The Dallas Cowboys are coming out of a tough offseason in which they lost star running back DeMarco Murray. It is a big setback for a team that was one of the best teams in the NFC last year. Murray put up huge numbers throughout the 2014 season, and the Cowboys relied on the running game a lot to take pressure off of Tony Romo and the aerial attack.
Murray ended up rushing for 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns on 392 carries. Those numbers show exactly how much of a workhorse he was, and why there are major concerns about whether or not the Cowboys have done enough to replace him.
At this point in time, Dallas is looking at entering the season with Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden as the top two running backs on their roster. Nothing against either Randle or McFadden, but neither player is dependable for the
Cowboys as a starter. Both players have had their issues, with McFadden having health concerns and Randle getting into some trouble off the field.
If the Cowboys decide that they want to look for some help at the running back position, there is one free agent on the market that would be a perfect pickup for them. Ahmad Bradshaw has spent the last two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, and was a huge help to them when Trent Richardson was struggling in a big way. He is a veteran presence, and while he is suspended for one game to start the 2015 season is still capable of jumping in immediately as a starter.
Last season with the Colts in 10 games before breaking his leg, Bradshaw ended up carrying the football 90 times for 425 yards and two touchdowns. Those numbers average out to a solid 4.7 yards per carry, and he was capable of handling even more work than the Colts gave him. He also made an impact as a receiver out of the backfield, catching 38 passes for 300 yards and six touchdowns.
Bradshaw would fit the Cowboys’ offense perfectly, and would also come at a cheap price. Due to the suspension that he is facing for offseason problems, there is some concern surrounding him as well. That being said, he is a professional that has been very remorseful the mistake he made and will not allow something like that to happen again.
Dallas could use the type of championship experience that Bradshaw brings to the table. They are still a very young team, and having a player that has been to the big game and come away with a ring would be big for them.
At just 29 years old, Bradshaw still has plenty of run left before he begins to decline. He hasn’t seen a lot of work over the past couple of years, although injuries are a concern coming off of a broken leg. Dallas has made it clear that they aren’t scared by injury issues with the move for McFadden, and Bradshaw would give them more stability and security than they currently have.
Jerry Jones isn’t necessarily searching for another running back, but it would be smart to go out and bring Bradshaw on board. Bringing him along slowly as training camp and the preseason approaches would help Bradshaw learn the system and be able to prove what type of a fit he is early on.
There is no question that the Cowboys have the talent to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender once again this season. They still have Dez Bryant and Romo leading the way offensively, and they have one of the best offensive lines in the business. Defensively they could have some trouble, but that’s what many said last season.
Signing Bradshaw would be a low cost and potentially high reward type of deal, and it is something that the Cowboys should definitely look into.
