FRISCO — The Dallas Cowboys’ offense faces some interesting changes this offseason. A shuffle on the coaching staff saw Brian Schottenheimer supplant Mike McCarthy as head coach and playcaller in hopes of bringing a revival on both sides.
Schottenheimer brings a shift in philosophy from his predecessor with an emphasis on physicality. His new assistant coaches have echoed those same sentiments.
This determination to create a more physical Cowboys offense will likely rely on a rushing offense that will need significant improvement. Change exists in this area as well, namely with Zack Martin’s retirement creating a hole on the offensive line.
Additionally, Dallas will need a running back to execute these changes on the field. That circumstance itself remains one of the biggest questions of the Cowboys’ offseason.
For weeks, analysts and mock drafts have keyed on the Cowboys picking up prized prospect Ashton Jeanty with the No. 12 overall pick or selecting their next starter with a pick used on day two or three of the NFL Draft.
All this excitement and chatter discounts a potential solution that is already a known commodity in the NFL. Despite a lackluster season overall for Dallas’ offense, Rico Dowdle found a way to shine in the backfield once he got the opportunity to get the necessary and meaningful reps.
However, Dowdle is set to be a free agent and will command attention from other teams that have a need at the position, have cap space to spend, or both.
In fact, CBS Sports has him ranked No. 1 among this year’s class of free-agent running backs.
“Given his age and lower career volume, Dowdle has the potential to provide the most prime years of any running back on the open market this year. He’s a violent, downhill runner whose vision and pass-catching ability continue to improve with more reps.”
His low career usage combined with some impressive tape from this season make him an attractive target. So why would the Cowboys let him walk?
In a perfect world, bringing back Dowdle on a team-friendly deal and pairing him with a back coming out of college would immediately solve any backfield concerns for the Cowboys.
Dowdle may want a true No. 1 role regardless of the money and if the Cowboys are not providing such a situation that may spell the end of his tenure in Dallas.
The situation itself is still pretty murky and by no means is a Dowdle return out of the question. But as the excitement of change stirs in the offseason, it is important to remember the Cowboys may already have a quality piece on their side ready to step in again.
Bringing him back will be up to them, but free agency’s “No. 1 running back” will be in high demand.
