboys’ dominant offensive line will be even better with the addition of free agent La’el Collins, there is still room for improvement behind them with the players who tote the football. Enter Tate.
Having rushed for 2,363 yards with four teams over four seasons, he doesn’t immediately grab you as an upgrade over Darren McFadden, Joseph Randle, Lance Dunbar and Ryan Williams. A second-round draft pick of the Texans in 2010, he missed a year with a broken ankle and then rushed for 942 yards and four touchdowns in ’11. Since then he’s bounced from the Browns, Vikings and Steelers, each with a variety of unproductivity.
It’s always tricky following the philosophy at Valley Ranch. Passing on a running back in the draft only to trot in re-tread veterans for tryouts certainly adds to the mystery.
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.
