New Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer wants his running backs to be able to do a host of things, not just run the ball.
Yes, that is an important part, but so too is being a receiving option out of the backfield, and perhaps none more important than being good in pass protection.
With Dak Prescott coming off an injury that ended his season in Week 8, and being sacked 21 times prior to his hamstring being partially torn off the bone, the last thing Schottenheimer wants is for his quarterback to again be under duress.
That is why pass protection is a key element for all running backs who intend to make the final roster in 2025.
Draftee Phil Mafah excels at this, as he told dallascowboys.com.
"I take great pride in protecting the quarterback," Mafah said. "Because I know that without the quarterback, there's no point in playing the game, because you need him. So I take great pride in it, and I know it's an important task."
With a running back room consisting of Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams, both of whom have good experience in pass protection, along with the lightning speed of Jaydon Blue, the Cowboys have a well-rounded group behind Dak Prescott.
Pass pro is a "secret talent'' of sorts. It takes will as much as anything else ... something that can't be measured. Mafah is suggesting he possesses that talent.
That is what will make the training camp battle one to keep an eye on. ... with the bigger Mafah - a brusing running back at 6-1 and 230 - aiming to play to his powers.
Schottenheimer stated that the Cowboys wouldn't have drafted Blue or Mafah if they didn't think they could be starters, and that is quite the vote of confidence before the rookies have even stepped on the field at The Star.
And with Mafah's pass-protecting prowess, maybe that will be key in the rookie contributing in a meaningful way in Year 1.
