The Cowboys’ Commitment to a Strong Running Game
Since the Dallas Cowboys hired Brian Schottenheimer as their head coach, the team’s leadership has emphasized the importance of a robust running game. Executive Vice President Stephen Jones has spoken of the desire to "marry" the run and pass games, signaling a strategic shift that aligns with Schottenheimer’s 14-year tenure as an offensive coordinator. Schottenheimer’s past successes, including two seasons where his teams led the NFL in rushing, underscore his expertise in this area. In 2009, the New York Jets’ Thomas Jones ran for 1,402 yards, and in 2018, the Seattle Seahawks had a formidable trio of Chris Carson, Mike Davis, and Rashaad Penny, collectively propelling the team to the top of the rushing leaderboard.
Building an Offensive Philosophy
Schottenheimer’s offensive philosophy is rooted in the strengths of his players. "I think offensively you try to build it based on what your guys do well," he said at the Scouting Combine. "There was a time when I got in trouble for letting Russ [Wilson] cook a little bit back in Seattle. Some people got the joke; some people didn’t." Despite the occasional humor, Schottenheimer is clear about the fundamental importance of a strong running game. "No, at the end of the day, you have to be able to run the football," he emphasized. The Cowboys have committed to being great on both sides of the line of scrimmage, a commitment that places a significant emphasis on the run game. "When teams know you’re going to run the ball, you have to be able to run the ball and conversely stop the run," he added. The flexibility to adapt and feature players based on their strengths while maintaining a multiple offensive approach is a key aspect of Schottenheimer’s strategy.
The Cowboys’ Recent Performance and Challenges
The Cowboys faced significant challenges in their running game last season, trying a running back by committee approach before settling on Rico Dowdle as the feature back. The results were not encouraging, with the team ranking 24th in attempts (429), 27th in rushing yards (1,705), and 32nd in rushing touchdowns (6). These statistics highlight the need for a significant overhaul of the running game. With Dowdle now a free agent and Ezekiel Elliott having moved on, the Cowboys are in a critical phase of rebuilding their backfield. The team will need multiple running backs to fill the void and meet their strategic objectives.
The Top Running Back in the Draft
The top running back in the 2023 draft, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, has been linked to the Cowboys with the 12th overall pick. While Schottenheimer has not yet studied Jeanty in detail, the possibility of drafting a high-impact player to bolster the running game is a significant consideration. Jeanty’s performance in college, his physical attributes, and his potential fit within the Cowboys’ system will be closely evaluated. The need for a reliable and versatile running back is paramount, and the draft represents a crucial opportunity to address this need.
What Schottenheimer Looks for in a Running Back
Schottenheimer is clear about the qualities he seeks in a running back. "You want a guy that’s got vision. You want a guy that has contact balance," he explained. The modern NFL defensive fronts demand that running backs can make hidden yards, whether dodging a free safety, shedding a linebacker, or breaking through a defensive lineman’s tackle. "You’ve got to have a guy who is willing to run through arm tackles," he added. Schottenheimer also emphasizes the importance of receiving skills. "If a team wants to commit to stopping the run, there are ways they can try to do that. We don’t want to take an elite runner or a position like that out of the game, so if a team is doing a nice job stopping the running game, you want to be able to get them involved throwing it to them," he noted. The ability to catch and run after the catch adds a versatile dimension to a running back’s game, making them a more valuable asset.
Looking Forward
As the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season, the focus on strengthening their running game is evident. The team’s commitment to Schottenheimer’s vision of a balanced and dynamic offense is a step towards revitalizing their performance on the field. The combination of strategic play-calling, a focus on player strengths, and the potential addition of a high-caliber running back through the draft sets the stage for a promising future. The path to success will require careful planning, strategic drafting, and a unified approach that leverages the team’s resources and talent. With Schottenheimer at the helm, the Cowboys are poised to build a formidable running game that will be a cornerstone of their offensive strategy.
