Tashard Choice: Working the Late Shift
by Rafael Vela on Dec 17, 2008 6:45 PM CST
64 comments
When the Cowboys won their first post-bye "season deciding" game in Washington, they did so with a blueprint carried over from their '07 13-3 run. They passed early and hammered Marion Barber late.
On the game-winning touchdown drive and on the clock-draining final drive, Barber carried 15 times for 74 yards. He also caught a key ten-yard pass to convert a 3rd and long. Two thirds of his total yards came in the second half.
This late, knockout power is what so many fans feared the Cowboys would lose when Marion Barber dislocated his toe on Thanksgiving Day. So far, however, Tashard Choice is demonstrating that he has Barber's finishing kick, if not Barber's raw power. Look at his second-half production versus his first-half production in his three games as starter or co-RB:
vs. Seattle
All eleven of Choice's carries and all 57 of his yards came in the second half. The Cowboys fed him the ball 10 times in the final quarter and he ground out 57 yards, a nice, neat 5.7 yard average.
vs. Pittsburgh
Choice's game was well balanced as a runner -- 11 carries for 44 yards in the first half and 12 carries for 44 in the second. He made a huge contribution as a receiver, with two catches for 55 yards in the second. His 50 yard romp down the sideline almost broke the game open late in the 3rd quarter.
vs. New York
A replay of his Seattle line. Choice got one carry for six yards in the first half, as the Cowboys played Marion Barber on most of the early series. Choice broke out for 86 second-half yards, 79 of them coming in the 4th quarter.
In short, Jason Garrett is using Tashard Choice the same way he used Barber. Note Choice's 1st vs. 2nd half splits:
- 1st half: 10 carries, 49 yards - 4.9 yds./att.
- 2nd half: 33 carries, 187 yards - 5.7 yds./att.
- Overall: 43 carries, 236 yards - 5.5 yds./att.
Choice is not running the same play menu as Barber. He's taking a lot more plays in space. Which makes sense; Choice is 208 pounds. Barber lists at 225. This means more draws from the shotgun and lots of short passes -- Choice has 130 receiving yards the last two games.
Regardless, Jason Garrett is sticking to the plan he established last year -- throw early, run late. And no matter how Tashard Choice gets his yards, he's getting them.
Don't fear, Cowboys fans. That big, battering, security blanket who wears 24 may have to rest his toe, but his understudy is showing he can carry the short-term load.
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i love tashard choice
also orlando scandrick
they seem to go out there and give 110% on every play
choice is best utilizes on screens and draws and he can even pound it up the gut for some solid yardage but don’t expect mb3 carnage
when the barbarian gets healthy and if we make the playoffs (we will) then we have a great running game to compliment the already great pass attack we have
…and it will all be aided even further if holland can play asap
Superbowl or Bust?
by MrMinority on Dec 17, 2008 6:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
no question that Choice and Scandrick
have been the best rookies this year with Felix probably in that group if he doesn’t get put on IR. If Jenkins learns how to tackle, we could be looking at one of the best Cowboys best draft classes on par with 2005.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Dec 18, 2008 7:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree and don't forget Bennett.
He may have the best career of the entire group
by StillHateTheGiants on Dec 18, 2008 9:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
How does this rookie class compare to others, Raf?
Having been a Cowboy fan since 1960 I have seen some great classes and some absolute duds. To me this is the best overall class of Cowboy rookies since the change to 7 round draft. What say you?
by Keys80 on Dec 17, 2008 6:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
You think it's better than '05?
Ware, Spears, Canty, Ratliff, Barber, Burnett?
That’s a damn good class.
by Rafael Vela on Dec 17, 2008 7:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Time will tell
but it looks close.
Ware, Rat and MB3 = All pros
Spears, Canty, Burnett = great role players
Felix and Jenkins = Potential probowlers
Scandrick, Choice and Martellus = Exceptional role players with high ceilings
by Billito on Dec 17, 2008 8:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
EITHER YEAR...You can thank GM Jerry Jones !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A true diehard Cowboys fan since 1975.
"If you don’t take him off the field as a coach, he will just about die out there," Jerry Jones said. "That impacted my decision. It’s a Michael Irvin-type work ethic. That’s what we are talking about with Felix Jones."
- Owner/G.M of the Dallas Cowboys , Jerry Jones
by BoyzRback on Dec 17, 2008 8:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
"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 Dec 17, 2008 11:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
actually you can thank Parcells for 05
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 6:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
cowboy fans
have to be the only fans who don’t give the GM credit for moves made..
"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 Dec 18, 2008 1:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Martellus will be alot more than a role player
He may have to wait because Witten will be here a while but he looks like a beast to me.
by StillHateTheGiants on Dec 18, 2008 9:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Do you count Pacman in this draft, since he was basically our 4th rounder?
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
by Tim Wilson on Dec 18, 2008 4:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Doesn't Choice remind you of Emmitt?
I have to say it – I like Choice more than I like Barber. Yeah, Yeah, I know Barber is hurt, but Choice has the elusiveness that Barber lacks. When they run a dive play, you know that Choice will get at least 3 yds. With Barber, it seems like he’s always looking to bounce it outside, he doesn’t hit the hole, and gets dropped for a loss. Second and 7 is better than second and 13.
by oilers90 on Dec 17, 2008 7:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
choice vs. barber
we’ll see how tashard holds up once they get some film on him, but what’s not to like? the guy looks very good out there.
as for liking choice better than barber, i guess that’s reasonable. i’m just hoping that we don’t have to choose. let barber get well, and run them both out there. and next year, the two of them plus felix jones. can’t have too many good running backs.
by g8tgod on Dec 17, 2008 7:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Barber >>> Choice
It’s not even a discussion. Look at the TDs
by birdness on Dec 18, 2008 3:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Limited sampling size=No basis for a discussion either way.
I certainly see the rationale in wanting to downplay Choice’s contributions so far. Everybody probably needs to remind themselves how good Julius Jones looked for half of his rookie season only to never rise to that level again over the course of his stay in Big D.
On the other hand, it’s hard not to be excited about Choice. He just had man-sized efforts against two top shelf defenses in back-to-back weeks. Although he’s not nearly as fast as Felix or as bullish a runner as the Barbarian, he might actually turn out to be a more well-rounded runner than either of them able to gash defenses inside or outside.
The challenge will be figuring out which back will most consistently get you positive gains and how many times and when exactly to use your homerun back (Felix) to maximize his effectiveness. Then there’s the matter of who’s actually your best closer.
As for being burdened by such an embarrassment of riches at the position, every team only wishes they should be so lucky as to have that dilemma. Besides as has been pointed frequently around these parts, it’s not so much a running back’s actual age as the mileage he logs. Just look at Tiki Barber who didn’t become the Giants feature back until his sixth year in the league and then hit his peak at the age of 30 rushing for over 1,850 yards. That could very well be the path Felix’s career takes. The key thing to be excited about is that barring unforseen circumstances, even by the time Barber hits the wall, Felix and Choice should still have plenty left if not in the prime of their careers.
by MadMick on Dec 19, 2008 2:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
A DREAM HAS COME TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Ok guys, today i received and early christmas present from my wife! 1 TICKET TO THE GAME THIS SATURDAY NIGHT!!!!!!!!!!! THIS WILL BE MY FIRST TRIP TO TEXAS STADIUM!!!!
I have been to one other cowboys game and that was in carolina in 2005. That was also a christmas present from the wife! What can i say, she loves me for some odd reason!!!
But i was hoping for some tips from some of you guys that have been to texas stadium before. I need suggestions on good hotels near the stadium. One with a shuttle to the stadium would be nice. So any help or other tips will be very much appreciated!!!
What a great gift!!!!!!! The last game at texas stadium!!!!! WOW!!!!!!!!
by TARHEEL PAUL on Dec 17, 2008 7:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
ill be there too.
yeah somewhere in the nose bleed section. wearing a very faded emmit jersy. my name is arnold, call out my name if you think its me, ill say hello.
by Becho on Dec 17, 2008 10:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Congrats!!
Only tip I can give is show up early enough to simply enjoy the day. I wish I could tell you more. The stadium is out of the way from a lot of reasonably priced conveiniences. Wish I still lived in the area, I’d surely have picked you up from the airport and got you some dinner….
Have a great time!
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort.
....Annoy a Liberal... Work Hard and Be Happy
by DWARE for Prez on Dec 18, 2008 1:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
got a good steak house too ....i think they got a shuttle
by canty99 on Dec 17, 2008 7:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Thanks canty, but $250 a night is a little pricey.........any other suggestions from anyone else??????
by TARHEEL PAUL on Dec 17, 2008 8:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
well there are other hotels around that area
plus if u go to the marriot u have a good chance of meeting alot of the players and coaches…i meet many on my last trip…
by canty99 on Dec 17, 2008 8:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'll be there too,
package deal from the company that advertises on the Boys’ website.
They put us up at the “Omni Mandalay”. Might list as expensive, but some people on TripAdvisor say they got lower rates on the Internet.
It’s #1 rated out of 80 hotels in Irving on TripAdv., if you’re familiar with that site…
The package includes a shuttle to the game, they might have a way to get you there, I’m not sure.
by Realist Larry on Dec 17, 2008 8:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
$139/night
includes a breakfast (a “Cowboy Special”), not bad, on their website.
AAA might even be better.
by Realist Larry on Dec 17, 2008 9:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks Larry
I will call them first thing in the morning to see if they have anything available.
by TARHEEL PAUL on Dec 17, 2008 10:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey Paul
I always stay at the Days in Texas stadium…You can walk across the road to the parking lot. They usually run around $125 for game days…..And If you go….walk into webbs sportbar (attached to the hotel) and Tell Jerry….That Jerry and Cathy Sent You!
From oneTarHeel alumni to another….Have a great time!
You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach
by TrueBlue24 on Dec 17, 2008 9:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh and
Merry Christas Dude…..I bet I get a Tie (for christmas….not the game…LOL)
You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach
by TrueBlue24 on Dec 17, 2008 9:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
TrueBlue......
I called days inn and they are booked solid. But thanks for the heads up. That would have been great to stay across the street from the stadium. And about the tie, maybe it will be a Dallas Cowboys tie!
by TARHEEL PAUL on Dec 17, 2008 10:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey...no problem
LOL…..my wife gave me two tickets for UNC and Evansville Tomorrow night…..Maybe Tyler will Break Phil fords all time scoring record……LOL….so there goes my Tie…HaHaHa…..But It’ll definitely be fun to get back to Chapel hill……
Hey I hope you can find something….I tried!!!!!!
You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach
by TrueBlue24 on Dec 17, 2008 10:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No doubt about it.........
He will break that record tomorrow night. I think he only needs 11 points or something like that. Its not often guys like him come along. Maybe we can talk Jerry into signing him as an undrafted free agent and giving him a shot at defensive end!
by TARHEEL PAUL on Dec 17, 2008 10:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Look into MCM Elegante...
Free shuttle to and from DFW and Texas Stadium and the hotel rates are rather cheap. You also get 4 free drink every night you are there for complimentary happy hour. Check it out! ( I just stayed there for my first game against the Giants and the staff is awesome! )
by DieSlowKeyshawn on Dec 18, 2008 6:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
MBIII
What is the status of his toe? Is this something that will not heal for a while and may eventually need surgery? Or will he / or is he getting better? I really like Barber a lot but he looked terrible against the Giants.
by eightball on Dec 17, 2008 8:08 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
MB III needs rest
He may need surgery down the road but I’m not sure because I’m not evaluating him
Cowboys fan since 1978.. I was 3 years old
by Mullin on Dec 17, 2008 8:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
3 headed monster
By no means am I giving up on this season. But, I can not help but get excited thinking about MBIII, Felix and Choice next year. Those 3 will make NYG trio look like a bunch of school girls.
by eightball on Dec 17, 2008 8:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
yep
the NY 3 are much less skilled IMO. also i think ours compliment each other better. MB3 is a bruiser, a role which age will take less of a toll on than if his talent was speed. Felix is the burner, shifty guy. Tashard is consistent, and great bettween the tackles. Tashard is honestly the best mold for a starter but i cant see us putting him there due to MB3s contract. 15 touches a game each sounds great right. it would be so nice to have a relitively injury free season…aRGH
by Becho on Dec 17, 2008 10:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i like the idea of having all three
running the ball 45 times a game doesnt seem like it would go well with 3 star receivers (witten, williams, and TO) but to be honest i think this year has show us that you can always expect a running back to get hurt whether it be a torn big toe or just a dislocated pinkie. The best thing about having three starter quality backs is that your chances of having one or two healthy are that much greater.
by longhorn3621 on Dec 18, 2008 1:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Get Coleman ready
He is going to need to get some carriers this game, to keep Choice fresh.. Barber needs to seat.
"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 Dec 17, 2008 11:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Tashard Choice
I like Choice better than Barber too. Marion is good for pounding people and wearing them down for the 4th quarter, but he has too many runs where he just gets 1 or 2 yards
Tashard seems to get larger chunks of real estate on average. And actually helps us in getting first downs.
by Cowboys4Life on Dec 18, 2008 2:24 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I think Barber and Choice do different things..
But, Barber was choice when JJ went down..
"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 Dec 18, 2008 1:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Barber >>> Choice
JuJones used to make big runs too. Barber gets 1 or 2 when the Boys need it most – the Goaline!
by birdness on Dec 18, 2008 3:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm "Pro-Choice"
I’m not taking credit for coining that phrase, somebody on the BSR did, I don’t remember who. Regardless he’s been great I’m relieved that we another back to rely on to close out the game.
We will lose to the ravens.
by Captain Comeback on Dec 18, 2008 6:39 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
As far as the draft class goes, I Iove it...
But give it the standard three year litmus test and we’ll see. As far as Choice vs. Barber, again I have to reserve judgment. As in, wait til Barber’s healthy and Choice has played more than 3 games. Granted, those games have included 2 ridiculous defenses for a rookie to produce against and soon to be a third…
by AikmanNailedMySis on Dec 18, 2008 7:31 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
but so was julius jones his rookie season
by elharpo on Dec 18, 2008 8:31 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Choice doesn't have BP here to ruin him
That may be a little harsh, I think JJ played a big role too; not enough confidence in himself. I hope Choice doesn’t go that way regardless
by StillHateTheGiants on Dec 18, 2008 9:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I have to laugh at the comments about Choice vs Barber
Talk about front running! The man love for Barber has been off the charts (and deserved), a new guy comes along and plays pretty well and some people are ready to annoint him the guy. I think they’re both great backs and I’m glad they’re both in Dallas. It’s a little early to get out the annointing oil (did I say that?).
by StillHateTheGiants on Dec 18, 2008 9:38 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Too funny
I predicted this would happen if Felix Jones took off, that people would suddenly be clamoring for him to be the guy, after years of screaming for Marion to replace Julius.
Fickle, fickle, fickle.
by Rafael Vela on Dec 18, 2008 9:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Its like power rankings have taken hold in ever facet of the NFL.
Who is the better rb, whomever is on the hot streak or has a bit more success. Rather than feel real good about the situation the boys have: three rb under contract for the next 4 years, it is all about who should start and who should finish, how many carries shoud each one get? Next year will answer a lot of questions on how they want to use the three capable backs they have. I am just happy we have someone who can step in for MB3 while he is injured and help give the running game a reasonable pulse. I really just want holland to get back and have the off line stay healthy, that is my hope. My x-mas wish is for a dallas-pitt superbowl where the boys add No. 6 to the collection. Does anyone realize that if the boys make it to the superbowl by No. 45 they will have 9 appearances in 45 years, that is a five year avg. So every decade the boys have made a superbowl, talk about a home away from home.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Dec 18, 2008 9:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1 Raf
I think you need multiple backs in the NFL, Marion is a great assest.. Marion around the goal line you can but the TD in the books..
"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 Dec 18, 2008 1:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I've been against resigning MB3 since last year...
ask anybody on the former BSR members. One of the many reasons why I’m hated I guess. It’s sucks to be right.
We will lose to the ravens.
by Captain Comeback on Dec 18, 2008 11:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Right about what, MB3 dislocated a toe when a def player stepped on it, not because he was being overused.
The book has yet to be written on MB3.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Dec 18, 2008 11:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He also played for weeks on a fractured rib and his production did not suffer greatly except for the
games where romo was out.
Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!
by cowboy78 on Dec 18, 2008 11:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
So who exactly are the hosses the Cowboys are going to miss out on re-signing because of Barber's hefty contract?
Canty?
Burnett?
If so, it happens. Get over it.
Though if you honestly thought Jerry was going to go into this season with a rookie as the main man toting the rock, you yourself were high on some kind of rock. The way I see it the only way Barber wasn’t going to be re-signed was if Jerry went out and signed Michael Turner instead; which I guess you’ll just say Jerry should’ve obviously did. As good as Turner has been (although his numbers are way blown up by a colossal week 1 performance against the Lions) just remember he was even more unproven as a starter than Barber was last offseason. So the prudent move was probably actually re-signing Barber. Believe it or not.
Also, if you haven’t noticed, the Cowboys have needed three solid running backs this season with Felix getting lost for the season after just six games and as much as you detest that “overpaid roleplayer” Barber’s 70-yard catch-and-run is the only reason Nick Folk had a chance to kick the game-tying field goal against the Cardinals and the Barbarian was also the man in victories over Green Bay and especially the Redskins.
Yeah, it probably does suck still being one of those crotchety old men who still moans about dem dar athletes being so goshdarn overpaid.
by MadMick on Dec 19, 2008 2:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You missed the point....again
We will lose to the ravens.
by Captain Comeback on Dec 19, 2008 8:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
How so?
Your stance was that Jerry massively overpaid a player at a position where it’s been proven time and time again more than any other skill position that a rookie or unknown can step in and get the job done just as well as the household name. Yeah, I got that much.
But Jerry simply wasn’t going to enter the season with a rookie as the starting running back or some also-ran plug-in type like Ron Dayne or Tatum “bag thief” Bell. So it’s moot to even argue about how you can plug in any gimp at running back for a discount. Why downgrade at the position if you can afford not to? Besides even keeping Julius instead of the Barbarian would’ve meant overpaying him too.
Furthermore, since you don’t have a crystal ball that tells you what the cap will actually be in ‘09 and beyond, how do you know exactly what the repercussions of "overpaying" Barber will be? You don’t.
Lastly, it wasn’t just that you were merely against re-signing Barber. It was all your whining about it and denouncing the whole team. “Barber sucks” this and “Barber sucks” that and “Barber’s a slug for not taking that long run all the way to the house in the playoffs.” Your vitriol against Barber for no good reason other than you thought he was getting overpaid was just childish.
by MadMick on Dec 19, 2008 8:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No Super Bowls in 60s or 80s
But if they make it to the NFC Championship game somehow before 2011, they will have made that semi-ultimate game every decade of their existence.
by DavidH22 on Dec 18, 2008 10:56 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Im of the opinion that unless you have the rare franchise back, ala Emmitt,
its great to have RBs with different running styles. The way some defenses play us week to week, they might set up better for Choice running style or Barbers. Before Julius fell off the deep end, some weeks Julius was getting the big runs and some weeks it was Barber. Some weeks it was both and some it was none.
I like getting all the backs involve in the 1st half and then riding the hot hand in the 2nd half. Sometimes you need a slasher, other times a pounder, and in bad weather a mudder. We really are set up with our backfield. We just need to get them all healthy.
by squidlo97 on Dec 18, 2008 10:57 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
The line is clicking
It doesn’t matter how a great a RB might be, without a dominant O line they go nowhere. LT and LJ look old, in Dallas, every RB on the roster looks good. Barber, Jones and Choice that good, or are the big uglies making some big holes?
by birdness on Dec 18, 2008 3:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
its both
OL, no matter how good, can only open holes so long as holes for RBs in the NFL open and close in the blink of an eye, meaning if you don’t have a back or backs with the vision and ability to hit that hole really fast, it really doesn’t matter how good your OL is.
Just like a qb and wr both need each other to perform well.
Football is the ultimate team sport, everyone has to do their job for the team to succeed, thats why saying qbs win or lose games is ridiculous.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on Dec 18, 2008 3:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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