The Dallas Cowboys were named a landing spot for Nick Chubb who ended the past two seasons on the IR. by: Randy Gurzi.
The Dallas Cowboys Named a Landing Spot for Nick Chubb Who Ended the Past Two Seasons on IR
In the world of the NFL, team rosters are always in flux, with constant movement through trades, free-agent signings, and the draft. The Dallas Cowboys, one of the league’s most storied franchises, have long been known for their aggressive approach to roster management. While their defense has been one of the most consistent in the NFL, and their offense has seen flashes of brilliance, one position where the Cowboys have been seeking improvement is in their running game. Enter Nick Chubb, the Cleveland Browns’ star running back who has been a fixture of elite talent in the NFL but has had his fair share of injury struggles in recent seasons.
Nick Chubb is a proven workhorse running back, known for his elite vision, power, and ability to break tackles. Over the years, he’s been considered one of the best pure runners in the NFL. However, his last two seasons have been marred by injuries, specifically knee injuries that led to him being placed on injured reserve (IR) at the end of both seasons. Despite these setbacks, Chubb’s talent is undeniable, and the prospect of him joining a team like the Dallas Cowboys has been a topic of much discussion in the offseason.
Randy Gurzi’s take on the potential landing spot for Nick Chubb with the Cowboys sheds light on a number of factors. The Cowboys are in need of an impactful running back to complement their dynamic passing game, led by quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. With the looming question of Ezekiel Elliott’s future with the team, Chubb’s potential arrival in Dallas could provide the Cowboys with a major boost in their quest to compete for the NFC Championship and perhaps a Super Bowl title.
Chubb’s Injury History: A Cause for Concern?
Before diving into the specifics of why Chubb would be an attractive addition to the Cowboys, it’s important to acknowledge the elephant in the room: his injury history. While Chubb’s career has been filled with impressive performances and record-setting runs, his last two seasons have been marred by knee injuries that have led to him finishing both years on injured reserve. These injuries raised concerns about his long-term durability, especially given the pounding a running back takes in the NFL.
In 2021, Chubb suffered a significant knee injury that caused him to miss several games and eventually led to him being placed on IR for the remainder of the season. His 2022 campaign didn’t end much better, as he once again battled through injuries before succumbing to another knee issue that forced him to miss the final stretch of the season. The repetitive nature of these knee injuries is troubling, especially for a running back who relies heavily on his explosiveness and ability to cut on a dime.
The question for the Cowboys, then, is whether they should take a risk on a player with such an injury history, or if it’s better to seek out a healthier, more reliable option. While Chubb has been exceptional when on the field, his injuries have made some teams hesitant to pull the trigger on a long-term deal. However, for a team like the Cowboys, whose window for championship contention is wide open, a player like Chubb could be worth the gamble, provided the team is willing to structure his contract in a way that protects them in case his injury problems resurface.
The Cowboys’ Need for a Workhorse Running Back
Despite boasting one of the best quarterbacks in the league, Dak Prescott, and a talented receiving corps, the Cowboys have struggled to maintain a balanced offense in recent seasons. Their running game has been inconsistent, and while Tony Pollard has shown promise, he hasn’t quite stepped into the role of a true workhorse back. For the Cowboys, a reliable, powerful running back would provide the perfect complement to Prescott’s ability to air it out, taking pressure off the passing game and helping control the tempo of games. This would be especially important in late-season games and playoff situations, where a dominant running game can be the difference between success and failure.
Enter Nick Chubb. Chubb is the definition of a workhorse back. Standing at 5’11” and weighing 227 pounds, he combines size, strength, and vision to make defenders miss and create explosive runs. In his career, Chubb has averaged over 5 yards per carry, and his ability to break tackles and push defenders back has earned him respect as one of the hardest runners in the NFL. Adding a player like Chubb to the Cowboys’ roster would significantly bolster their offense.
The Cowboys’ offense is predicated on a balanced attack, and with Chubb in the fold, the running game could become a focal point once again. Chubb’s ability to wear down defenses over the course of a game would open up opportunities for Prescott to take advantage of play-action passes, giving him more time to find open receivers downfield. Moreover, Chubb’s ability to pick up tough yards in short-yardage situations and in the red zone would provide the Cowboys with a level of offensive balance they have lacked in recent years.
The Potential Fit in Dallas
One of the most intriguing aspects of the potential fit between Nick Chubb and the Dallas Cowboys is the system and the coaching staff in place. Head coach Mike McCarthy, known for his experience working with quarterbacks and developing offenses, would undoubtedly find ways to use Chubb’s skill set to the team’s advantage. The Cowboys’ offensive line, which has been a strength in recent years, would provide Chubb with the blocking he needs to succeed. The team has several key players on the line, including Tyron Smith, Zack Martin, and La’el Collins, who could open up lanes for Chubb to do what he does best—gain yards after contact and dominate in the trenches.
Additionally, the Cowboys’ offense has a solid passing attack that would prevent defenses from focusing solely on stopping the run. With Prescott’s ability to spread the ball around to his receivers, teams would be forced to respect both the passing game and the running game, making it harder for opposing defenses to stack the box. The presence of Chubb could force defenses to play more honest, providing more room for Pollard to operate as a change-of-pace back, or for Prescott to utilize his full range of offensive weapons.
Moreover, Chubb’s leadership and veteran presence could provide an added benefit to the Cowboys’ locker room. Chubb is known for his professionalism and work ethic, and his experience in high-pressure games with the Cleveland Browns could be invaluable in the Cowboys’ quest for a Super Bowl. His physical style of running could also bring an added toughness to the team, something that would be crucial in the postseason when every game is a battle.
The Risk of Injury: Can the Cowboys Afford It?
Despite Chubb’s undeniable talent and his potential fit in Dallas, there is a lingering concern about his injury history. Injuries, particularly knee injuries, can have a long-term impact on a running back’s effectiveness. As mentioned earlier, Chubb has spent significant time on injured reserve in the last two seasons, and this raises questions about his durability moving forward. While the Cowboys would be getting a proven and dominant runner in Chubb, they would also be taking on some level of risk by relying on a player who has struggled to stay on the field consistently.
This is where the Cowboys would need to be strategic in their approach. If they were to sign Chubb, they could structure his contract with incentives and protections that would safeguard the team in case of further injuries. Given that the Cowboys have multiple offensive weapons in place, they would not necessarily need to rely solely on Chubb to carry the load, but they would want to ensure they have a reliable backup plan if Chubb were to get injured again. It would be important for the Cowboys to find a way to balance Chubb’s usage, so he remains fresh and effective throughout the season while minimizing the risk of further injury.
