Aug 24, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy calls a play in the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Cowboys are 2-2 and a full game behind the Washington Commanders in the NFC East through four weeks of the 2024 NFL season. This certainly is not the start the Cowboys envisioned for themselves, especially after signing wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to the second-highest non-quarterback contract in NFL history and making Dak Prescott the highest-paid player of all time.
The only problem, though, is that the team failed to pour any kind of significant resources into the running back position. Instead of signing Derrick Henry as a free agent (he signed a two-year $16 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens), Jerry Jones opted to bring Ezekiel Elliott back on an extremely cheap deal.
The offense, which should be among the best in the NFL, is now a laughingstock.
The Dallas Cowboys Rank Near or at the Bottom in Multiple Offensive Categories
With so many dynamic and expensive players on offense, the expectation is that the Cowboys have one of the best offenses in the NFL. While they certainly have the talent, though, they are far from being a complete offense that strikes fear into opposing defenses.
They currently have the fifth-most passing yards per game in the NFL with 255.5. The problem, though, is that they are dead-last in rushing offense with a pitiful 75.3 yards per game. Their 301 total rushing yards is also last in the NFL.
It is not a secret that the Cowboys have running back troubles. That is, it is no secret outside of Dallas. Owner Jerry Jones and head coach Mike McCarthy are in serious denial regarding the running back position, as was evident by McCarthy’s comments to the media on Friday.
Dallas Cowboys Fans Drag Mike McCarthy Over His View of the Running Back Position
One of the things the Cowboys have done in recent weeks to try and bolster their running back room was sign former Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook to their practice squad. For over a month, fans and media members have wondered when Cook would be added to the active roster.
Coach McCarthy was asked about his progress on Friday, and in response said, “He took some reps yesterday in the team periods, so we’re definitely moving him forward. But the other part of it, too, is I think Rico (Dowdle) and (Ezekiel Elliott) they haven’t been given a lot of opportunities too, so it isn’t like they haven’t done anything to warrant their opportunities decreasing right now. It’s a great place to be. It gives us excellent depth. That’s a hell of a situation to be in.”
Cowboys fans were not so quick to agree with McCarthy’s point of view:
As one can see, fans are not too thrilled with McCarthy’s view of the running back room. And it is hard to blame them. When a team is dead last in rushing and has a running back that is just one year removed from rushing for over 1,000 yards on its practice squad.
The fact of the matter is that Dallas woefully mismanaged the running back position this offseason, and it may cost them a spot in the NFL Playoffs.
