Am I the only one who believes the running game will be just fine with our stable of running backs? Our biggest issues while running the last few seasons has been a lack of success up the middle, and that isn't because of aging or other excuses on the running backs. It's been because our center hasn't been able to stop anyone from meeting our ball carriers at the line of scrimmage or already in our backfield. Cooper Bebee equals run game success! Thoughts? – Chris Christensen/Chatsworth, CA
Nick Harris: I do think that line of thinking is shared by the offensive coaching staff. There was a huge emphasis from the front office back in February put on offensive line issues being a big catalyst towards the lack of success in the running game a year ago. How does Cooper Beebe help? I think his athleticism, decisiveness and power are all better than Tyler Biadasz, but I can't tell you with a straight face that I believe this running back room is equipped to take advantage of the improvement up front. I feel more confident in red zone situations, but the concerns for me fall in getting the ball downfield while utilizing the running game. I don't see a way that happens yet, but the committee approach with Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle will get a full shot early in the season to prove me wrong.
Mickey Spagnola: Now think you might be a little harsh on Tyler Biadasz, a 2022 Pro Bowler if you remember, though that might have been true more than a decade ago before Travis Frederick took over at center in 2013 for guys like Phi Costa and Ryan Cook. But your assessment of Beebe is right on. He gives the Cowboys strength at the center position to anchor down the line in the middle. And once he mastered the snaps moving from collegiate guard to NFL center – and he has – his added strength and ability to move off his initial block gives the Cowboys a sturdy middle to the offensive line, being flanked by pro Bowlers Zack Martin and Tyler Smith. With upgraded experience, might have a future Pro Bowl center on their hands.
