Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 7:40 am Post subject: NO CHANGE NEEDED
I am sure this article wont sit well with some of you. Personally, Im not sure I 100% agree with it, but I do agree with the premise of what he is talking about. Essentially, he is saying that Felix hasnt proven to this point that he is capable of being the lead back. To me, it really doesnt matter to me who takes the first series. Who gets the bulk of the carries is what matters. I think what it boils down to is that they feel Barber sets the tone for the attitude of the offense. His running style and leadership there is important to this offense. I also think he is saying that neither Felix, or Barber has shown they are capable of carrying the load so the committe thing works fine. And until Felix can prove that he can carry the load for this team without getting hurt and truely earns the starting nod, then he will get it. I agree with this part. He also mentioned that Felix is already dinged up AGAIN.
NO CHANGE NEEDED
Eatman:
Barber remains starter............and Deservedly so
SAN ANTONIO - He's not the fastest. He's not the quickest. Oh, and he's not even the heaviest anymore.
The debate can go on and on if he's the best running back on the team or not, but Marion Barber is the starting tailback as of right now. And it doesn't really look like it's going to change anytime soon.
Sure, he's not the favorite to be starting these games - by the fans or media. There is a strong contention from both groups that would just as soon see the Cowboys hand this off - literally - to Felix Jones or even Tashard Choice, who some would say, and I don't know if I disagree, is the most complete of the three backs.
That's fine. But Barber is still starting and the Cowboys probably won't change that - not for a while at least.
Nor should they.
Believe me, I like flashy touchdown runs and Playstation-juke moves like the next guy. In fact, my Arkansas ties have put me in the Felix Jones Fan Club long before he came to the Cowboys. And I'm starting to really see the value of Tashard Choice as well.
But all that doesn't trump the fact that Barber is still this team's starting running back. And while many of you guys believe Jones did enough last year to win the job, the coaching staff doesn't exactly agree.
Now maybe as the season goes on, Jones will once again elevate himself to the starting role. But we've seen time and time again under Wade Phillips that it takes a lot more than a big play here and there to unseat a starter.
When Anthony Spencer was clearly proving to be a better player two seasons ago, the Cowboys were very reluctant to insert him into the starting lineup ahead of Greg Ellis. Phillips even stated that starting is "important" to Ellis.
We saw it last year at wide receiver when Roy Williams wasn't producing at a high level. Still, guys like Patrick Crayton, Sam Hurd and Kevin Ogletree were all implemented more into the offense by the end of the season. In fact, Ogletree had nearly as many snaps as Williams in the regular-season finale against the Eagles.
But Williams continued as the starter. Part of that comes down to admitting fault. No one really likes to do that - in any profession - especially if they don't have to. So taking Williams out of the starting lineup, just two seasons after giving him a $45 million contract, would be doing just that.
You could make a case that Felix didn't start ahead of Barber late last season for that very reason.
Now there are exceptions, although it looks like you have to break records to do it.
The Cowboys made the switch with Miles Austin after he caught 10 passes for 250 yards and two long touchdowns, including a 60-yard game-winner in overtime to beat the Chiefs. The next game, Austin had replaced Crayton in the lineup. The difference there is that for some reason, Crayton always seems to be on the edge of replacement, yet we find out more and more each season how difficult of a task that is.
So that takes us back to this year's running back position.
If you're going to make a switch, the Cowboys need a really good reason. They had two with Austin - he had just recorded the greatest receiving game in Cowboys history and he would be replacing someone the team really had no interest in making a starter in the first place.
It's different this year at running back.
In my opinion, enough hasn't occurred for Barber to be replaced.
Yes, I think Jones needs his fare share of carries. He's the one guy who can score from anywhere on the field. You can't ignore that. But he doesn't have to be the main guy. He's proven that his carries need to be limited, just like the rest of them. In fact, Jones missed Tuesday's afternoon practice with knee swelling, although it was more of a precautionary measure.
But if Barber indeed has the fire and intensity that he is showing here in camp, then to me, that is what's needed to start a game. Games are about setting the tone, and I think Barber and his running style is the best fit.
Let's break down the attributes of being a running back, using the Cowboys' three tailbacks.
Best inside runner: Marion Barber. Yes, it's Barber. He's more proven than Choice and when Barber is healthy he's the better of the two backs.
Best outside runner: It's Jones, without a question. No reason to debate.
Best short-yardage back: Still Barber. Talk about the Chargers game if you'd like. But without a push up front, Choice or Jones probably aren't scoring either. Barber has a nose for the goal line, scoring 43 touchdowns in five years.
Best blocker: Barber ... easy.
Best pass-catcher: This one is getting closer now with Jones improving a lot in the offseason. But in terms of game experience, it still goes to Barber. Felix might run better routes, but really, how many times are we going to see the back actually run a route. The bulk of the pass catching from the backs occurs out of the backfield and because of experience, the edge goes to Barber.
Best chance for home runs: Umm ... Felix.
Best Razorback formation Back: Choice. Haven't seen the others do it, so let's go with Tashard. And I didn't want him to get shut out.
Ok, now I'm sure there are people who disagree with some of these categories. That's fine. But any way you slice it, it's pretty close. And Barber will still win his fare share of these.
Let's also throw in the fact that he has showed up here at camp in the best shape of his career. Yeah, he's about six to 10 pounds lighter, but one of the strength coaches told me he's a lot stronger, too. So you factor in he's lost those pounds and still added muscle, that's quite a transformation.
And it shows here in camp. He's noticeably leaner, quicker and at times, faster.
Add all of that up, factor in that he was the starter last season, and I'm not sure how, or why you would replace him right now. vWhen we get into the season and it becomes clear as day that Jones needs and deserves more carries, then I'd be all for making a change. Until then, Barber is still the guy. And for now, it's deserved.
Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 9:59 am Post subject: Re: NO CHANGE NEEDED
Oh nooooo....
this really puts a kink in KJJ's prediction and analysis about FJ taking over as starter before the season started.
I'll tell you all right now: if we're behind by 6 with 3 minutes left on the lock and we have the ball on our 10 yd line and we'll have to put a back out there who can pass block, get us 8 yds on a delay draw, pick up 11 on a dump off pass and get out of bounds to stop the clock, and not take any major losses on runs or give up any sacks, and who will need to make a big play at some point on that drive...all while encouraging the rest of the offense they'll get it all done...
Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 11:01 am Post subject: Re: NO CHANGE NEEDED
SAN ANTONIO - Head coach Wade Phillips said in Tuesday's press conference between practices that running back Felix Jones would be held out of afternoon session with a swollen left knee for precautionary reasons.
Jones, however, didn't get that memo. He participated in shoulder pads after basically begging the athletic trainers to let him go, but he didn't get involved in much physical play.
The swollen knee is the same one he suffered a sprained PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) in last season which kept him out of two games.
Jones injured the knee last season in the third quarter of the Week 3 game against Carolina after rushing for 94 yards in the game. Jones ran for more than 90 yards in two of his first three games. The only game he ran for more than 90 yards after the injury came in the regular season finale against the Eagles, when he rushed for 91 yards.
Of course, Jones did rush for 148 yards in the Wild Card win over the Eagles the following week, which ranks as third-highest playoff rushing performance in club history.
"This morning was probably the worst it's been," Jones said.
He said the knee felt better as the day went on and as he worked it out. Phillips said in the press conference that the injury was nothing serious, and he expected Jones to be ready by Wednesday.
Jones attributed the pain in his knee to running and pounding against the turf and didn't say it occurred after one distinct strike.
"I came in earlier in practice this morning, it just didn't feel right," Jones said. "I came in earlier before practice and did a little bit of things before coming out this evening practice, and it felt a lot better."
Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 11:09 am Post subject: Re: NO CHANGE NEEDED
I don't see what Barber has done since being named the starter to make his job safe. He has been decent, but certainly unspectacular.
Unless you are dealing with an established star, a job should be an open competition every year. No matter what happens I expect the RBs to be splitting carries.
Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 1:43 pm Post subject: Re: NO CHANGE NEEDED
Habo wrote:
I don't see what Barber has done since being named the starter to make his job safe. He has been decent, but certainly unspectacular.
Unless you are dealing with an established star, a job should be an open competition every year. No matter what happens I expect the RBs to be splitting carries.
I think what the author is saying, is that two things:
-What has he done to lose his job?
-What has Felix done to earn the job?
And from this standpoint, I think he is right. What we see from Felix, is alot of potential. What he could be if he could stay healthy and carry a full load. But up to this point, he hasnt proven that. Therefore, why make the change?
And he is also saying he expects more of a splitting of carries. Which I think we all agree on.
And we already know now.....Felix is already limping around the field after one week of no contact in training camp. The guy is brittle. Its almost to the point where that is becoming a fact. Not sure if we are there yet.
At this time, I think the best way to get the most out of felix, is to split carries with another back and keep him healthy all year. As opposed to give him 20 carries a game till he gets injured.
Joined: Aug 20, 2007 Posts: 4134 Location: Mountain View, Missouri
Status:
Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 3:20 pm Post subject: Re: NO CHANGE NEEDED
The writer evidently watched the games with same unbiased eye that Michael Savage uses when reporting on the Democratic National Convention...
I'm not particularly satisfied with 2 yards and a cloud of rubber pellets.
Since I was saying it last year, I'll say it this year, Choice should get a shot at it. He's also the best short yardage back we have. But I'm also curious about Felix with all of his new pounds. He does outweight Barber now...
Joined: Sep 09, 2007 Posts: 5171 Location: Malibu, Ca
Status:
Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 3:41 pm Post subject: Re: NO CHANGE NEEDED
Jhalp wrote:
Oh nooooo....
this really puts a kink in KJJ's prediction and analysis about FJ taking over as starter before the season started.
I'll tell you all right now: if we're behind by 6 with 3 minutes left on the lock and we have the ball on our 10 yd line and we'll have to put a back out there who can pass block, get us 8 yds on a delay draw, pick up 11 on a dump off pass and get out of bounds to stop the clock, and not take any major losses on runs or give up any sacks, and who will need to make a big play at some point on that drive...all while encouraging the rest of the offense they'll get it all done...
I'm going with Tashard Choice...in a heartbeat.
I didn't say Felix would take over as the starter before this season started I said he would take over for Barber at some point last season and he pretty much did during the playoffs carrying the ball 30 times compared to Barbers 11 carries. A back doesn't necessarily have to get the "start" to take over for another back it's who's getting the most carries and Felix got alot more carries during the playoffs than Barber. Barber has shown the past 2 seasons he was a much better finisher than a starter. If the Cowboys want to "start" Barber that's fine as long as Felix gets most of the carries. With Barber coming in lighter this season his rockem sockem style of play is going to have to change or he'll come up with another lingering injury that will hamper him the entire season. He doesn't have the size to keep taking on defenders or he'll be completely washed up by the time he's 30.
Joined: Sep 09, 2007 Posts: 5171 Location: Malibu, Ca
Status:
Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 3:47 pm Post subject: Re: NO CHANGE NEEDED
Jhalp wrote:
SAN ANTONIO - Head coach Wade Phillips said in Tuesday's press conference between practices that running back Felix Jones would be held out of afternoon session with a swollen left knee for precautionary reasons.
Jones, however, didn't get that memo. He participated in shoulder pads after basically begging the athletic trainers to let him go, but he didn't get involved in much physical play.
The swollen knee is the same one he suffered a sprained PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) in last season which kept him out of two games.
Jones injured the knee last season in the third quarter of the Week 3 game against Carolina after rushing for 94 yards in the game. Jones ran for more than 90 yards in two of his first three games. The only game he ran for more than 90 yards after the injury came in the regular season finale against the Eagles, when he rushed for 91 yards.
Of course, Jones did rush for 148 yards in the Wild Card win over the Eagles the following week, which ranks as third-highest playoff rushing performance in club history.
"This morning was probably the worst it's been," Jones said.
He said the knee felt better as the day went on and as he worked it out. Phillips said in the press conference that the injury was nothing serious, and he expected Jones to be ready by Wednesday.
Jones attributed the pain in his knee to running and pounding against the turf and didn't say it occurred after one distinct strike.
"I came in earlier in practice this morning, it just didn't feel right," Jones said. "I came in earlier before practice and did a little bit of things before coming out this evening practice, and it felt a lot better."
Looks like you're just about to knee jerk with another "Felix Jones is looking like a bust" thread.
Posted: Wed Jul 28, 2010 4:48 pm Post subject: Re: NO CHANGE NEEDED
CowboyRoy wrote:
I am sure this article wont sit well with some of you. Personally, Im not sure I 100% agree with it, but I do agree with the premise of what he is talking about. Essentially, he is saying that Felix hasnt proven to this point that he is capable of being the lead back. To me, it really doesnt matter to me who takes the first series. Who gets the bulk of the carries is what matters. I think what it boils down to is that they feel Barber sets the tone for the attitude of the offense. His running style and leadership there is important to this offense. I also think he is saying that neither Felix, or Barber has shown they are capable of carrying the load so the committe thing works fine. And until Felix can prove that he can carry the load for this team without getting hurt and truely earns the starting nod, then he will get it. I agree with this part. He also mentioned that Felix is already dinged up AGAIN.
I dont agree with a lot of it. It doesnt take into consideration how well we played with Felix getting more carries. I also dont agree with the rational that you dont need that guy who can score from anywhere getting the opportunity as much as possible. Why would anyone not want that? Its also critical Felix, or any RB gets a rhythm by playing a few series at a time.
Felix did not get injured thru extended use. Freak occurrences. And this knee had nothing to do with contact.
My opinion is we need to see what we have with the far better runner, running. MB can return to his old role. It is important we start games well and get the D on its heels as quickly as possible. Felix does that best.
Though MB is great in passing situations. So it depends of the game plan too.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
NAV
