One of the biggest questions looming over the Cowboys as they enter into free agency is who’s going to run the football? There’s a chance that the Cowboys could draft collegiate sensation, Ashton Jeanty. However, with the addition of Conor Riley from Kansas State, there’s a high likelihood that Deuce Vaughn will get a big opportunity in the fall.
Conor Riley Might Be Able to Unlock Deuce Vaughn
History Between Conor Riley and Deuce Vaughn
Vaughn spent three years at Kansas State University with Riley as the offensive line coach. During that time, Vaughn’s stats were through the roof. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry with 97.4 yards per game. Vaughn also managed to leave KSU with 34 touchdowns. However, the current Dallas Cowboys team hasn’t even seen him score one in two years.
A big reason for that goes back to not understanding how to utilize him and not being in a run-heavy system. Mike McCarthy’s first instinct was to throw the ball. Now, Brian Schottenheimer is looking to change all of that. In order to flip the scheme, Schottenheimer needs to lean on Conor Riley as the offensive line coach.
The offensive line may not have Zack Martin, but it can be reshaped into one that’s better at run blocking than pass. There’s untapped potential and Vaughn is just waiting on the right coach to use him.
Slim Running Back Options Point to Vaughn Being Pivotal
With budget options looking poor, there aren’t many other options for the Cowboys. Rico Dowdle, who had a sensational season in his own right, is likely to leave the team and collect a bag elsewhere. Jeanty being available for the 12th overall pick is still a long shot. That leaves the running backs they already have.
Malik Davis spent a majority of the season on the practice roster. Dalvin Cook didn’t show much potential with the touches he displayed in season. That clearly all points to Vaughn being the star of the show. It’s highly possible for the Cowboys to count on Vaughn more. They aren’t likely to go get a running back in free agency when wide receiver is the more pressing option. If they’re truly going for a Super Bowl, the best avenue is using the talent they have which is Vaughn.
Riley and Derrick Foster Team-Up Could Be What’s Needed
There’s a new regime for the Dallas Cowboys. Which could lead to a lot more opportunities to run the ball. Not only is Riley Vaughn’s old coach from KSU, but Derrick Foster carries tons of potential as a coach too. His previous experience primarily involves working with Alvin Kamara and Austin Ekeler.
Both Ekeler and Kamara averaged at least 4 yards per carry under Foster. Kamara nearly had a 1,000 yard season despite injuries keeping him from a couple of games. Although it hasn’t been a slew of success, Foster has the capabilities to help push Vaughn to be a talented running back in the league. If the Cowboys can maintain the incredible work Dowdle brought at the end of the season, then Vaughn could be the next sensation.
Main Photo Courtesy of Tim Heitman – Imagn Images
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