FRISCO, Texas – The best running backs in the NFL typically have great balance. And it's not always about literally staying on your feet.
Darren McFadden has some rather good balance in dealing with the recent "promotion" to the No. 1 running back spot, thanks to the six-game suspension of Ezekiel Elliott.
Anxious for the additional carries? Definitely.
Cognizant that Zeke is still the No. 1 back when he's ready to play? For sure.
Business-like in his approach regardless if he's the starter or not? Always.
That kind of balance is why McFadden might just be the perfect guy to take over in the Cowboys' backfield as Zeke serves this suspension, which remains at six games but remains in the appeal process.
"What Zeke brings to the table is something that is hard to replace," McFadden said. "It's going to be a committee for the running back group. Right now, we have to make sure we pick up the slack."
McFadden knows a thing or two about splitting reps, dating back to his college days at Arkansas, where he shared the ball with future NFL players Peyton Hillis and Felix Jones, a first-round pick of the Cowboys in 2008.
"I'm definitely anxious about the opportunity," McFadden said on Monday. "This is a chance for me to show what I can do again. But at the same time, my approach doesn't change. I go out and prepare like I always have. It doesn't matter if you're going to start and get all the carries or just a few. You have to be ready."
McFadden rushed for 1,089 yards in 2015, despite taking over as the starter for the final 10 games.
Last week against the Colts, McFadden rushed for 59 yards on nine carries, but lost a fumble inside the 10-yard line.
"I know I can't have that," McFadden said. "I know what I can do with the ball. But putting the ball on the ground is a big no-no. We can't have that. It's something I'm going to correct."
