Tashard Choice: the next Preston Pearson

nice little historical comparison, I started watching the ’Boys right around that same time, 75 and remember his huge game in the championship that year. I was just checking out his Wikipedia page and it actually compares him to Felix

During the latter part of his career with the Dallas Cowboys, Pearson was widely recognized as the player who defined the position of “Third-down back” (now referred to as a “change-of-pace” back), paving the way for current players such as Mewelde Moore of the Steelers and Felix Jones of the Cowboys.)

but you’re right that Choice is the one actually being used in that role so far this season.

A third down RB should be more than just a short yardage back, and in fact is often mistaken for a back “who just can’t take every snap”, or simply the 3rd back on the depth chart.

In addition to the obvious running skills, what you’re basically looking for in a 3rd down back is someone who is

• skilled at catching passes
• able to pick up blitzes
• a good pass blocker

I just haven’t seen enough of TC in those other roles to make a judgement, but it sure would be nice if we had Pearson V 2.0

I remember reading that at one time he had played in more SBs than anyone. He has the distinction of playing under Shula, Noll, and Landry. With QBs Unitas, Bradshaw, and Staubach and with RBs Lenny Moore, Franco Harris, and Tony Dorsett. Everyone of those a HOFer. Not to mention maybe 3 of the 5 all time top coaches. Hell of a resume.
I hear alot of complaining about such and such RB not getting enough carries but I actually think they have a nice rotation. Allow another 6 games or so and it should show that it plays out to be very favorable for our team and keep them all fresh for the Dec push into the playoffs.

especially Choice and Jones in their limited amount of work, right now it’s potential. Both haven’t played a full season yet. All three backs bring different aspects to the game, The coaches have put them in position that they feel they can succeed. This is a running team, and having three very good backs, by all appearances is a good thing. Right now, leave it the way it’s set up, Barber, the lead carrier, Jones the change of pace back, and Choice, who give Barber a breather and takes a series or two. This keeps all three fresh and they need to stay healthy

What a waste to see Tashard just sitting there. He is just there Dying to do something on the field against our opponents, and his heart for the game is there for all to see.
Tashard is special. He doesn’t have Felix’s talent, but unfortunately, talent itself doesn’t equate to success on any given sunday.

Yesterday, I listened to the lunch break, and I heard Nick Eatman and Derek Eagleton jokingly made references to trading Tashard to get something more valuable to the team. I’m sitting there thinking, “Have these guys lost their marbles?” really. You don’t trade a somewhat proven commodity for an unknown, even if it is a position of so-called depth. We’ve seen how that depth can dwindle in a matter of moments. And we don’t even know what Tashard will fully develop into. Whatever it is, it’s going to benefit the Dallas Cowboys tremendously.

I have already stated in other posts that I truly believe that Tashard is the Giant Killer we are looking for. He makes plays that no one else has against them. I can’t easily forget last years touchdown run by him to ice the game. It was the longest, and hardest driven nail in the Giants coffin in that game. I don’t need to see anymore, I’ve already seen enough. Maybe we should be looking to throw the ball to him like Preston Pearson.

By the way Bishop, back then when Preston played, the Redskins were the defense that dominated and are what the Giants defense is like today. They couldn’t stop Preston, not even with triple coverage, and I don’t think Preston ever dropped a pass ever.

Fond memories of Preston Pearson and that catch in the ’75 Conference Championship. He did create that role(along with Landry, of course)and while Timmy New was pretty good at it, I think Ron Springs was even better.

Here’s to the Cowboy classics, I am waiting for this generation of players to create some all time memories…

My first thought when I heard he was coming to the Cowboys was “NO! He’s a damn Steeler!” Of course that wore off pretty quick. I later met him when he had some sort of marketing company, he came and spoke at our office. One of the nicest guys you’d want to meet.

I barely remember Preston Pearson, I started following the Cowboys about the time he was finishing his career. My uncle was a huge PIT fan and liked to point out PP was an ex-Steeler.

I think the Cowboys are lucky to have Choice. I believe some people were asking why take another RB after spending a 1st on Felix, and Jerry said Choice was too high on their draft board to pass up. Good call Tom Ciskowski.

Choice actually reminds me of Barber. Both seemed mature as rookies. Both have talent. Both play smart. Example – MB3’s rookie season Parcells calls a half back option pass. Usually the RB is so pumped to throw a pass, they don’t hesitate to put it into double or triple coverage. But MB3 saw the WR was covered and wisely pulled the ball down and scampered out of bounds. Smart. I get the same vibe watching Choice. He doesn’t lose his head under pressure. I wasn’t surprised at how well he played filling in for MB3 last season.

I love the RB mix they have going into this season. It already seems like Choice is the designated 3rd down back. MB3 is the starter and closer, and Felix is the home run threat. It will be really exciting to watch the offense as Felix gets more opportunities as the season progresses.

But when I watched DavidH22’s videos I noticed another on the YouTube page for Randy White.

Especially liked the QB sack on Jaws.

I’m thinking we are definitely going to see a heavier dose of Choice and Jones.

I wonder if Jones will go on 1st and 2nd downs and Choice come in on 3rd, or will they take turns on different offensive possessions? I guess most anything is possible, but I venture to say that when Barber is back to full speed, Choice goes back to being “Preston Pearson.”