Rainer Sabin
The Cowboys are still in the process of finding DeMarco Murray’s replacement. The competition for the starting running back job has yet to heat up, but with the first preseason game on the horizon a clear-cut top candidate should emerge soon. Here’s a look at how each running back has fared so far:
Joseph Randle; Third Year; Randle is the favorite to land the starting job after averaging 6.73 yards per carry last season. He looks stronger than he did in 2014 and still has the acceleration that has made him the frontrunner. Randle has routinely zipped through holes. But he has struggled in other areas. In a seven-on-seven session, he was stripped by Barry Church and Sean Lee. He has also been shaky in pass protection, ceding ground to blitzing rushers.
Darren McFadden; Eighth Year; McFadden hasn’t done anything in practice because he is on the physically unable to perform list with a hamstring injury. However, McFadden could be back on the field as early as Saturday.
Lance Dunbar; Fourth Year; Dunbar was having a good camp before he injured his ankle during an awkward sequence Wednesday. Before that setback, Dunbar had made a positive impression. He looked quick and elusive, routinely getting to the second level with the agility that has intrigued the Cowboys since he joined the team in 2012. He has also reprised his role as a steady receiver, catching screen passes and turning them into big gains.
Lache Seastrunk; First Year; Seastrunk is a long-shot to make the roster. But he doesn’t lack physical ability. He has speed and an arsenal of nifty moves – all of which have been on display during practice. Seastrunk, however, has struggled with the mental side of the game and has appeared lost at times. He has incurred the ire of position coach Gary Brown on occasion as a result. Because the Cowboys want their running backs to be sturdy pass protectors, Seastrunk faces an uphill climb to make the team.
Gus Johnson; Rookie; The Stephen F. Austin standout, signed just before training camp has, made a positive impression. He has quickness and a little wiggle. And he has been solid in pass protection. He could become a developmental player for the Cowboys if he continues to perform competently in practice.
The Cowboys are still in the process of finding DeMarco Murray’s replacement. The competition for the starting running back job has yet to heat up, but with the first preseason game on the horizon a clear-cut top candidate should emerge soon. Here’s a look at how each running back has fared so far:
Joseph Randle; Third Year; Randle is the favorite to land the starting job after averaging 6.73 yards per carry last season. He looks stronger than he did in 2014 and still has the acceleration that has made him the frontrunner. Randle has routinely zipped through holes. But he has struggled in other areas. In a seven-on-seven session, he was stripped by Barry Church and Sean Lee. He has also been shaky in pass protection, ceding ground to blitzing rushers.
Darren McFadden; Eighth Year; McFadden hasn’t done anything in practice because he is on the physically unable to perform list with a hamstring injury. However, McFadden could be back on the field as early as Saturday.
Lance Dunbar; Fourth Year; Dunbar was having a good camp before he injured his ankle during an awkward sequence Wednesday. Before that setback, Dunbar had made a positive impression. He looked quick and elusive, routinely getting to the second level with the agility that has intrigued the Cowboys since he joined the team in 2012. He has also reprised his role as a steady receiver, catching screen passes and turning them into big gains.
Lache Seastrunk; First Year; Seastrunk is a long-shot to make the roster. But he doesn’t lack physical ability. He has speed and an arsenal of nifty moves – all of which have been on display during practice. Seastrunk, however, has struggled with the mental side of the game and has appeared lost at times. He has incurred the ire of position coach Gary Brown on occasion as a result. Because the Cowboys want their running backs to be sturdy pass protectors, Seastrunk faces an uphill climb to make the team.
Gus Johnson; Rookie; The Stephen F. Austin standout, signed just before training camp has, made a positive impression. He has quickness and a little wiggle. And he has been solid in pass protection. He could become a developmental player for the Cowboys if he continues to perform competently in practice.
