[tps_title]Running Backs[/tps_title]
2014 Running Backs |
VS |
2016 |
| DeMarco Murray Joseph Randle Lance Dunbar Tyler Clutts (FB) |
Ezekiel Elliott Darren McFadden Lance Dunbar Keith Smith (FB) |
Since both Murray and Elliott are the workhorse backs for their offenses, talking about the backups doesn’t amount to much. Randle was effective as Murray’s backup and McFadden has looked good since his return. Still, both will likely be limited role-players in this postseason.
The real issue here is the starters. Murray and Elliott were nearly equals in terms of yards per game. Elliott had a 5.1 average per carry compared to just 4.7 for Murray, but both are impressive numbers.
Even though Murray started to slow down towards the end of the regular season, he showed up in the playoffs. He had 123 yards in the final game against the Packers.
Elliott is coming into this postseason with more rest and momentum, and way fewer touches, than Murray did in 2014. Murray had 392 carries 57 catches that season over 16 games. Zeke had 322 carries and 32 receptions, a total difference of 95 touches. That’s almost three less games of wear and tear than Murray had.
While there is always concern for the “rookie wall,” Elliott has given no sign yet of slowing down. With now three full weeks of rest since his last game and less workload overall, Zeke should be far fresher for this playoff run than Murray was. Chalk up another win for the 2016 squad.
