Redskins’ New 3-4 Defense Won’t Faze Dallas Running Game

It’s a given fact the Cowboys struggled last season against teams that ran the 3-4 defense. The Redskins have switched to that scheme this season under new head coach Mike Shanahan. Obviously die-hard Dallas fans and analysts are wondering how the Cowboys will fair against a 3-4 defense that held them to 24 points in two games last year while running the 4-3 scheme. Although the Cowboys won a tight 7-6 contest at home in Week 11 last year, the team finished strong in Week 16 with a 17-0 shutout in our nation’s capital. Despite the criticized “low scoring” in the two games as a whole, the Cowboys running game was stellar. In the first contest, Dallas’ group of Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice combined for 150 yards on 31 carries, an average of nearly five yards per attempt. That bunch compiled 122 yards on 28 runs in the shutout, still topping the rushing milestone of four yards per carry. All the talk about the running game is irrelevant; it was the Dallas passing game that lacked in those two contests. (more…)

Cowboys Running Game Anxious for Real Game Action

You might get tired of me saying it, but I hate the preseason and I don’t think you can take an iota from it in regards to the regular season. One huge factor in that aspect this season is the Cowboys’ running game. The three-headed monster that thrives in the Dallas backfield consists of Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice. That rushing unit ranked seventh in the NFL in 2009 with 131.4 yards per game. In that category through five preseason games this year, the Cowboys rank dead last in the league. Am I concerned? Absolutely not. You shouldn’t be, either. Regardless of everyone’s perception of the Cowboys’ running game, I am itching to see them in action during a contest that actually matters. I’d bet my life savings they are chomping at the bit as well. (more…)

Akwasi Owusu-Ansah to Handle Cowboys’ Return Duties Against Chargers

Dallas Cowboys safety Akwasi Owusu-Ansah will handle the punt and kick return duties in the Cowboys’ next preseason game in San Diego against the Chargers on Sunday. When the Cowboys drafted Owusu-Ansah in the fourth round of the NFL draft in April, the rookie was a lock to make the 53-man roster. Besides starting at free safety during college at Division II Indiana (PA.), Owusu-Ansah was also a return specialist. The 22-year-old averaged 29.7 yards on 16 kickoff returns as a senior, taking two of those back for touchdowns. He also averaged 12.5 yards on 22 punt returns, taking three to the house. There’s a lot more to Owusu-Ansah than most casual fans think. (more…)

Tashard Choice Will Thrive in the Wildcat, Razorback, or “TC”

Every player has a role on the team; Tashard Choice’s role is running the ball out of the Wildcat (or Razorback) formation. Last year in his second NFL season, Choice ran the ball 64 times for 349 yards (a 5.5 average) and scored 3 touchdowns. TC also caught 15 passes for 132 yards, an average of 8.8 yards per reception. Most of this high-efficiency production came out of the unique formation made popular by Kansas State University in the 1990s and the University of Arkansas in the 2000s. Other than quarterback Tony Romo, no other player took an offensive snap last season other than Choice. According to the Georgia Tech product, there are no such things as Wildcats and Razorbacks in Cowboys country. (more…)

Cowboys’ Running Game Best in the NFC East?

The Dallas Cowboys might just have the best ground attack in the NFC East. Mike Shanahan is the new head coach at Washington, so the Redskins’ rushing game will definitely improve this season. LeSean McCoy is an excellent running back, but it’s a proven fact that Eagles coach Andy Reid does not know that you can handoff in football. The Giants can run the football with their 1-2 punch combo of bruiser Brandon Jacobs and speedster Ahmad Bradshaw. The Cowboys have something that none of their division rivals possess – a three-headed monster. Can the Cowboys running back committee out rush the other teams in the NFC East? (more…)

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