On Tuesday running back Darren McFadden verbalized what we've all known for a while: The Dallas Cowboys will employ a running back by committee.
"You know the competitor in me definitely wants to be the No. 1 guy that goes out there. But at the same time, it's like, man, you know we're going to split carries," McFadden told KRLD-FM when asked if starting matters, via the Dallas Morning News. "So whoever goes out there or goes out there second -- I just know whenever I do get a chance to get the ball in my hands, I'm going to go out there and go 110 percent."
McFadden returned from the physically unable to perform list last weekend and has been taking first-team reps. The running back then provided a scouting report on himself and Joseph Randle.
"You're going to get a guy who's going to stand in there and protect the pass, pick up the blitz and protect the quarterback," the 27-year-old back said of himself. "A hard runner. When I see the hole, I know how to hit it. A lot of people just look at the speed that I have. If you watch me play, you know I'm a pretty physical back also. That's one thing a lot of people don't think about when they think about Darren McFadden. They don't think about the physical-ness. I definitely love making contact."
As for Randle:
"He's a very slashy guy," McFadden said. "The one thing that I've learned about him since we've been out here is he's a hard worker, and I love to see that in a running back. He's a guy who can (hit a) home run at any time. He's not afraid to stick his nose in there and pick up a blitz."
Health likely will be the determining factor in how the carries end up being divided early in the season -- both backs missed time during training camp.
McFadden has averaged just 3.4 yards per carry the last three seasons and Randle has earned just 105 carries in two seasons, providing neither a leg up. While either could stand out behind the best offensive line in the NFL, both understand they will split opportunities -- which Fantasy Football fans hate to hear.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast continues with its fantasy extravaganza and takes you behind the scenes in Cleveland with Marc Sessler.
