Despite Success at Cowboy Back, Position Still Sorely Underused

With an offensive system that is operating almost entirely through the air, one of the most important and useful positions for the Cowboys is still being underused.

David Glidden and Marcell Ateman have emerged as the top targets for Rudolph, with Rudolph finding comfort with Glidden primarily out of the slot either down the seam or on quick outs, and Ateman developing trust with Rudolph on the outside that he can get up and grab just about anything.

However what appears to be Rudolph’s strength, finding someone down the middle, has not equated to additional use of the Cowboy back.

Blake Jarwin and Jeremy Seaton operate best down the middle, yet their talent is not being maximized. Jarwin, a very sure-handed back, has just seven receptions and one touchdown for 87 total yards on the season. Seaton, who is seen more as a fullback than a tight end, has six receptions for two touchdowns and 70 yards.

With defenses stuffing the box to stuff the run, the Cowboy backs should [ideally] be able to soften up the run coverage by keeping the defense honest across the middle.

Their statistics as tight ends are far and away better than any season I can remember, but I still feel that they are not being used in the passing game enough to maximize the offense and the talent available at the position. What do you all think?