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Garrett Biding His Time Before He Unleashes The Cat

I see it in every offensive set, in every offensive practice. 

If you could see it, you would anticipate the season a bit more strongly. 

Jason Garrett is fully aware of Felix Jones' skills.  His catching ability.  His explosiveness.  His pleasing ability to take an ordinary play with a juke and a burst of acceleration, turn it into an extraordinary one. 

Garrett has obviously been at his drawing board this offseason.  He's been scheming for to get Felix the ball, where he can do the most with it and defenses can do the least to stop him. 

There's a part of every set, of every offensive package I've seen that's unique to Felix.  But that doesn't mean Garrett has gone all kerflooey on us.  He hasn't drawn up 30 gadget plays.  Hardly.  There are some exotic plays in his book, but most of the "Felix list" are simple tweaks to standard plays.  A slight shift.  A slight change of direction.  A slight variation from the ordinary, but with a clear purpose in mind.

Felix Jones is going to get the ball more.  He's going to catch it more and he's going to run it more.  That's clear from the workouts.  It's clear that the OC knew Felix yardage splits long before the rest of us did.  He knew what he lost when Jones went down in Arizona last year.  That he won't use Jones for 60 minutes again as a decoy, as he did against Washington last year. 

In May, I predicted 14-16 touches from scrimmage a game  for the crafty cat from Arkansas this year.  After three practices, I'm ready to double down on that prediction.

The touches are coming.  You'll just have to wait to see how and when, just like all the defenses on the schedule.

Single practice today at 2:15 pm CT.  It will end around 4:30.  The report should go up around 5:45 to 6:00 pm Central.

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Felix, no doubt

needs to an integral part of the offense this season. I’m impressed with the effort Garrett has put into getting the offense “Felix-Friendly” but I also hope that Choice is learning some of it as his understudy in the event of injury and to spell Felix when he’s healthy. He may not be as explosive, but Choice is a dangerous cat in his own right.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Aug 7, 2009 7:15 AM CDT reply actions  

I've gotten the sense you and I are on the same page on Choice

I think he is one of the most dynamic players on the team and I’m afraid he will be under used. He seems to me like he’s one of those guys who just finds ways to make big plays. Hopefully Dallas will be able to keep him happy and he’ll be around in a couple of years when MB breaks down and flames out.

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 7, 2009 7:30 AM CDT up reply actions  

Agree completely

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Aug 7, 2009 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions  

I'm concerned too that Choice may be the oddman out.

I’m pretty sure they’re going to use him to spell MBIII, and I’m hoping that they utilize him in some of the ways they’ll use Felix, but . . .

"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin

by 24Hz on Aug 7, 2009 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions  

I fear that too

I really think he needs as many touches as they can afford – to keep MBIII fierce and fresh and to tear defenses up with his own unique abilities. And props to the scouts, Jerry, Stephen, Garrett and Phillips for finding guys like Choice.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Aug 7, 2009 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

This isn't said enough, the scouts found this guy and put him high on the list

He saved us last season, and I look forward to more of the same.

Doomsday returns... Wade Phillips style.

by DalaiLuke on Aug 8, 2009 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think Choice will spell MB3

to keep him fresh throughout the game.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 7, 2009 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions  

I think you're right

And I suppose that’s the way it should be. I love Choice and think he’s special but he does have a limited body of work and it’s only his 2nd year.

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 7, 2009 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions  

His body of work is similar to Felix's

…and just as impressive if you look at the competition Choice faced (along with the difference in the quality of blocking between the two).

"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Aug 7, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions  

I agree

I’m trying to be my own devil’s advocate. I think the guy is really special but get carried away sometimes. As good as MB is, I really think he’s the 3rd best RB on the Cowboys.

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 7, 2009 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions  

I can't agree

Barber, when healthy is special.

Felix showed flashes of brilliance and Choice was outstanding in a tougher than normal situation.

At the end of the day though, no one pass blocks, catches and runs the way Barber does.

Now, if he gets nicked up again, then he may be on the decline, but last year was an anomaly in my opinion.

"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Aug 7, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions  

We'll disagree on this one

His pass blocking is better than the other 2 and he will probably break more tackles. It is very hard to sustain his style of running for an entire game and certainly a season though. Swarming gang tacklers can take him out of the game. I think it is inevitable he will get nicked up, he initiates vicious contact.

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 7, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions  

Believe me

I love MB, I’m not here to trash him

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 7, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions  

No, I completely understand...

and your points are good ones.

I hope they make the best possible use of the three.

"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Aug 7, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions  

I agree

But that just goes to say how great I think our backs are, because MB3 could start for a lot of teams in the NFL right now. I still need a full seasons work out of Felix to determine weather I would take him over Tashard if we were forced to only have 1 “do it all” back. From what I’ve seen though, I’m pretty certain it would be Felix, Tashard, and then MB3.

by sublimezg on Aug 7, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions  

30 carries a game

how do you get them to three backs? Somebody is going to get shorted.

And Barber and Choice can’t run Felix’ plays He’s got speed they don’t.

by Rafael Vela on Aug 7, 2009 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions  

Right with you on the problem of splitting carries.

And I’m not saying that anyone is as explosive/fast as Felix. But Choice is very good at picking through traffic, and who’s to say that couldn’t be outside the tackles every so often with a swing pass.

"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin

by 24Hz on Aug 7, 2009 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions  

I understand

I just think MB is the specialist and should have the least carries. MB is a perfect “closer”, there’s nobody better. I know that’s not realistic though given how the NFL works

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 7, 2009 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions  

My guess is

they’ll use MBIII in a more conventional way, starting each half to soften up the defense and “set the tone,” then move to the closer role.

"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin

by 24Hz on Aug 7, 2009 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions  

my quess

is that MB3 will start and play most of the first qrt, then Garrett will feature the Cat during the 2nd and 3rd qrts and then once we have a lead, MB3 will dominate the 4th to close out the game.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 7, 2009 9:16 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah, I can definitely see that,

but I hope they use the RB’s in a less predictable way.

"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin

by 24Hz on Aug 7, 2009 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions  

Although I like

Garrett will feature the Cat

and bq. MB3 will dominate the 4th

"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin

by 24Hz on Aug 7, 2009 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions  

oops, my formatting bad

"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin

by 24Hz on Aug 7, 2009 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions  

It doesn't matter how predictable they are.

If they dominate and the defense can’t stop them then be as predictable as you want. 90’s Cowboys were predictable as heck, but defenses couldn’t stop them so it didn’t matter.

When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.

by GunsUp on Aug 7, 2009 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions  

True dat,

but you also need an effective run-blocking OLine to make that happen— that’s another concern of mine.

"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin

by 24Hz on Aug 7, 2009 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions  

i agree 100%

If the o-line does a subpar job of run blocking, then it might not matter how dangerous our RB’s are.

by mutombo4life on Aug 7, 2009 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions  

That's BS

No one is able to do that anymore (as we did in the 90’s) because the talent disparity isn’t there, save maybe for the Pats’ passing game.

You still have to keep a defense guessing to be consistently successful or else you’ll only be as good as your matchups allow you to be.

"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Aug 7, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions  

Just read your tag line

Some of John McKay’s comments about the woeful Bucs were all-time classics. I guess he had to have a sense of humor to survive.

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 7, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions  

the best one IMO

was his response when asked about his team’s execution, “I’m all for it”.

Classic.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 7, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions  

It was like this...

Reporter: “What do you think about your team’s execution?”

McKay: “I’m all for it”

The room erupted in laughter.

"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Aug 7, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions  

I used that line after 44-6

Ugh. Season can’t come soon enough to wash that one out of my mouth.

by mdlusk on Aug 8, 2009 2:00 AM CDT up reply actions  

From another blog.......

A kicker who was trying out during camp kept missing kicks whenever coach Mckay was around said that the coach made him nervous. Mckay responded by saying “would someone please tell him I will be at all of the games.”

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 7, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions  

I am confused about your reply.

Are you saying Teams can not win consistently with smash mouth football?

If that’s not what your saying then, well I’m sorry.

If it is then I have to strongly disagree. While no team can when with a one faceted offense, I believe a very strong run game off sets a mediocre pass game much more effectively then visa-versa.

However, with that being said, a strong defense is essential either way; But that’s another case for a strong running game, it allows more time to rest your defense.

by bad knees on Aug 7, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions  

One dimensional predictability is limiting

in that you are a slave to the disparity in talent level between the combatants. (i.e. if smash mouth were Dallas’ singular style of attack, it’s likely they would lose to beefy defensive fronts like Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

If however, an offense is multi-faceted, you are better able to call imaginative game plans and attack an opponent’s weakness.

"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Aug 7, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions  

Of coarse you have to possess both, and a strong defense to take it to the next lvl.

I thought last year our in effective run game was the biggest Achilles Heal to me. It made it much tougher on the defense and the recievers/QB. That being said, the O-Line injuries and ineffective back-ups ( + the loss of Felix) were the reason for most our woes.

by bad knees on Aug 7, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions  

Got another thought...

Garrett obviously sees that having two running backs (Felix and MB3) in the game at the same time can give him an edge in certain formations. Why not continue use those plays more frequently and let Choice spell MB3 at the halfback position. That way Felix gets more touches throught out the game (especially in space) while Choice keeps MB3 fresh for the 4th qtr.

I think Felix has more potential as an edge player on the wing, or in the slot ,or in motion where Choice and MB3 are more suited for plays between the tackles.

I’d be inclined to use Choice in the 2nd and 3rd quarters and use Felix throughout the entire game in varying formations. Some times Bennett sits, some times Crayton sits.

Picture this, one wide receiver set with two tight ends. Roy split to the right. Felix lines up just outside Witten (like the old wing back). MB3 behind Romo in the backfield. Felix motions into the back field. At the snap Tony fakes a handoff to MB3 as Felix continues past them. Roy runs a deep post, Bennet runs a crossing route and Felix heads for the flat. Whose going to be covering Felix? A linebacker? We can only drool…

Garrett needs to get a clue!

by BulletBob on Aug 7, 2009 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'd love to see that

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Aug 9, 2009 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions  

Play them by down.

Choice on first to get the all important second and short. Felix on second for either a run or pass play, then Barber on 3rd in case the pass was incomplete.

When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.

by GunsUp on Aug 7, 2009 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions  

It's too early for you to be this drunk, isn't it?

"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Aug 7, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions  

It's nice too....

Talk about Felix Jones, and his potential to be something special for our offense. I, for one, would love nothing more than Felix too succeed and be our main back, but here is what history has proven so far….

1. To talk about how Garrett is going to use Felix (or any player for that matter) is one thing, but to assume that he will be used correctly is another. I am skeptical about Garrett (as if you already didn’t know) and believe that talk is one thing, but the actions and philosiphy have to translate it to the field. He has alot to prove, and if the offense falters or Romo struggles, He will be the one under the microscope, and unfortunately there is no hiding it. We can only hope he evolves and shows us the “Genious” tag he got labeled with was accurate.

2. Injury? you better believe that is our biggest adversary. You say to all that Felix should be our featured back, and I say OK, but I wouldn’t want him injured. And that is why you use Choice, and sometimes even start Choice. No reason to not use Choice’s own formidable skill set, as well as try to confuse defenses, and get more mileage out of Felix.

Imagine what our opponents will be thinking when they see Felix Jones and Tashard Choice or MB3 lined up out there at the same time…catch my drift?

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

by DallasPalace on Aug 7, 2009 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions  

I agree.

The point being, just because a certain back is in there, they can still pass or run. Just because Choice is in on first doesn’t mean they are going to give him the ball. Just because Felix is in on second doesn’t mean they aren’t going deep to Austin. Just because Barber is in on third doesn’t mean that Witten isn’t getting the ball for the first. All it does is try to play to the strength of each player. Choice is good in traffic, Felix is good in space, and Barber just wants to Jack You Up. That is the way I would use them, but I am not the coach of the Dallas Cowboys.

When did I become a Cowboy fan? When my mom told me I was.

by GunsUp on Aug 7, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions  

I wouldn't keep a guy off the field for fear of an injury

I’d take him off to stay fresh or for other strategic reasons but not because I was afraid he would get hurt.

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 7, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions  

keeping a guy off the field for fear of injury to me is like

Buying a F1 and not racing it for fear of crashing. A total waste.

by sublimezg on Aug 7, 2009 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions  

I agree

so they need to distribute some of those touches in the passing game, which sounds like they will.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Aug 7, 2009 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions  

Choice's value

is trading him at some point, maybe next offseason. You’ll probably get a 2nd rounder for him and we sure could use a 2nd rounder in other areas other then backup backup RB

by cow_fanatic on Aug 7, 2009 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions  

I love the guy but unfortunately think you're right

I’ve had this argument here before. He’s very tradable from a cap perspective, MB isn’t. 3 starting quality RB’s is a luxury when a team has glaring needs like backup NT

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 7, 2009 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

Draft next year is deep

Cowboys should be looking for ways to get more picks in the 1st 4 rounds next year. I like Choice as well but we draft RBs well IMO so we should be able to draft another one next year

by cow_fanatic on Aug 7, 2009 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions  

If we could pick up a rotation quality NT right now for him I would do it

From all reports there is absolutely no depth at that position. This team has the potential to go a long way and it would be a shame if Rat went down and there was a huge unplugged hole in the middle of the defense.

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 7, 2009 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

I would say it's worse than that

There’s not depth to speak of across the entire OL. Another area you would have to consider a trade for Choice if someone made a good offer.

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 7, 2009 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

I would hate to do it now

The onlty reason we know Choice can play is because the other two got hurt last year, we need the depth

by cow_fanatic on Aug 7, 2009 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

I know

Tashard’s value actually goes down because of our desparation to fill the tackle position. I hate holes!

by cow_fanatic on Aug 7, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions  

I wouldn't trade Choice either.

MB3 and Felix are subject to injury just like everyone else. MB3’s aggressive style puts him at risk while Felix’s speed and rapid direction changes puts stress on hamstrings and ankles.

I really like Choice. I think his vision and ability to make himself a “small” target in the hole is very special. He is a good reciever out of the backfield and has proven himself against some very good defenses.

He was a steal in the draft but I doubt you’d get much more than a 3rd for him now and that’s just not representative of his value to the team.

Garrett needs to get a clue!

by BulletBob on Aug 7, 2009 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions  

He is special

He has that certain something Emmitt had to see/feel the smallest of creases and hit them decisively and quickly.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Aug 9, 2009 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions  

I've always maintained that Felix going down last season

hurt us more than any other injury last season because without him on the field, we have no speed or homerun hitting ability out of the backfield. Defenses could play us without respecting that element and it showed.

The Cat is a very special player and I think this season will be his coming out party.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 7, 2009 7:23 AM CDT reply actions  

I think Kosier's loss was worse

"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Aug 7, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions  

I disagree

You can’t underestimate the value of speed. For instance, the swing pass to Choice in the Steelers game that he took down to the Steeler’s 4 yard line, the Cat scores easily on that play and we win the game.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 7, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions  

They would have scored sooner if the pocket for Romo wasn't so crowded

"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Aug 7, 2009 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions  

Heh heh

that wasn’t lipstick, my man…

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Aug 7, 2009 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think it's probably true

They could partially make up for the loss of El Gato, but we saw how well they made up for no Kosier.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Aug 7, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions  

Romo probably thinks Proctology is the study of an upcoming sack.

"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Aug 7, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

I disagree

They can’t make up for the loss of Felix because MB3 and Choice simply don’t have the speed to scare defenses.

They lose the Cat again, our offense becomes mediocre really fast.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 7, 2009 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions  

Really? We didn't have him the year before!

Don’t say Julius Jones was that back. It was the O-Line, it’s just that simple!

by bad knees on Aug 7, 2009 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions  

+1

"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Aug 7, 2009 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions  

I disgaree

Julius might not be that great of an in between the tackles back, but he is a homerun hitter for sure, capable of scoring anywhere on the field.

Defenses in 2007 respected that.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 7, 2009 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions  

You don't think...

Choice + Barber > Julius + Barber?

"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Aug 7, 2009 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions  

dood

Barber alone > Julius + Barber

by sublimezg on Aug 7, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions  

LOL

Poor Seattle.

"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Aug 7, 2009 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions  

no, because there is no game breaking speed from MB3 and Choice

they are basically the same back almost. That’s why the Cowboys drafted Felix instead of Mendenhall.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 7, 2009 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions  

This is not even close

Lose Jones get Choice

Lose Kosier and get Proctor.

duh!

by Musiccitynorm on Aug 7, 2009 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions  

I say it is tie

Felix’s injury
Kosier Injury
Romo down for 3 games, because the affects lasted longer then 3 games.

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

by Wmillion on Aug 7, 2009 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions  

don't forget

Witten and Barber played hurt for a lot of the year as did Newman I believe. When 3 of your four most talented offensive players are playing hurt or sitting on the sideline, it hurts. And Romo didn’t look real healthy ither.

by foyesboys on Aug 7, 2009 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions  

And Romo was really equally limited the last 3 1/2 games

from being kneed in the back. It was a bigger mess than most people realized.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Aug 9, 2009 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions  

This is really cruel of you Raf

It’s not bad enough that most of us only get camp reports a couple of times a day for our fix. After months of Cowboy sobriety, you come along and wave this right under our nose. Thinking about watching Felix running wild is like raw red meat and you should be ashamed of yourself!

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 7, 2009 7:33 AM CDT reply actions  

I agree!

I am ready for a healthy Felix to show the division what they escaped last year because of his injury. I am so looking forward to this season. Pre-Season is almost upon us!

"If it isn't the Braves, it isn't baseball!"

by rsnookjr on Aug 7, 2009 7:57 AM CDT up reply actions  

I'm still in my cage

I buried the key just deep enough so that it takes me the entire off season to dig it back up. I refuse to let myself get too excited about football until the first preseason game or else the torture is too great. I can smell it though, just a few more feet!

by sublimezg on Aug 7, 2009 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions  

The beast in the East this year

is going to be the Dallas Cowboys. And the Giants defensive line.

by mdlusk on Aug 8, 2009 2:16 AM CDT up reply actions  

I think the whole division

is going to be a meat grinder.

Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig loves it.

by dunkman on Aug 9, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions  

I agree

I just think the whole Boys team (the starters and a very few of the backups) have a the strong potential to really dominate teams and games, along with the Giants D-line. The Eagles will be a good team overall, but I don’t see much that will really take over games, except Westbrook if healthy. The Skins? Blah.

by mdlusk on Aug 11, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

As Glen Quagmire would say...

Giggity, giggity!

Can’t wait to watch Felix tire defenses out, then watch Marion run them over late in the game. As long as the OL plays well and remains healthy, this will be a fun offense to watch.

by egtuna on Aug 7, 2009 8:37 AM CDT reply actions  

+1

If the Cat remains healthy, this season will be extremely fun to watch.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 7, 2009 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions  

Music to my ears, Raf.

"Everybody wants something but nobody wants to pay the price" - Michael Irvin

by 24Hz on Aug 7, 2009 8:50 AM CDT reply actions  

Raf, how's Felix' pass blocking looking?

We all know how explosive Felix is with the ball in his hands. But one of the things that limited his snaps last year was his developing pass protection skills. From what I saw, he was definitely willing to stick his nose into much bigger players. But his effectiveness was inconsistent.

Raf, how has Felix looked in keeping Romo clean?

by Ridgelake on Aug 7, 2009 9:14 AM CDT reply actions  

+1

creative blitzing along with poor o-line play was a serious problem last season. we have to get some quality protection from the backs for the offense to be effective and romo to stay healthy.

by billstickers on Aug 7, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions  

Viva Vela

Great reporting, great analysis!

Raf, Felix has bulked up some. Does he handle the extra bulk without losing speed and/or fluidity?

The added beef could help his durability and blocking, but I think it’s his speed and smooth style that make him special. He’s deceptive, he runs with such little effort it looks like he isn’t covering much ground until you notice the hash marks under his feet are a blur.

"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams

by Jim Vance on Aug 7, 2009 10:01 AM CDT reply actions  

Felix

The one thing that stood out to me all-the-way from the stands last weekend was the size of Felix Jones calves, they are like round rocks on the back of his legs, almost like implants. You can certainly tell he has worked them hard to power the spring and burst he exhibits. Perhaps its genetic for him, but they normally need worked hard to rock up like that. He does look bigger than I remember. Choice also looks great and a bit bigger than last year, but not as big as Felix. In actuality, all three running backs look absolutely GREAT. Even our fourth stringer Lattimore looks good. Definitely a great backfield this year.

by StarMaterial on Aug 7, 2009 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions  

muscular calves are genetic

Either you’re born with that DNA or you’re not.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 7, 2009 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions  

That is good news..

Nothing like NFL training and conditioning to get you in the best shape of your life.

"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
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by Wmillion on Aug 7, 2009 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

Have the tools to attack opposing team weaknesses

In the past few years I’ve felt like we did very little adjusting of the game plan to take advantage of the opposing team. We’ve done it some but I think we now have the tools, experience, and lack of egos to feature a player, a formation, or a set of plays to better take advantage of the other team. I agree in the general approach of a balanced offense but not necessarily at the game level.

So I’m less inclined to say MBIII should do this or that or we need RW to be the #1 receiver with 10 TD’s and 1K yards receiving. I would say that FJ’s talents allows him to be versitle enough to get that many touches be it running, screen passes, or going out in the pattern.

by staubachfan on Aug 7, 2009 10:02 AM CDT reply actions  

I agree

This team is loaded with offensive weapons and should be able to attack in multiple ways. If Dallas has a decent game plan, makes good adjustments, and executes there is really no way I can see to shut them down. I can’t think of another team who has this kind of diversity on offense.

by StillHateTheGiants on Aug 7, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions  

The Cowboys 4-3?

Raf,
  Have the Cowboys given up on alternating between the 3-4 to the 4-3 (Parcells & New England model) during games? Would shifting to a 4-3 help the Boys if an injury should happen to Rat and no further depth at NT is brought in? Thanks for the great reports on TC.

by Teacher on Aug 7, 2009 10:32 AM CDT reply actions  

That's an interesting question...

Who would you think would be their front 4?

"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Aug 7, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions  

the Cowboys play a 4-3 on passing downs

Ware, Rat, Bowen and Spencer are your 4 down linemen

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Aug 7, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions  

I don't think that is a 4-3

I think it is a 4-2-5

"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."

- John McKay, the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by 5Blings on Aug 7, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions  

Ahhhh, speculation and possibilities and those who thrive on it

Felix, how can one not day dream about this guy passing the pile up at the line of scrimmage and sprinting into the open field for multiple long gains and TDs; not to mention burning some safety while lined up in the slot, and I pity the poor LB that gets caught trying to defend him on a swing or just a dump off out of the back field.

It just makes a guy smile from ear to ear!

But the again, it is a team game, a long season and multiple factors come into play. I hope we don’t get to fancy.

by bad knees on Aug 7, 2009 10:44 AM CDT reply actions  

I'm not really big on the idea of a 3 headed monster

i prefer the Dynamic Duo of Jones and Barber. Choice is great, but I think we should save him in case Barber or Jones gets hurt. One of the reasons he was so good last year was because he was completely fresh when we needed him. I’d rather not risk him getting dinged up over the course of the season.

The other issue is getting our backs into a rhythm. If we are splitting the carries 3 ways, nobody will get “in a groove” as it were. Plus, Felix is much more of a home run threat than Choice and is just a better back in my opinion. Barber just punishes people too and wears them down, which will benefit Jones greatly. If Jones can make one tired, worn down defensive player miss, he’s taking it to the house.

The beauty of this method is, if either Barber or Jones gets hurt, we bring a fresh Choice in to dominate.

by DoomsdayD75 on Aug 7, 2009 11:36 AM CDT reply actions  

Nothing like picturing Felix in the open field to get the football juices flowing. I cannot wait for this season to start!!!

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

by Cowboyfan729 on Aug 7, 2009 1:53 PM CDT via mobile reply actions  

Ok

I am ready to snatch Felix as my 3rd back in Fantasy football.. Felix will kill 15 touches a game..

"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
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by Wmillion on Aug 7, 2009 2:54 PM CDT reply actions  

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