BARBER,JONES,OR CHOICE,WHO WOULD YOU GO WITH?

by nightmaredeffense on Dec 5, 2009 2:58 AM CST

I've done alot of thinking and reviewing on our backs,who lacks this,or whos good at this.You got Barber our starting rb, who most of the time gets 14 or more carries a game,decent yardage much room for improvement. Barber is a class act and a warrier, a freight train if you will. But they always give him carries in an obvious running situation, or run that horrible delayed draw that worked for the first three weeks until opposing teams caught on. Now to Felix Jones this guy is just "wow", I watch him play and the way he does things reminds me alot of E. Smith. I even thought to myself using Jones a wr out of the slot or the backfield would give team fits because they have to respect this guys speed. Last but not least Tashard Choice,to me should be starting rb this dude lights it up,he's got the speed and agility Barber doesn't , prime example week 12 game against Oakland, Barber with 14 carries picked up 61 yds,Jones, 7 carries, 68 yds, 1 td,Coice, 3 carries, 67 yds).Dec 7th 2008 Felix out for season,Marion bad toe,Choice made his first carrer start against the Steelers, Choice posted 166 yds against the Steelers deffense,then had 91 rushing yds against the giants,which he followed up with 90 yds and a td against Baltimore...I will have to go with Tashard Choice starting rb,#2 Felix jones, #3 Marion Barber...give me input tell me what you think

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MY GOD MAN

Epic Fail since 1985

by the red scare on Dec 5, 2009 3:06 AM CST reply actions

?

what you think

by nightmaredeffense on Dec 5, 2009 3:10 AM CST up reply actions

lol

Superbowl, or BUST.

by .FRoST.USAF on Dec 5, 2009 2:51 PM CST up reply actions

Here's the deal

Please learn basic English. That includes periods, commas, and basic sentence structure.

You are essentially unable to communicate your point. Credit that to your upbringing, your region, or whatever your first language is.

But it’s basically not acceptable here.

Please go post on ESPN or CNNSI until you figure it out.

Thanks.

by dfan77 on Dec 5, 2009 5:25 AM CST reply actions

That's harsh on the guy

Sentence structure is lacking and it makes for a tough read, but we look past it I hope and discuss his point.
Basically, he likes all 3 backs but puts Choice as #1, Felix at #2 and Barber at #3.
I don’t necessarily disagree with that, though I’d argue that, if (big IF) Felix can stay healthy he’s the most dangerous and yet a complete back. Nothing about Felix reminds me of Emmitt though. If any of our backs is Emmitt-like, it would be Choice. Not break-away speed but great vision, agile and quick to hit the hole that’s available.

by Kansas Cowboy on Dec 5, 2009 8:59 AM CST up reply actions

In my....

Really not humble opinion, you’re both right. He eeds to practice on his writing to help him communicate better because it will make a difference in his life.

But we, as fellow Cowboy fans, owe him the respect of trying to figure out his point. Once we know his point, we can then determine whether it’s right or wrong. If it’s wrong, then it’s our internet-given right to rip into him. :)

by rhodri2112 on Dec 5, 2009 10:15 AM CST up reply actions

Dude, go easy on the newbies.

He’s just being bold.

I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?

by Aaron Novinger on Dec 5, 2009 1:40 PM CST up reply actions

{sigh}

puns

by Dr. Cowboy on Dec 5, 2009 2:03 PM CST up reply actions

HaHa

Nice

You can't stop Patrick Crayton, you can only hope to contain him.

by APerfectStar on Dec 5, 2009 5:51 PM CST up reply actions

Thanks for the tip, lesson learned.

by nightmaredeffense on Dec 7, 2009 10:16 PM CST up reply actions

I've wondered about this myself.

I like Barber later in the game to batter the defense and maintain ball control. He still appears to be a step slower than normal for him. You’re right on that draw play though, Felix and Tash
seem to hit that hole a little quicker than Barber.

Felix is the wow factor now he is getting healthy. Earlier in the season he was cutting back to the outside for big yardage. I haven’t seen that play in recent weeks. It could have been because his injury, or just the defenses we have been playing. Felix has the speed to go outside on the defense. I would like to see more runs to the outside.

Tash, I would like to see rotated in early and often. The defense has to be ready inside, outside and as a reciever. Philly made a living off a back like that. Westbrook out of the backfield as a reciever caused all kinds of mismatches that usually favored Philly. Dallas could use Tash the same way.

So, if I had my preferences it would be to use Tash and Felix early and close the deal with Barber.

by oldboysfan on Dec 5, 2009 8:56 AM CST reply actions

I think I get your point.

I would like to see Felix start the 1st couple series of the game. Felix’s big play ability would help with our notorious slow starts. His big play ability helps two ways. One, we can just get him the ball. Two, we can use him as decoy.

I think TC should be next up, he has great explosion through the hole and vision. Barber should get goal-line and short yardage carries until he can get healthy.

"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
Twitter Account

by Wmillion on Dec 5, 2009 11:22 AM CST reply actions

all 3!

:) fortunately, we don’t have to make a “choice” lol… we’ve got 3 great backs with different roles that are all playing them well… and all healthy going into the home stretch!

by scottmaui on Dec 5, 2009 11:39 AM CST reply actions

Choice has been my favorite running back since last season.

He’s the only one who can run well and stay healthy at the same time.

But yeah, does anyone know if they make his jersey?

2009 Dallas Cowboys: 10-6
2009 New York Jets: not 11-5 :(
2009-2010 Dallas Mavericks: 57-25

by Grady90 on Dec 5, 2009 12:11 PM CST reply actions

They definitely do...

When I was at the stadium for the Thanksgiving game they had many Choice jerseys available. What was baffling was that I couldn’t find a single Ratliff or Jenkins jersey anywhere. I know that offense sells better and that Jenkins is only a second year player, but that really surprised me. I

If I had a nickel for every Super Bowl the Eagles have won, I would have zero nickels.

by Cowboyfan729 on Dec 5, 2009 1:45 PM CST up reply actions

these things always make me shake my head

First, all three are on the team. Why make a decision, as somebody posted up thread.

Second, there is the implication that the coaches don’t know what they have. Ladies and gentlemen, these same coaches drafted Tashard Choice AFTER they took Felix Jones. How many of you same Tashard screamers were wondering on draft day ’07 why Dallas drafted ANOTHER RB? Be honest.

Third, there is a reason the rotation exists. You notice how Tashard has done in his third and short runs the last month? He’s consistently a half yard to yard short on 3rd and 3s and 3rd and 4s. Barber, even with his torn quad, is the better power back.

But he’s my biggest point. Put your tapes of the Raiders game in the VCR or go to nfl.com and watch the game highlights. Watch the play where Tashard breaks free on the razorback play.

He’s running up the field and clear of the safeties 15 yards upfield. EVERY SINGLE RAIDER is behind him. And yet, at 40 yards, he slows severely. He looks like a race car with a rapidly deflating tire. He’s run down by Nnamdi Asomugha, who grabs him by the shoulder pads.

Here’s the point: Dallas has to settle for a field goal.

Now, later that half, Felix Jones breaks free. Two Raiders get shots at him, but neither is able to close for a clean tackle. Both have to dive for Felix’s ankles, because he’s much faster than Tashard. They miss and he SCORES A TOUCHDOWN.

That’s the difference right there. When Felix breaks it, it’s seven. When Tashard breaks it, it’s a 40 yard gain, and you’re 1st and 10 in the red zone.

One is a guaranteed seven. The other is a likely 3 and maybe a seven.

Hey, you want to go with the healthy field goal maker, that’s your choice, no pun intended. I think the coaches know what they’re doing.

by Rafael Vela on Dec 5, 2009 1:18 PM CST reply actions

Raf did this fan post ruffle your feathers? :)

How bout dem Frogs!!!!

by DIRE WOLF on Dec 5, 2009 1:51 PM CST up reply actions

I agree except on one very small point

With our kicker, there is no such thing as a “likely 3”.

I hate Nick Folk. Guy lost me 2 fantasy match ups now. I really wish we’d go ahead and take a look at Beuhler. Sure, he’s probably awful as a place kicker, but at least he’d look WAY more badass missing FGs than Folk. Just an idea.

Epic Fail since 1985

by the red scare on Dec 6, 2009 1:30 AM CST up reply actions

Yeah

When Felix “Broke Free” against the Giants, no one caught him from behind, did they?

It seems like your trying to find a reason to justify Tashard just being a 3rd string back, when really the issue of running back is not speed alone. Was Emmitt ever a fast running back?

Now , I love what Felix brings to the game, but he still has to prove his durability, and needs valuable game experience in the NFL. Felix seems to be coming along with his running between the tackles. Tashard had a heavy workload as the main runningback in college, and seems to be a great runningback in his own right. He can be more than what his draft position suggests. If draft position means as much as your referring too, Then how do you explain Jay Ratliff?

Draft status is fine. Performance on the field is finer. Tashard Choice is a great performer, regardless of his draft status.

"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"

by DallasPalace on Dec 6, 2009 9:53 AM CST up reply actions

Dont really know how you got that from Raf's post

The Knights season may have just ended, but the Cowboys year is just begining!

by aussie_cowboy on Dec 6, 2009 9:56 AM CST up reply actions

It almost sounded like

Tashard’s run isn’t good enough. How about giving credit where credit is due? It seemed like up to that point in the game, no one on offense had done anything against the Raiders defense yet. Once again, Tashard did something that helped the team. He seems to be a sparkplug that jumpstarts everyone on offense to play better and believe they can win.

But I’m sure Rafael (as well as you) are happy with that run, right?

"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"

by DallasPalace on Dec 6, 2009 10:18 AM CST up reply actions

of course

The Knights season may have just ended, but the Cowboys year is just begining!

by aussie_cowboy on Dec 6, 2009 12:16 PM CST up reply actions

where did I say a word about draft position?

by Rafael Vela on Dec 6, 2009 10:09 AM CST up reply actions

I agree

If Felix could stay healthy he is our Chris Johnson and MB3 is our Lendale White. TChoice is a mix of both. I like what Dallas is doing now, but I would love for Felix or TChoice to start the game.

"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
Twitter Account

by Wmillion on Dec 6, 2009 10:25 AM CST up reply actions

I totally agree with you on Felixs speed he is much more quick than Tashard is. Not so much on the “race car with with a rapidly deflating tire”.Oh yeah don’t know what 40 yard gain you saw,I believe it was a 60 yrd gain,66 yds to be exact. He starts running diagnal bud, no deflating tires.And let me remind you Choice was the one who picked up the first down, you said it yourself. That seems a little narrow minded to blame Tashard for having to settle for a field goal don’t you think? Healthy field goal maker? (I think not). Your ignorance amazes me, Choice was not drafted in 2007,it was 2008. I think you need to refresh up on things and then get back with me.

by nightmaredeffense on Dec 7, 2009 11:10 PM CST up reply actions

ROFL

Dude, scroll down to the very bottom of this page.

See where it says lead writer?

You just called out the lead writer on this blog.

In addition to the points made by dfan77 above, you are now off to a very bad start here on BTB. To paraphrase the words of my wise high school teacher: “Think before you drink”.

But I’ll give you this: Doing that with your fourth comment on this site, and with your orthographically incorrect screen name, that must be some kind of record.

by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 8, 2009 7:48 AM CST up reply actions

You said

they drafted Tashard after Jones within the post

Speed itself is not enough of a reason to warrant a judgement like that (the field goal versus the Touchdown) , as well as draft status. All running backs in the NFL get caught from behind.

"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"

by DallasPalace on Dec 6, 2009 10:13 AM CST reply actions

Dallas,

read the Raf’s post again. The reference was to drafting ANOTHER running back at that time. Not whether Choice was better or worse than Felix. However, the points made are valid. Felix is a faster back than Choice and Barber is more powerful. I think there is room for all and who starts should be based on what we are running in the first series of plays. People get too hung up on trivial matters. BTW, all running backs in the NFL do not get caught from behind. Felix didn’t.

by jevans1729 on Dec 6, 2009 10:53 AM CST up reply actions

No Jevan's

He was making the point that alot of people wondered why another RB was chosen after Felix, as well as that there is alot of people (myself included) that question the coaches, saying they don’t know what they have.

Fact is, back then, alot of people don’t realize that after Julius was left to leave, and after they drafted Felix, that the Cowboys still needed running back depth. That’s the reason why Tashard was drafted. But draft position (Tashard was taken in the 4th round) has nothing to do with whether he is a capable RB as a starter, or however he is used.

The point I was responding to was totally different- the fact that Felix made a TD where Tashard was caught from behind and that his speed makes him a better back. Grant it, Felix is faster, but his speed alone won’t make him a better back. If speed itself is the reason, the Cowboys would have kept Julius, because Julius has plenty of speed. The reason for letting Julius go has to do with the belief that Felix will evolve into a special back.

That still doesn’t have any effect on whether Tashard is a viable and effective RB or not.

Case in point- ask the Giants if they would not like to have Derek Ward right now.

Derek Ward has a similar skill set to Tashard- they are both all-purpose RB’s. There is more of a use for a back like that than just the wildcat (or Razorback). Felix is also not being used enough on screens and passes (I believe) since he may even be faster than Miles. I disagree with alot of people that are trying to post that speed at the WR position on this team is good enough. My opinion is that it isn’t. it’s good, just not good enough. The Cowboys can do better as a team with more speed at reciever w/Garrett’s system. Until they get it, they won’t turn the corner in the passing game (my belief).

"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"

by DallasPalace on Dec 6, 2009 2:34 PM CST up reply actions

We have three good backs.

My comment was not a critique of how they are used as much as a wondering whether using them at different times of the game would increase the success of each. It’s been a while since Dallas has had a speed back like Felix that can get outside successfully so we really haven’t had that as part of the offensive plan. Possibly using that speed could give the offense another tool too take the pass rush off Tony.

by oldboysfan on Dec 6, 2009 11:04 AM CST reply actions

it doesn't matter who starts, they all play anyway

Our RBs aren’t the focal point of our offense any way, doesn’t matter.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Dec 6, 2009 12:40 PM CST reply actions

That remains to be seen

as to whether it’s a wise course of action By Jason Garrett and his playcalling or not. December tells us that story.

"Amongst the enemy's Lair, there will always be a DallasPalace!"

by DallasPalace on Dec 6, 2009 2:51 PM CST reply actions

Ya'll need to quit worrying about the draft

and start worrying about my Saints. We will try and help you get closer to that number 1 draft pick when you come to the Big Easy. Oh yea, my Saints aint that Easy anymore.
You ARE circled on the calander and it IS December.

by saint-sly on Dec 6, 2009 5:11 PM CST reply actions

and they ARE the saints lol

by DavidLaFleur on Dec 6, 2009 7:14 PM CST up reply actions

Barber No Longer A Very Good Player

A pedestrian tailback at best the last 2 years. Choice has good wiggle and Felix can flat-out fly. I’d move Barber to 3rd down back status, start Choice, and run Felix in as a change-of-pace.

Greetings from the Humungus, the Ruler of the Wasteland, the Ayatollah of Rock and Roll-A. I laugh at your puny plans.

by Lord Humungus on Dec 6, 2009 7:17 PM CST reply actions