How with the Cowboys use Darren McFadden?
When the Dallas Cowboys let 2014’s Offensive Player of the Year walk to their division rival, many assumed that the team would make a huge splash in acquiring Adrian Peterson this offseason. Instead, the Cowboys made a minor trickle in the free agency pond, signing former Raider Darren McFadden to a two-year deal. Those who think McFadden can “replace” DeMarco Murray behind the NFL’s most dominant offensive line are sorely mistaken.
Since being taken fourth overall in the 2008 draft by the Oakland Raiders, McFadden has recorded just one 1,000-yard season. In 2010, McFadden managed close to 1,200 yards in just 13 games, the best season of his career. Of his seven seasons in the league, 2014 was the first in which McFadden was able to play a full 16 games. During his last three campaigns, he’s averaged a meager 3.3 yards per carry. To assume McFadden will come in and have a career season is wrong, considering he is not even a lock to make the roster.
Beyond McFadden, the Dallas Cowboys have running backs Lance Dunbar, Joseph Randle and Ryan Williams. In a limited role in 2014, Dunbar’s average yards per carry of 3.4 is not a far cry from McFadden’s, making him little more than a pass-catching back. His 18 catches for 217 yards earned him a 12.1 yards per catch average. The talented, but troubled, Joseph Randle showed flashes of talent in relief of Murray last season, averaging a whopping 6.1 yards per carry. But off-field issues are seriously jeopardizing his status with the team. Williams, the former Arizona Cardinal and 2014 practice squad player, was given a larger signing bonus than McFadden. This further proves that the former Raider was not brought in to be the unequivocal lead back.
In terms of fantasy value, there is not currently a Cowboys’ running back worth drafting. Even behind that offensive line, it appears that Dallas will be operating with a committee approach. It’s still too early to tell which running backs will be on the final roster come August. At this point, one should assume the Cowboys “starting” running back may not even be on their roster, and is more likely in this loaded draft class. Until the back field waters are more clear in Dallas, it would be wise to avoid drafting any back in early MFL10’s, or making any moves for them in dynasty leagues.
The combined departure of DeMarco Murray and arrival of Darren McFadden should open up more fantasy opportunities for the Cowboys other offensive skill positions. In 2014, Dallas ran the ball 51.63% of their plays. Only three other teams in the league, the Seahawks, Texans, and Jets, ran the ball more than half of their offensive plays. Without a bell cow, it is nearly impossible to imagine the Cowboys being so run heavy in 2015. Tony Romo will be throwing the ball more, and Dez Bryant should see an uptick in targets. The same goes for Jason Witten, Terrance Williams and the emerging slot threat Cole Beasley. Although McFadden’s fantasy value increases on his new team, at this time he should be avoided.
As always you can hit me up anytime to talk all things fantasy @JerseyJen22.
