Friday, February 8, 2013
DeMarco's backups
By Tim Kavanagh
As long as DeMarco Murray can stay on the field, the Dallas Cowboys know that they've got one of the NFL's top lead RBs in the backfield. Of course, that has been a bit of an issue in Murray's two professional seasons, as he's only played 23 of a possible 32 contests in 2011 and 2012. So the identity of his backups is a pretty important development this offseason.
In 2012, that was Felix Jones, Phillip Tanner and Lance Dunbar. At this point, it doesn't look like unrestricted free agent Jones will be back. The other two will likely be back, but it remains unclear which of the two will be deployed in a more prominent role behind Murray.
And there could be some other entrants in this battle as well; Nick Eatman of DallasCowboys.com writes that while they won't bring in a pricey free agent, or use a draft pick in the first two rounds on the position, a lower-priced FA or mid-round pick at the position could be added.
Whoever it is that's added, they'll be reporting to a different position coach than the Cowboys RBs did in previous campaigns. A source has revealed to Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com that the club is poised to hire former Browns assistant Gary Brown as their new RB coach.
