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Despite the fact that Darren McFadden has already missed the majority of the offseason workouts this year due to a hamstring strain, you can fully expect him to get every opportunity imaginable to hold on to the starting running back position for the Dallas Cowboys. For some reason NFL experts continue to believe that the Cowboys will bring in another running back as they get deeper into training camp; I’ve even heard ridiculous names like Shonn Greene and Steven Jackson being thrown around, as if either of them are currently any better than McFadden or Joseph Randle.
But what these experts don’t seem to realize is that owner Jerry Jones has coveted McFadden ever since he declared for the draft back in 2008, and now that he finally has him, there is no way he will go looking elsewhere to find a possible upgrade. Even if he continues to be injury prone, the Cowboys feel more than confident that Randle can be their back of the future if given the opportunity, and this is why they haven’t released him after some of his odd comments or his many off-the-field issues.
Even though it took him a while to return to the field, McFadden was back at practice this week taking snaps with the first team offense. And while he isn’t making any predictions about his role or his production with the team this year, you can bet that he is chomping at the bit to prove all of his critics wrong.
Everyone is quick to point out that he hasn’t averaged more 3.5 yards per carry in three seasons, but what they fail to mention is that his offensive line was also one of the worst in the league over that time period. The Cowboys brought him in thinking that he can return to the form he displayed in 2010 with the Oakland Raiders when he rushed for over 1100 yards and also caught 47 balls for over 500 yards.
They have these high hopes because they just so happen to have what is considered to be the best offensive line in football. And if you combine McFadden’s skill with this dominant offensive line then he just may be the difference maker the Cowboys need to return to the Super Bowl.
One thing is for sure, he will get his fair share of opportunities to prove himself.
Kelly Anderson is a blogger for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @bgipp01 or add him to your network on Google.
