Dallas Cowboys best case scenarios: Running backs edition

The Dallas Cowboys enter 2018 as one of the best rushing teams in football. What is the team expecting out of its backfield this upcoming season?

Going into 2018, the Dallas Cowboys‘ running back group is amongst the strongest personnel units on the team. As the engine to the offense, the running game will be key to the success of the team as a whole. On today’s iteration of the ‘best case scenario’ series, we focus on the guys in the backfield.

It all begins with running back Ezekiel Elliott. The All-Pro running back is amongst the best in the league and almost reached 1,000 yards rushing in only 10 games last season. In 2018, the do-it-all runner has the weight of national spotlight from domestic violence accusations lifted off his shoulders. Expect a more comfortable and dynamic Elliott in 2018.

Though Rod Smith won the number two back spot with his performance in 2017, he will not be the second option out of the backfield in 2018. ‘Web back’ Tavon Austin will assume that role and has the opportunity to be an x-factor on offense next season.

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Not only will Austin be a threat on sweeps, reverses, and bubble screens like the guys who played the role before him; but he will also have the ability to split out wide and into the slot. He is by far the most dynamic athlete the team has had in recent history.

Smith will play a role though. He will be the primary option to spell Elliott during games and drives. He’s also shown his versatility as a third down back and will garner some snaps there. Along with his ability to play special teams, expect Smith to be a glue guy on this team next year.

Running back Bo Scarborough and fullback Jamize Olawale also add traits that round out the running back room. Scarborough will be a key player in case Elliott or Smith goes down as he’s the best fit after those two to be a bell-cow back and allow the team to run their normal scheme. His size and athleticism make him a great option for spot duty on the goal line or as a change up to Elliott. He has the potential to overtake Smith as second in line for carries after Elliott.

Olawale is an interesting weapon with size and receiving ability. His blocking ability along with his size and sneaky athleticism make him a perfect fit to absorb former fullback Keith Smith‘s targets. His added upside as a tight end-type player on offense gives the team another option in the passing game as well.

The best case scenario for this group is not 1,800 yards rushing by Elliott and a few plays from Austin reverses, though that might have been enough in the past.

The team has talked about involving Elliott more as a receiver while also protecting him for being over-utilized. I believe that the depth of this group is not only for insurance for Elliott’s off-the-field history but as a way to spread out the arsenal.

Teams keyed in on the run, more specifically Elliott, last year and the team was not prepared. While the team did what it could to upgrade the receiver and offensive line groups, it also made sure to work in the running back room as well. With a new-found diversity, this group is dangerous beyond Elliott.

In this scenario, Elliott runs for around 1,400 yards,12 touchdowns, and also hauls in 400 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. With 1,800 all-purpose yards and 17 touchdowns, Elliott has the type of season the teams needs him to have in order for them to be more 2016 than 2017.

Also, Tavon Austin lives up to the billing and is the playmaker the team deserves. In his best NFL season in 2015, Austin had 52 carries for 434 yards and four touchdowns along with 52 receptions for 473 yards and five touchdowns. In 2018, Austin has a 2015-lite campaign and runs for 350 yards and three touchdowns. He also adds 400 yards receiving and four touchdowns along with two special teams scores.

Smith will never be a flashy player in the league, but he is a solid player with an unselfish and hard-working attitude. With the team running Elliott a little bit less for a more all-around approach, Smith will be the first man up to give him a breather. With those carries along with situational touches, Smith should be able to reach 300 yards rushing and three touchdowns himself.

Scarborough and Olawale won’t be big-time stat stuffers, but will each have situational roles to play. As a short-yardage and goal-line specialist, expect Scarborough to have about 100 rushing yards and a touchdown. Olwale will be used more as a passing weapon and a blocker than a runner but should see a few carries for under 100 yards and possibly a touchdown.

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The Dallas Cowboys running back group has the chance to be a versatile and dynamic group in 2017. The team has added the talent necessary to help move the ball out of the backfield sans Ezekiel Elliott. If the unit can match this prediction, expect a playoff berth at the very least.

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