Dallas Cowboys upgrades & downgrades

Sep 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) talks with Philadelphia Eagles running back DeMarco Murray after the Cowboys won 20-10 at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

DOWNGRADE – RUSHING YARDS

It was always going to take something special to beat Emmitt Smith‘s single season rushing record of 1773 yards.

The combination of an elite offensive line, a running back in a contract year and a change of play calling style proved to be special enough in 2014 to surpass Smith’s feat.

DeMarco Murray’s 1850 yards were never expected to be bettered again this season; and with the Cowboys opting to go running back by committee the approach is very different.

Neither Joseph Randle or Darren McFadden have yet established themselves as the number one back in the team.

However an impressive game by McFadden against the New York Giants and an injury to Randle could open the door for the former Razorback.

The rushing yard average has dropped significantly.

Running Murray for every yard possible saw the Cowboys average 160 yards per game in the first five weeks of 2015.

A combination of Randle, McFadden, Lance Dunbar and Christine Michael have seen the team average just over 125 yards per six games played.

Next: Downgrade - Interceptions!