Last year at this time, the Cowboys were still trying to figure out how Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden were going to replace reigning Offensive Player of the Year DeMarco Murray.
Two weeks before the start of the 2016 season, Dallas' backfield appears to have an embarrassment of riches.
Granted a first-team audition with No. 4 overall pick Ezekiel Elliott sidelined by a hamstring injury, rejuvenated power back Alfred Morris trampled the Dolphins defense for 100 yards on 14 first-half touches.
The former Redskins Pro Bowler broke tackles, bounced runs to the outside and showed fresh legs against an uninspired Miami defense. Morris looked like "a guy who can rush for 1,000 yards," NFL Media analyst Charley Casserly noted on Thursday's edition of Good Morning Football.
Cowboys teammates were particularly impressed after trying to tackle their division foe twice annually for four years.
"He's like a train coming through there," cornerback Morris Claiborne marveled, via ESPN.com. "He runs so hard and so low. It makes it tough to get him down."
Morris flashed that same burst in last year's season opener before losing his quickness and playmaking ability as the season dragged on.
Will lightning strike twice for the Cowboys' backfield?
Disparaged as an injury-prone, washed-up tease throughout last offseason and into the summer, McFadden ended up reaching 1,000 rushing yards for just the second time in his career. In fact, he generated more 100-yard rushing performances than any tailback save Adrian Peterson -- despite being relegated to a backup role until late October.
The common denominator is a dominant offensive line which factored into the organization's decision to lowball Murray last offseason.
Although he shouldn't be expected to challenge the uniquely talented Elliott for the starting job, Morris will team with McFadden to offer premium insurance at the position. Better yet, the Cowboys can utilize a multi-pronged attack to wear opponents down, set Tony Romo up for success and keep their own suspect defense off the field.
