Imagine that you need to miss a month of work for an excused absence. While you are gone, a coworker steps into your position and performs very well. In fact, your associate doubles your productivity and total output for the year. When you return to work, management decides to demote you in favor of your colleague. Is that fair?
That is the situation Dallas Cowboys running back Felix Jones is in as the team prepares to face the Washington Redskins in Week 11 of the National Football League (NFL). After missing four games due to injury, Jones is ready to return. But rookie running back DeMarco Murray has performed very well in Jones' absence. The Cowboys are 3-1 with Murray as the starter. It appears that Murray will remain the starter.
The Case for Jones
When healthy, Jones is a pretty good running back in his own right. The Cowboys' offensive line has played very well of late. Who is to say that Jones would not be as productive now? Remember, Jones is a proven running back. He has averaged 5.1 yards per carry for his career.
The Case for Murray
Murray has clearly earned the starting job. As the starting running back for the past four games, Murray has rushed 75 times for 601 yards. He has averaged 8.0 yards per carry. The Cowboys are playing better than they have all year. Now is not the time to make changes. If it is not broken, do not fix it.
From Deficit to Surplus
It is hard to believe that heading into the season the Cowboys had many questions surrounding the backfield. Now they have two legitimate starters at running back. If Head Coach Jason Garrett can find a way to use both Murray and Jones effectively, the Cowboys will have a dangerous 1-2 punch on the ground.
What I Think They Should Do
The Cowboys should stay with the winning formula. Keep Murray as the starter and use Jones when needed. Imagine Jones coming off the bench to spell Murray? Jones is also a good receiver. He would be great in third-and-long situations.
The Cowboys cannot go wrong here. They now add Jones, another offensive weapon, to the mix. This gives the Cowboys more options, more offensive punch. The resources are there. Coach Garrett just needs to manage them now.
More from Edwin Torres:
Edwin Torres has been a fan of the Dallas Cowboys since the days of Tony Dorsett and Roger Staubach. He enjoyed watching the Dallas teams of the 90s dominate opponents on both sides of the ball. Edwin also follows local teams such as the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles. As a longtime fan of the National Football League, Edwin follows many interesting games and stories each week.
