Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys' RBs coach Brown excited about RB committee approach

Published May. 13, 2015 2:49 p.m. ET

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Dallas Cowboys running backs coach Gary Brown won't have the luxury of coaching the running back who made his job a whole lot easier in 2014. DeMarco Murray racked up 1,845 yards on 393carries, and coach Brown never had to worry about deferring to anyone else on the roster. With Murray gone, Brown is ready to take a different approach into 2015.

We've just got to find a guy, or three guys that come in, or four guys, who come in and do what DeMarco did," said Brown to Todd Archer of ESPN.com. "Hopefully those guys are up for the challenge."

Although Brown is fine with the idea of using multiple backs every week instead of just one, he is certain that each individual player matters. Brown doesn't adhere to the theory that Murray's production was a product of the Cowboys' dominant offensive line.

"What I've come to realize is that it's just not the offensive line," Brown said. "The back [has] got to go out and run. For people to say that you can just plug anybody in, it's kind of disrespectful to the guys that are running. You got to give them credit too. Obviously our offensive line is great, but you got to give some credit to the runners as well."

When breaking down the different options he has to choose from to lead the committee, free agent acquisition Darren McFadden was the first player who came to mind.

"I just admired him from afar, watching him on tape," Brown said of McFadden. "I think he's big, strong, incredibly fast, tough guy. He's buying into our system. He wants to be here. He's doing everything I ask him to do. I'm looking forward to seeing him in pads."

After a breakout season in 2011, McFadden has been hampered by injuries and poor offensive line play over his last few seasons with the Oakland Raiders. We can confidently check off that the latter will improve for McFadden, but only time will tell if he can stay healthy all season long. A committee approach should help in that regard.

Brown spoke highly of third-year back Joseph Randle as well, but he made mention of Randle's battles with consistency both on and off the field. Randle endured a publicized issue with the law in 2014.

"I think Joe really has to make sure he takes care of everything on and off the field," Brown said. "We want to trust Joe. We like Joe, but we want to make sure he's going to be with us at all times. I think he's maturing up and he's getting better and he understands the opportunity he has in front of him and I think he'll take full advantage."

Entering the 2014 season, there was a lot of hype surrounding Lance Dunbar. Many believed that offensive coordinator Scott Linehan would utilize Dunbar often in the passing game after Linehan debuted the "S11" package in training camp practices. This personnel grouping featured Dunbar and Murray on the field at the same time. Dunbar would motion in and out of the backfield and the slot. This grouping turned out to be more of an experiment than anything else after Cole Beasley emerged as a superior option in the slot.

Brown believes that Dunbar could finally get his chance with Murray gone and an extra year in Linehan's system under his belt.

"I think he's (Dunbar) a hell of a football player, we've got to try and get him more involved," Brown said. "And I think coach Linehan is going to do a great job doing that."

If the Cowboys decide to roll with four running backs on the final roster, Ryan Williams is likely to make the cut. Brown believes that Williams stands out in the short game.

"What we like about Ryan is his ability to make people miss, his short area quickness, his veteran ability to go out and do things and make things happen," Brown said.

The Cowboys backfield depth chart is under construction and likely will be through the entire offseason. What we do know is that it's unlikely for any of these four backs to come close to matching Murray's 450 combined carries and receptions from 2014.

(h/t ESPN)

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