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Should Cowboys Go 'Double Barrel' At Running Back?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Feb 5, 2025 12:35 PM ET

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer wants to run the ball, and based on his coaching hires, that is exactly what the offense under his watchful eye will do.

But there's a problem.

Dallas doesn't have the players to do it effectively...yet.

We saw Rico Dowdle emerge as a good piece for the offense last season, totaling over 1,000 yards and really finding a rhythm once he was handed the keys. But he can't do it himself, and despite his efforts, many aren't sure if he should be the lead back in Schotty's offense or more of a cog in the machine.

As such, NFL.com's Kevin Patra puts figuring out the running back room as a big priority for Dallas this offseason.

"The offense stabilized last season once the Cowboys let Rico Dowdle handle the load," Patra writes. "I presume Brian Schottenheimer isn't taking over to throw the ball 60 times a game, so that cavity will need to be filled. It's a woefully thin RB market in free agency this offseason, so working on bringing back Dowdle would be a solid first step. Step 2? Pairing Dowdle with an explosive runner in the draft. I'm not going to demand Dallas take an RB in the first round, but replacing the explosiveness it lost with last offseason's departure of Tony Pollard is a must."

The Cowboys' clear answer to their running back problems, for most, is drafting Ashton Jeanty in the first round. The Boise State star has made it known he wants to come to The Star, so it seems like a logical fit should he be available.

So, would Ashton and Rico serve as a good enough tandem to pound the rock in Schottenheimer's first year? One could easily say so, but the offensive line might need some reinforcement, given that we aren't sure what the future holds for right guard Zach Martin.

But Jeanty would give Cowboys Nation an injection of hope and excitement, something that has been missing for the best part of 12 months.

Do the Cowboys have to go "double barrel" at running back this offseason? That is a solid prediction ...

Or can Rico help play a role in what Schottenheimer hopes will be a resurgent offense?

There's merit in letting Dowdle back up his 2024 efforts, even if it's behind Jeanty.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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