As I look at the running backs on the Cowboys' roster heading into May, three words come to mind.
More jet sweep.
The team, which wanted to attract attention at once due to its position going into the draft, was unable to make a splash. The Cowboys selected eight players in three days, but completely ignored the position.
Their response was to come back on Monday and finalize their reunion with Ezekiel Elliott.
This move is meant to help with the short yardage and goal line deficiencies that emerged after Elliott's departure last season. The veteran back can still pick up tough, dirty yards consistently. He's great in pass protection and is a positive, upbeat presence in the locker room.
Related: Dallas Cowboys agree to contract with running back Ezekiel Elliott
His teammates and coaches love him.
Ask yourself this question. As for whether the move would make sense if Elliott is the top back on the board, Roll owner Jerry Jones suggested the veteran is still capable.
no.
Elliott is not that guy at this stage of his career. But for now, he's in the lead by default.
This is eerily reminiscent of the approach the team took when moving from Dez Bryant to the wide receiver position in 2018. The Cowboys defiantly argued that a receiver-by-committee structure would pick up the slack as they solidified a team with veterans Allen Hurns and Deonte Thompson.
After a 3-4 start in which Dak Prescott averaged 202.4 yards passing, the club admitted an error in evaluation and spent a first-round pick in a trade to acquire Amari Cooper.
Fun fact. Who do you think led the Cowboys in receptions that season?
Elliot.
So, back to jets. Receivers CeeDee Lamb and Kavonte Turpin combined for 223 rushing yards and three touchdowns on this play last season. It could become an even bigger part of your strategy in the future.
Related: Ezekiel Elliott ranks among Cowboys' all-time running backs
No one is in a position to take a leading role in the approach to effective implementation on a committee-by-committee basis. Hoping someone emerges from this group is not a viable strategy.
Adding Elliott to the mix is a solid move. The problem arises when Dallas does nothing else at the position.
The Cowboys aren't done with just running backs. If the club doesn't do anything before the season starts, they'll be forced to do it once the season starts, just like they did with receiver nearly six years ago.
Catch David Moore's Cowboys Happy Hour on Tuesday nights in April at 7pm on The Ticket (KTCK-AM 1310 and 96.7 FM).
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