There isn't much mystery surrounding the Dallas Cowboys' starting offense in training camp. All 11 starters are back, shifting the focus to battles for key depth roles. None has drawn more attention than the backup running back competition.
Through a week and a half of practice, including two padded sessions, it's been a doozy. Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah, Malik Davis, and Israel Abanikanda all came to play, though Blue's big-play ability has generated the most buzz. That's understandable, given the need for an explosive element behind Javonte Williams, who's more of a thumper than a home-run hitter.
However, Klayton Adams put an end to that during his Wednesday media availability. While Dallas' offensive coordinator gave everyone a shoutout, he made sure to let folks know that Phil Mafah has had a "really nice camp." (h/t Patrik Walker, DallasCowboys.com).
“The guy that probably doesn't get as much credit as he deserves right now is Phil Mafah," Adams said, via Walker. “I think he is having a really nice camp so far, so, yeah, let’s freaking battle it out.”
Phil Mafah is quietly altering the Dallas Cowboys' RB2 competition
No need to read between the lines there. Adams practically admitted that the RB2 battle is closer than it seems.
We admittedly aren't in Oxnard watching practice, but it's evident Mafah is performing well despite the lack of fanfare. Blue has produced the highlight plays with several explosive runs and impressive catches, but Adams clearly feels that Mafah is making just as strong an impression.
Adams' praise of Mafah shouldn't come as a surprise. He and Brian Schottenheimer identified Javonte Williams as their lead back last offseason. Landing Williams at a bargain after an underwhelming final year in Denver only sweetened the deal, but Adams and Schottenheimer believed a physical, downhill running style best suited their offense.
That's Phil Mafah in a nutshell. Nobody would mistake him for a track star, but like Williams, he runs to contact and possesses strong contact balance. Arm tackles are a little more than a speed bump for Mafah, and he creates hidden yardage by keeping his feet moving through contact, routinely turning modest gains into productive runs.
Mafah averaged 3.53 yards after contact per carry at Clemson (524 carries) and forced 73 missed tackles over his final two seasons, per Pro Football Focus. That certainly tracks.
The 23-year-old has quietly gone about his business in Oxnard. Working exclusively with the first-team offense, he's been a reliable pass-catching outlet and has reinforced his reputation as a tough sucker to bring down.
The Cowboys may ultimately keep both Blue and Mafah. Doing so would likely require one or both to contribute on special teams, but if they continue this level of play, Dallas could justify carrying both on the 53-man roster.
In light of Adams' comments, though, it's not crazy to think that Mafah has a slight lead over Blue in the competition.
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