Whether there really is a running back competition going on in Dallas or not, it would appear that Darren McFadden has been catching the eye of owner Jerry Jones as of late.
In Saturday’s Week 3 preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings, McFadden, who started behind Joseph Randle, carried the ball four times for a total of 37 rushing yards.
In the best rushing play of the game, McFadden took a handoff and extended the play by making two sharp cuts which drove the Cowboys to a first and goal. McFadden also had an explosive 13-yard gain in the second quarter.
For this, Jones seems to be thrilled with the 28 year old back:
“I think that what you saw was vintage McFadden,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said after the game, per the Dallas Morning News. “You saw that acceleration. You saw his abilities.”
When McFadden is healthy, he can make some dynamic plays, as witnessed by his “vintage” 2010 season when he played with the Oakland Raiders. That year McFadden earned the nickname “RunDMC” after carrying the ball 223 times for 1,157 yards, averaging 5.2 yards per carry with seven touchdowns.
Unfortunately, injuries have plagued the running back ever since and he has produced nowhere near his awesome 2010 stats.
Perhaps it’s the water in Dallas that is giving McFadden a new spring to his step. However, his health is key overall here. The running back is bound to make some dazzling plays this season, but we all know he has the fragility of a ceramic doll.
These will be the days we see Jones wringing his hands in frustration.