Dallas Cowboys camp war: Bo Scarbrough vs. Darius Jackson
By Brad Austin
The Dallas Cowboys added a familiar face to the running back mix. In the coming war for third rusher, each player has advantages.
Things are about to get chippy among the Dallas Cowboys faithful with Darius Jackson’s return to the running back room. Fiery debates are just getting started.
The Landry Hat’s own Steven Mullenax recently wrote an excellent backstory on Jackson’s attributes and short time in Dallas.
Most NFL fans have a notoriously short memory and live in the moment. But with Jackson, a large Dallas contingent still values the legitimate promise he displayed.
They also recall management’s horrible decision to ditch years of promise to activate aged veteran Darren McFadden for three games and 87 measly yards.
TWO-BACK DRAFT SUCCESS
Both Ezekiel Elliott and Jackson were plucked by Dallas in the same 2016 draft. Zeke was a lock to start through 2020. However, if Jackson proved worthy, that draft would’ve also secured a solid back-up runner through 2019.
Jackson proved his mettle in live preseason action. He led all Cowboys backs with 141 rushing yards and ranked 14th among NFL rushers. Joseph Randle is the only Cowboys preseason back to rush for more yards (221) since 2013.
The kid had it, most Cowboys fans knew it, and the team needlessly trashed it.
Fast forward to the 2018 draft. Dallas again spent a late round pick on a talented, unheralded, big back. Alabama’s Bo Scarbrough was an applauded make-up call.
Things have heated up now that the Jackson redo invited the actual man himself to challenge the new rookie for the back-up spot he once was destined for.
CONTRACT FAVORS THE ROOKIE
Jackson signed a one-year deal but Dallas holds exclusive free agent rights for 2019. He won’t be able to negotiate with other teams, and could be retained fairly cheap.
Scarbrough is locked in for four years and unable to leave until 2022. The team holding his rights for an extra two years certainly weighs in his favor.
Although if Jackson clearly performs better, it would be careless to sacrifice a superior player for a more secure back-up spot three years down the road.
SKILLS LEAN TO THE VETERAN
Jackson is faster, more shifty, and a far better receiver. If seeking an every down insurance policy for Elliott, Jackson may even challenge Rod Smith in this area.
He’s also likely more developed in pass protection than the rookie. He did it well in the 2016 preseason and Scarbrough was critiqued on some draft reports.
However, the massive Alabama back does have a few very intriguing advantages. The brutish offensive line in Dallas will support his one-cut, banging style.
Behind a weak line a slower developing takeoff would have trouble. The Dallas line gets push and opens creases fast, which he may be able to exploit in a big way.
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Another strength is his potential unique fit as a goal line bruiser. No other runner on the roster has the wrecking ball size and power to be a short-yardage hammer.
Get the popcorn ready, this one has the makings of an all-out roster spot war.