Tashard Choice on SIRIUS radio, 11/29

by Incredifan on Nov 29, 2008 12:53 PM CST

Choice was interviewed in the afternoon program on the NFL channel, by Jim Miller and Pat Kirwan. Kirwan mentioned having interviewed him several times leading up to the draft, but they had him back on in the aftermath of his 5+ yard/carry performance on Thanksgiving.

Mostly pre-programmed answers, but Kirwan was obviously digging around, trying to get Choice to answer the question lots of us have had. Why haven't we seen more of him thus far? Kirwan asked specifically about his ability to protect Romo in a blitz situation. Choice says that's all good; and in fact says that the 'Boys' runnings backs coach has told him that he has every confidence in Choice's abilities out there on the field. Choice also said Romo was specifically happy with the protection that Choice helped provide.

Will we see more of him now, in order to keep Barber frosty for a playoff run? He doesn't know, hopes so; apparently the coaches haven't told him anything about any of that.

Another user-created commentary provided by a BTB reader.

Tweet Comment 12 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

It's the same as it was with Felix.

I think Garrett just prefers a one back attack.

by Baked Potato Soup on Nov 29, 2008 2:58 PM CST reply actions

Garrett & Wade

are both allergic to extensively playing rookies. they need to go see a doctor, because right now, rookies are saving our team and their jobs

I commented. You're welcome.

another transplant from The Blue & Silver Report

by bulldog jeeper on Nov 29, 2008 4:02 PM CST reply actions

+1

Very well said.

by kindablue on Nov 29, 2008 6:23 PM CST up reply actions

I seriously wonder

if Wade and Garrett were holding things back on purpose sometimes so as to unleash them when it counted the most (the upcoming 4 game stretch run). Just an idle thought.

by Benthere on Nov 29, 2008 7:05 PM CST up reply actions

That would be REALLY crazy

So they could play an essentially untested/unproven rookie at crunch time? That really makes no sense and they should be fired if that’s what’s going on.

by StillHateTheGiants on Nov 29, 2008 8:47 PM CST up reply actions

Crazy until you consider

the unforeseen circumstances. Nobody could see injury situation at the beginning of the year. I’m sure the coaches would have preferred to break in our two new running backs more gradually than this year has allowed. Also with all the negative hype about our collapse at the end of last season, I just wonder if that might have contributed to the “hold ’em back” mentality the coaches seem to have taken. Wouldn’t you enjoy seeing Choice for the first time in the upcoming game rather than have him forced to play last week? I’m just thinking of the “surprise” angle more than anything.

by Benthere on Nov 29, 2008 11:10 PM CST up reply actions

It Makes a Lot More Sense

To spell Barber more than two plays a game, which is what Garrett has tried to do since Felix went down. Barber has never his entire career, including high school, been a featured back. He isn’t a 350 carry a season back like Emmitt, and it’s foolish for Garrett to run him into the ground until there’s only one good back left, who’s hardly played this year. It’s not like Choice offers any big surprises, either. He hits the hole hard, fights for tough yards, doesn’t have a lot of speed. It’s not like Garrett is unveiling some secret weapon that will catch a team off guard. That’s done more with creative playcalling than personnel, anyway.

Had Garrett worked Choice into the lineup more earlier in the season, Barber would be fresher and Choice would be more seasoned and prepared. It’s just poor decision making by our offensive coordinator, nothing else.

by kindablue on Nov 30, 2008 11:08 AM CST up reply actions

Choice

Looked good on Thursday, I am sure we will see his role increase.. He is hitting the hole with intensity right now..

"If you see me up in the mountains with a lion, I ain't lyin
don't help me, help the mountain lion"

by Wmillion on Nov 29, 2008 4:21 PM CST reply actions

yeah, he would have gotten some carries in the second half anyway, but with Barber out it gave him an opportunity to get into a bit of a rhythm rather than just spot carry here and there as it has been. And he really did look good (to my untrained eye). I love the way he runs and I have confidence in him.

In his postgame show with Brad and Babe they noted that he was holding onto the ball with both hands, and he says “Absolutely, I’m not going to have any opportunity for the coaches to say, ‘Okay, we can’t trust him in the end of the game, we don’t want him to run the ball.’”

He notes that he emulates Emmitt and how he always moves forward and leans forward and developed his style from that, which you can definitely see.

by scottmaui on Nov 29, 2008 5:39 PM CST reply actions

The lack of playing time by Choice.....

is just another example of poor coaching as far as I’m concerned.

by StillHateTheGiants on Nov 29, 2008 8:50 PM CST reply actions

It does reflect badly

Considering Choice showed promise in the very FIRST game of the season against Cleveland. Of course Felix was also underutilized, so that’s another knock against the coaching.

I hate to say this, but the Giants balance their ground game extremely well, and we should take some lessons from them.

In-YOUR-endo

by accidental innuendo on Nov 30, 2008 9:04 AM CST up reply actions