JJT - Expect DeMarco Murray to eventually win Cowboys' starting RB job in 2011

[sbk92]

Columnist Jean-Jacques Taylor answered your questions in his weekly e-mail newsletter - Inside the Dallas Cowboys. Here are some highlights.

Q: What do you think the Cowboys backfield will look this coming season?

John Whatley

TAYLOR: My best guess is DeMarco Murray will eventually win the starting job, Felix Jones will be a change-of-pace guy and Tashard Choice will be the third-string guy.

* * *

Q: What players do you see the Cowboys signing in free agency or re-signing ([Stephen] Bowen, [Jason] Hatcher, [Marcus] Spears) for their DL this year?

Pete Radic, Orlando

TAYLOR: The Cowboys tendered contracts to Bowen and Hatcher, so each of them will return. They did not tender Spears, which means his time in Dallas is over. Bowen and Hatcher are each better pass rushers than run-stoppers, so it will be interesting to see how they operate on the strong side.

* * *

Q: Since Chris Gronkowski missed a block that resulted in Tony Romo being injured for the season and also missed a block on the kick return that resulted in season ending injury to Dez Bryant, why is he still on the team? In fact why wasn’t he cut during the season?

Bill Conway

TAYLOR: Players make mistakes. It’s football. It happens. You can’t cut everyone, especially an undrafted rookie free agent who makes an error. He did some good things, but needs to improve. That’s why they drafted Shaun Chapas in the seventh round. Those guys will compete and the best man will make the team.

 

[Rock Slamdance]

I am a Bowen fan, but I'd rather have him as a pass rush specialist. Hatcher, who givers a crap?

 

[sbk92]

Yeah I never thought Hatcher was worth a shat.

I'd rather use his spot on an undrafted free agent.

 

[Rock Slamdance]

Yeah I never thought Hatcher was worth a shat.

I'd rather use his spot on an undrafted free agent.

Agreed. Its time to start churning and bring in a younger guy.

 

[Rock Slamdance]

Maybe Lissemore can move to end...at least compete for the spot.

 

[sbk92]

Olshansky, Bowen, Lissemore.

Man, we really need to find some DEs pronto.

 

[sbk92]

I don't agree that Murray will be the starter by the end of this season. I think it'll still be Felix or it'll be a 50-50 split.

 

[Rock Slamdance]

Olshansky, Bowen, Lissemore.

Man, we really need to find some DEs pronto.

Yup. I was hoping we would grab one or two in the draft. Oh well. Maybe we can get a stop gapper in FA that won't break our bank.

 

[CowboysRMX]

i still think if Dallas opens the spot up it will be Choice over both of them

 

[RoyTheHammer]

i still think if Dallas opens the spot up it will be Choice over both of them

Please..

 

[sbk92]

i still think if Dallas opens the spot up it will be Choice over both of them

I refuse to believe Choice hasn't had a chance. As if he's routinely out playing the other backs in practice but come game time the head coach is holding him down.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Jason Hatcher is a survivor. He's underachieved for 3 coaches now and still has a shot to return.

 

[Cr122]

I still think Felix can carry the load, but if he struggles at all this year, Murray will be there to take over.

I'm fine with a running back by committee, but both runners have to be effective. Barber hasn't shown that like Felix has.

This year will be different because JG knows the running game killed us last year for the most part, so corrections to the offensive line will be made so we improve the running game. Especially, in the redzone.