The Dallas Cowboys have long been a symbol of powerhouse running in the NFL, from the glory days of Emmitt Smith to the robust performances of DeMarco Murray and Ezekiel Elliott. However, the winds of change are sweeping through the Dallas Cowboys’ strategy as they prepare for the 2024 season under the guidance of head coach Mike McCarthy.
In a surprising twist, the Dallas Cowboys have decided not to chase after the top names in the free-agent running back market this offseason. Instead, they are reverting to a committee approach to the running back position, signaling a strategic pivot that could redefine their offensive structure.
A Return with a Twist, Ezekiel Elliott’s Comeback
Ezekiel Elliott’s return to Dallas in 2024 is enveloped in a mixture of nostalgia and pragmatism. Cut from the team after the 2022 season due to declining performance, Elliott is back but with a different role. McCarthy’s announcement that the team would utilize a “running back by committee” approach rather than relying on a single lead back has sparked debates among fans and analysts alike.
“We’re running back by committee,” McCarthy explained, emphasizing a shift from the team’s traditional strategy. He further elaborated on Elliott’s role: “But I think [Elliott] will definitely play at the level that he’s played, I know, in my time here. I anticipate that. I don’t see any drop-off in the way he moves. He’s in good shape. … He’s come in here and picked up right where he’s left off.”
“We’re running back by committee”
— #Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy on Ezekiel Elliott and the RB depth chart
McCarthy has a 90% reliability rating on depth chart coachspeak and is one of the NFL’s most honest coaches across the board
We expect a full-assed RBBC drizzy this season pic.twitter.com/6WXED96qe0
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) May 11, 2024
While some may view this as a step back, McCarthy sees it as a move towards longevity and efficiency, especially with the NFL’s extended 17-game schedule. “Seventeen games is a lot of football — that’s a big role for those guys. Don’t get me wrong, they’d all like to carry it like the old days and have those touches, but you want those guys fresh at the most important time of the year.”
NFL Teams Embrace Running Back Committees
The committee approach isn’t new in the NFL; several teams have adopted similar strategies with varying degrees of success. The Green Bay Packers, for instance, have effectively utilized Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon to keep their running game dynamic and unpredictable. Similarly, the New England Patriots have historically employed multiple running backs to maintain a versatile and resilient offensive line.
Building for the Future, Dallas Cowboys’ Offensive Reinforcements
Despite the uncertainty at the running back position, the Dallas Cowboys are not standing still. The team has made significant additions to their offensive line, drafting Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe in the 2024 NFL Draft, which could bolster their running game.
Elliott will be a part of a diverse group of running backs, including Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Royce Freeman, Malik Davis, Snoop Conner, and undrafted rookie Nathaniel Peat. This mix of experience and fresh talent will compete for playing time, potentially leading to the emergence of new stars under Elliott’s mentorship.
A New Chapter for the Dallas Cowboys
As the 2024 season approaches, the Dallas Cowboys are crafting a narrative of adaptation and resilience. With Mike McCarthy at the helm and Ezekiel Elliott rejoining the squad in a revamped role, the team is setting the stage for a potentially groundbreaking strategy.
Will this approach bring the desired success? Only time will tell, but it is clear that the Dallas Cowboys are committed to exploring new tactics to remain competitive in the ever-evolving NFL landscape.
