rookie Review: Lance Dunbar

Mean Green Scrappy · January 22, 2013

Position: Running back

How acquired: Undrafted free agent, North Texas

What he did: He spent the early portions of the season on the practice squad but was called up in October. Dunbar rushed for 75 yards on 21 carries during the season in a backup role. His value increased when DeMarco Murray missed six games with a sprained foot. Dunbar proved to be a player who can do different things -- he caught six passes out of the backfield, averaged 21.8 yards on kick returns and got work on special teams. In the second meeting with the New York Giants, on Oct. 28, Dunbar returned a kick 44 yards.

Where he fits in the future: He needs more work in the passing game, especially in picking up the blitz, but it seems the Cowboys want to keep him around more than Phillip Tanner, the other backup running back. Dunbar has good speed and vision and seems to hit holes faster than Tanner. He will compete, possibly with Tanner in training camp, to be Murray's backup. The key for Dunbar, of course, is whether the new special teams coach thinks he can provide an impact on his unit.

Story on ESPN Dallas by Calvin Watkins

kalebschumann · January 22, 2013

LANCE DUNBAR UP THE MIDDLE!

cdizzle86 · January 22, 2013

Made the front page of ESPN Dallas

http://espn.go.com/dallas/

Green P1 · January 22, 2013

He will be the 2nd string running back next year. No doubt about it.

Green Crazy · January 22, 2013

Its not just the special teams coach that is changing, but the running backs coach and the of is different too. He needs to prove himself all over again. Garrett and Callahan have some knowledge of him, but how much will they vouch for him? I hope he's the back up next year.

kalebschumann · January 22, 2013

This would be the coolest thing!

Since I'm not really a Cowboys fan, I don't really care if Murray gets injured. So I'm all for Dunbar getting chances. And you can bet he'll get plenty of chances if he's the No. 2 on the depth chart.