McFadden had better stay ready

[threeNout]

with the kind of threat that Dak poses, DMAC could find running a LOT easier than he ever has in his entire career.

I've had that very thought, dual threat QBs can really help the traditional run game, Zeke was certainly helped by it last year.

[BigE_23]

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ezekiel-elliotts-potential-suspension-reportedly-will-be-closer-to-six-games/

I'm a Cowboy's fan, and this is upsetting news, but I'm hopeful that D-Mac can make his mark. He's still got something left in the tank!

[razorbackfan86]

I am shocked.

[FANONTHEHILL]

24 carries for 87 yards last year.  He will have more carries than that by halftime of week 2. I agree, a great opportunity to show everyone the D-Mac we remember.

[MS_HogFan]

24 carries for 87 yards last year.  He will have more carries than that by halftime of week 2. I agree, a great opportunity to show everyone the D-Mac we remember.

I love D-Mac and the Cowboys. The D-Mac I remember doesn't exist anymore. IMO

[Mo_Better_Hogs]

The gavel has come down—Zeke suspended 6 games. I haven't read this article yet, but sure the Cowboys will appeal the number of games. I bet they'd be happy if cut to 3, maybe 4. No matter how long, looks like Darren will be the number one back to start the season. And I'm damn excited to see it.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2017/08/11/reports-ezekiel-elliott-serve-6-game-suspension-violating-conduct-policy

[bennyl08]

The gavel has come down—Zeke suspended 6 games. I haven't read this article yet, but sure the Cowboys will appeal the number of games. I bet they'd be happy if cut to 3, maybe 4. No matter how long, looks like Darren will be the number one back to start the season. And I'm damn excited to see it.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2017/08/11/reports-ezekiel-elliott-serve-6-game-suspension-violating-conduct-policy

Alfred Morris may have something to say for that depending on how the rest of training camp goes, but McFadden will get carries no matter what happens and that will be fun to watch as always.

[RME]

I love D-Mac and the Cowboys. The D-Mac I remember doesn't exist anymore. IMO

Why not? Dude had a 1,000+ yard season just 2 seasons ago and averaged 4.6 YPC in the NFL.

[Mo_Better_Hogs]

Alfred Morris may have something to say for that depending on how the rest of training camp goes, but McFadden will get carries no matter what happens and that will be fun to watch as always.

Morris and McFadden may end up with similar numbers after 2 games (tilting toward McFadden). But a few days ago I was hearing some sports radio guys talking about this—when they felt it was certain there would be some kind of suspension for Zeke—and they all seemed certain that McFadden would be the starter. I don't know why they were so sure, unless they've seen DMac having a really good camp or something.

[Braden Jefferson]

EXACTLY

Darren is 9th in yards among active NFL running backs. And that's with considerably fewer carries than the guys ahead of him. He had over 1,000 just 2 seasons ago.

He's not done.

Thanks for that stat, that's pretty interesting.

Agreed. Especially in a committee backfield with the line he has in front of him. Him and AlMo are both solid, experienced backs. Plus, throw in the weapons D Mac has around him now compared to that disastrous 2015 Cowboys season when Dez and Tony went down, and he still put up 1100 yards.

[hogman64]

Why not? Dude had a 1,000+ yard season just 2 seasons ago and averaged 4.6 YPC in the NFL.

RB years in the NFL pretty much equal dog years...2 years ago is long time ago for an NFL running back..

[bennyl08]

Morris and McFadden may end up with similar numbers after 2 games (tilting toward McFadden). But a few days ago I was hearing some sports radio guys talking about this—when they felt it was certain there would be some kind of suspension for Zeke—and they all seemed certain that McFadden would be the starter. I don't know why they were so sure, unless they've seen DMac having a really good camp or something.

Yeah, I was going a bit off the hall of fame game. Morris tore the league up as a freshmen, but then continually was less productive each of his next seasons in washington. For Morris, it becomes a questions of whether he can regain that rookie season form. Don't know if his body wore down playing in washington or if it was simply a scheme that became less effective as time wore on. However, if his body has recuperated and/or that dallas OL can compensate for the scheme, Morris has skills.

McFadden is on the back legs of his career, but as mentioned previously, was just 2 seasons ago running for 1k yards at 4.6 yards a pop (and not playing much most of the first quarter of the season either). The biggest reason he didn't repeat that was the cowboys drafting young adrian peterson essentially.

At this stage in their respective careers, relying on Morris and McFadden is a gamble. However, in a best case scenario, they have a two headed monster with some thunder and lightning. Worst case is that they have two aging backs. Middle case is that they'll have a couple backs that are good enough to give them a running game, but not a great one.

[RME]

Thanks for that stat, that's pretty interesting.

Agreed. Especially in a committee backfield with the line he has in front of him. Him and AlMo are both solid, experienced backs. Plus, throw in the weapons D Mac has around him now compared to that disastrous 2015 Cowboys season when Dez and Tony went down, and he still put up 1100 yards.

I agree. With the Cowboys O-line, a lot of backs would put up some productive seasons, but a guy like Darren who more than likely still has some gas left can do very well. Especially with, like you said, with a 2x Pro-Bowler like Morris to share the load, a healthy Dez, and a QB like Dak.

RB years in the NFL pretty much equal dog years...2 years ago is long time ago for an NFL running back..

He had a whole 24 carries last year due to his "pool injury" incident. He didn't take any beatings or wear and tear last year. He's 29 and has already far surpassed the average NFL shelf life --- much less that of a running back. At this point, if he was breaking down, we'd be seeing it. He's not THAT bad off quite yet.

[Dr. Starcs]

Josh brown arrested and convicted of beating a woman gets 1 game.

Zeke gets 6, no conviction, was he even arrested?  Even if, sounds fair.

[SooiecidetillNuttgone]

Josh brown arrested and convicted of beating a woman gets 1 game.

Zeke gets 6, no conviction, was he even arrested?  Even if, sounds fair.

Don't get my started on how crazy our gyno-centric culture has gotten.

[Adam Stokes]

If McFadden can get 204 yards this season he'll break into the Top 100 rushing yards of all time. Be nice if he could do it in the first couple of games.

[longpig]

Josh brown arrested and convicted of beating a woman gets 1 game.

Zeke gets 6, no conviction, was he even arrested?  Even if, sounds fair.

Was Brown even charged?  Even if he was charged it was his first offense in 15 or so seasons. Elliot's been trouble since before he signed.

[Iwastherein1969]

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ezekiel-elliotts-potential-suspension-reportedly-will-be-closer-to-six-games/

I'm a Cowboy's fan, and this is upsetting news, but I'm hopeful that D-Mac can make his mark. He's still got something left in the tank!

This ^^^^  Darren can tote the rock behind the best offensive line in football on planet Earth. D MAC will surprise some people. Hell, two years ago he rushed for over 1100 yards after sitting out most of the first 6 games of the season. Darren can get 1300 yards this season and with the maturation of Prescott at QB, the Cowboys will be just fine. With EE sitting out, the 'BOYS will go 11-5 (and still win the NFC East), with EE winning an appeal, the 'BOYS will go 14-2 and be "pick'em" in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots.

[hoghearted]

you are very wrong on this one my friend. He's gonna get 6 games.

dang, you're good

[sickboy]

If McFadden can get 204 yards this season he'll break into the Top 100 rushing yards of all time. Be nice if he could do it in the first couple of games.

If he managed another 1k he'd be top 75 all time.

[Dr. Starcs]

Was Brown even charged?  Even if he was charged it was his first offense in 15 or so seasons. Elliot's been trouble since before he signed.

Charged, convicted and admitted. The league said Elliott was only punished for this specific alleged incident in which there wasn't even enough evidence to move forward with charges.

[threeNout]

Well this has to be the best opportunity McFadden has ever had since he's been in the NFL.

To start the year as the featured back, on a team with a great O-line and a dual threat QB, that's huge.

Gonna get 6 games at it?  I seriously hope he has a 300 yard game, and goes over 1,000 for the year.

[PorkRinds]

He and EE both healthy as a 1-2 punch could be lethal with Dak at the helm.

[Pig in the Pokey]

d dawg gonna ball out.

[Pig in the Pokey]

dang, you're good

he he  i have my moments.

[alohawg]

Well this has to be the best opportunity McFadden has ever had since he's been in the NFL.

To start the year as the featured back, on a team with a great O-line and a dual threat QB, that's huge.

Gonna get 6 games at it?  I seriously hope he has a 300 yard game, and goes over 1,000 for the year.

I hate it, but I'm thinking Morris gets the start.

[threeNout]

I hate it, but I'm thinking Morris gets the start.

I made that comment after reading this last night:

Cowboys' Darren McFadden: To start in Elliott's absence
by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire

McFadden is expected to start in Ezekiel Elliott's (suspension) absence for the first six games of the regular season, Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News reports.

McFadden said he's been preparing like he's the top guy in Dallas' backfield, and following Friday's news that Elliott will be sidelined until Week 8, it appears the veteran will indeed return to a prominent role. In the wake of DeMarco Murray's departure, McFadden started 10 games during the 2015 season, when he finished with 1,089 rushing yards and three touchdowns, and caught 40 passes for 328 more yards. Although injury limited him to just three appearances last season, McFadden has years of starting experience, as does Alfred Morris, who figures to serve as the Cowboys' No. 2 back in Elliott's absence.

I guess is he gets 3 carries again tonight, or doesn't play at all, we'll have our answer that's he's the starter, or so it would seem.

[Tejano Jawg]

Elliot update—and all this is giving me major tired-head, to the point I don't care—beyond appealing the 6 games with the NFL, I heard a Dallas beat reporter say the Cowboys might go outside the NFL, to the courts, and file an injunction. If this happens, besides other chaos this will cause, Zeke might still play at the beginning of the season. It puts the case in a sort of limbo, and delays punishment. So for that reason, who knows who the starting RB will be for the opener?

My feeling about McFadden (and his being the number 1 back for a few games) is exactly the same as how I feel about the Hogs this year—I am HOPEFUL. But do we really know? While true, McFadden sat out all but 3 games last year, and certainly didn't take many hits in that time...  ...can we predict how he'll do coming back to full-time duty? Sure we all want him to do well...but has he lost a half a step? How's his football sharpness? As I have said earlier in this thread, I think he's got plenty left. But we'll need to see it on the field. I don't think the Cowboys know either, but a couple weeks ago in a camp press conference, Jason Garrett gushed compliments about McFadden. Most had to do with his work ethic, preparation, attitude, and what a quality human being he is. It was pretty strong.

Beyond his current abilities, and I've mentioned this plenty, this season will be the FIRST time DMac has been behind a solid offensive line—AND—had a quarterback running the offense who didn't suck—AND—related to that point, has a good passing game to keep defenses back (with a healthy Dez and a healthy QB). So one thing is certain—if he gets some quality carries, things are set up nicely for him.

[alohawg]

Elliot update—and all this is giving me major tired-head, to the point I don't care—beyond appealing the 6 games with the NFL, I heard a Dallas beat reporter say the Cowboys might go outside the NFL, to the courts, and file an injunction. If this happens, besides other chaos this will cause, Zeke might still play at the beginning of the season. It puts the case in a sort of limbo, and delays punishment. So for that reason, who knows who the starting RB will be for the opener?

My feeling about McFadden (and his being the number 1 back for a few games) is exactly the same as how I feel about the Hogs this year—I am HOPEFUL. But do we really know? While true, McFadden sat out all but 3 games last year, and certainly didn't take many hits in that time...  ...can we predict how he'll do coming back to full-time duty? Sure we all want him to do well...but has he lost a half a step? How's his football sharpness? As I have said earlier in this thread, I think he's got plenty left. But we'll need to see it on the field. I don't think the Cowboys know either, but a couple weeks ago in a camp press conference, Jason Garrett gushed compliments about McFadden. Most had to do with his work ethic, preparation, attitude, and what a quality human being he is. It was pretty strong.

Beyond his current abilities, and I've mentioned this plenty, this season will be the FIRST time DMac has been behind a solid offensive line—AND—had a quarterback running the offense who didn't suck—AND—related to that point, has a good passing game to keep defenses back (with a healthy Dez and a healthy QB). So one thing is certain—if he gets some quality carries, things are set up nicely for him.

It's such a shame, potential wasted. I see a guy who is a mere shadow of who he was a decade ago and maybe 60% at best. If only.......

[HamSammich]

Ezekiel Elliot will be the starter. Not Morris or McFadden




Edit- should have explained... I'm not sure because I'm not a cowboy or huge NFL fan but I'm betting Elliot lawyers up and appeals like brady did... during appeal process I'm pretty sure he can play.

[sickboy]

Ezekiel Elliot will be the starter. Not Morris or McFadden




Edit- should have explained... I'm not sure because I'm not a cowboy or huge NFL fan but I'm betting Elliot lawyers up and appeals like brady did... during appeal process I'm pretty sure he can play.

I highly doubt it. Zeke isn't Tom Brady. Tom Brady is the GOAT and beloved for over a decade. Also... we're talking Tom Brady taking air out of footballs vs Zeke beating a woman. Ray Rice's career was over when that video came out. Zeke is shades away from that situation. Zeke may get a game or two shaved, but he's not going to be starting the season for Dallas.

[threeNout]

Big Question:  Does suspension mean not allowed to practice?

Had he been practicing at all?

[HamSammich]

I highly doubt it. Zeke isn't Tom Brady. Tom Brady is the GOAT and beloved for over a decade. Also... we're talking Tom Brady taking air out of footballs vs Zeke beating a woman. Ray Rice's career was over when that video came out. Zeke is shades away from that situation. Zeke may get a game or two shaved, but he's not going to be starting the season for Dallas.

Radio said today he's already lawyering up with some of the best in the country. Don't think I'm out of bounds.

[TrueBlue]

Big Question:  Does suspension mean not allowed to practice?

Had he been practicing at all?

He can participate fully in preseason and in practice.

[TrueBlue]

Radio said today he's already lawyering up with some of the best in the country. Don't think I'm out of bounds.

Max two games shaved off - not the whole six.

NFL has been working this for a year, it won't go from 6 to 0.

[threeNout]

He can participate fully in preseason and in practice.

so is he going to play tonight?

[threeNout]

McFadden looked just fine tonight, add the other starters in and he'll be making big plays.

That stiff arm is as brutal as ever.

[sickboy]

McFadden looked just fine tonight, add the other starters in and he'll be making big plays.

That stiff arm is as brutal as ever.

I'm a Rams fan. But that stiff arm brought back good memories.

[threeNout]

I'm a Rams fan. But that stiff arm brought back good memories.

I think whatever speed DMac has lost since his combine days (if any) is just due to the weight he's added.

He'd almost look skinny at times as a freshman here, he looks about 10-12 pounds heavier now, and it looks like it's all muscle. You can keep adding strength past the age of 50, and it looks like every ounce he's gained has gone straight to the strength department.

Looked stronger finishing runs than ever last night, and of course that stiff arm put that CB to the ground.

He's still an atypical back that defenses aren't accustomed to seeing, and he's probably less fun to meet on the 2nd level than ever before. 

He looked like a monster running out there last night, looked huge, you just don't typically see guys that big and ripped blasting thru the hole.  Pound for pound, maybe one of the strongest guys in the league.

I hope he still has the speed to take it to the house every now and then.

[Dr. Starcs]

That's the concern. He was 4th in the league in rushing two years ago, but no touchdowns.

Garrett can't talk highly enough about him though - the player he is and teammate he is.

Hope dmac has at least one more great year ahead of him.

[Cletus]

That video just looked like a good, complete NFL back that could still make someone who is out of position pay. I didn't notice any plays where he was run down from behind.

[zebradynasty]

DMac to me hasn't lost that much speed. I bet he's still in the 4.4-4.5 40 range easily. I don't think he's subject to rip off a 60-70 yarder at anytime but he wasn't doing that his rookie year! If he can protect his legs and shoulders he'll more than adequate fill in for Zek.