Is it better to go backwards with a head start?

Big surprise, the running back by committee approach doesn't seem to be working. Wouldn't it be better to rely heavily on one lead back (even if he's average) instead of trying to involve multiple players? How are they ever going to find a rhythm? – Brett Bartles/San Diego, CA

Nick: Honestly, I don't really care how the running backs rotate. At the end of the day or the season, you just want maximum performance. If one guy can do it, so be it. But there aren't many teams in the league that only have one guy. Even the best running backs in the league have another guy they rely on, so I have a hard time believing that one “average” running back, as the question suggests, would be better than two or three. Obviously, that's not an ideal lineup, and the Cowboys knew it might be going into the season. Personally, I think Dalvin Cook should get some action this week, but I still think Zeke should get some action too. Cook and Zeke would be my favorite at this point.

Kurt: Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott are tied for first on the team with 56 rushing yards, with Dowdle having 15 carries and Elliott having 16. Neither running back is on pace to reach 150 carries or 500 rushing yards this season. Additionally, Dowdle has the edge in pass catches, with 5 catches for 35 yards to Elliott's 4 for 25 yards, and Pro Football Focus gives Dowdle the better grade in pass blocking. While both players' performances have been average at best, I wonder if the Dallas offense would have better results if they settled on just one lead back. The two of them could combine for 1,000 rushing yards, but if Dowdle, for example, had 60 percent of the running back's touches instead of his current 42 percent, would he be more in the flow of the game and have a better idea of ​​what the defense is doing? Of the NFL's top 10 rushing teams, eight have a dominant running back. However, through two games, Elliott has played 45.1 percent of the snaps and Dowdle has played 43.6 percent. I agree, how are either of them supposed to find a rhythm? Of course, the Cowboys' offensive line is a whole different story (Dallas averages just 2.8 rushing yards before contact), so it may not matter who runs the ball. But if the committee approach doesn't work, it may be worth trying to tie the reins to a lead horse.