The Landry Hat
Fansided

Which Cowboys could break franchise records in 2016?

By Lauren Draper-Wood

Dec 19, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) celebrates with wide receiver Brice Butler (19) after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the New York Jets at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) celebrates with wide receiver Brice Butler (19) after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the New York Jets at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 6, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott (21) during rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2016; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys number one draft pick Ezekiel Elliott (21) during rookie minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters at Valley Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

RUSHING

2014 was the year of the rushing record. DeMarco Murray tore up the franchise records as he ran his way to become Offensive Player of the Year.

DeMarco 2014 Records

  • Rushing attempts – 392
  • Rushing yards – 1,845
  • Rushing yards per game – 115.3

For the Cowboys rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott to keep pace with Murray and look to break the attempts record, he’d be expected to have approximately 25 carries per game. Only 17 rookies in history have exceed more than 250 carries in a season and none have hit the 392 mark.

Rushing yards is where it’s expected Elliott will really make his mark. With arguably the best offensive line in the league and a quarterback who needs protecting, handing off to Elliott could be a sure fire way to success for the Cowboys.

Points win prizes in this league though of course, and the Cowboys may not choose to overwork their shiny new franchise running back immediately. Fans have naturally gotten excited, predicting a bucket load of carries for the rookie with 2,000+ total yards.

But they ought to take into account that only seven rookie running backs have ever rushed over 1,500 yards in their opening season.

  • Eric Dickerson | Rams | 1983 | 1808 yards
  • George Rogers | Saints | 1981 | 1674 yards
  • Alfred Morris | Redskins | 2012 | 1613 yards
  • Ottis Anderson | Cardinals | 1979 | 1605 yards
  • Edgerrin James | Colts | 1999 | 1553 yards
  • Clinton Portis | Broncos | 2002 | 1508 yards

Next: Receiving records

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