MB3 in the starting lineup, Ellis wins comeback award

by Dave Halprin on Jan 12, 2008 10:32 PM CST in Dallas Cowboys News

Usually on the eve of a playoff game it's dead, but there was some actual news for the Cowboys today.

First, a move that has been debated endlessly in Cowboys Nation is finally being made: MB3 will tote the rock first on Sunday and JJ will be the sub.

The Cowboys will bench starting running back Julius Jones in favor of the popular backup Marion Barber, according to multiple sources for Sunday's NFC divisional round playoff game against the New York Giants.
Sources said the Cowboys have contemplated making the move for weeks, but coach Wade Phillips wanted to keep Jones happy as the starter.
But the recent struggles of the offense forced Phillips to make a move.

According to Ed Werder, Wade told JJ about the news during the bye week.

Phillips informed Jones of the decision during the bye week so that he had time to recover from his disappointment. According to the source, Jones was upset with the decision and clearly not himself for several days. But he has apparently improved his attitude after being assured he will be rotated into the game and will continue to have the kind of plays he prefers as part of their game plan against the Giants.

This is great news. MB3 is one of the three big-guns in this offense that Tony Romo has at his disposal, let’s get him out there to set the tone right out of the gate. Owens, Witten and Barber are the playmakers, now they will all be starting.

Hat tip to Kingman and John Boy for posting the news.

In other news, Greg Ellis won the Comeback Player of the Year award, edging out Randy Moss. Congrats to Greg, he’s turned in the best season of his career and can top it off with a run in the playoffs. He and Flozell Adams have been waiting a long time for this franchise to get back on top. Now the opportunity is at hand.

Hat tip to GhettoBear04 for posting this news.

While not exactly news, you have to read this article about the bond between DeMarcus Ware and Osi Umenyiora. It’s got some good stuff in there, even a little controversy over the number of sacks Osi has with the Cowboys involved in it.

Here’s Osi on Ware.

"I see him playing for a different team, but I know he is supporting his family and he's doing what he needs to do," Umenyiora said of Ware. "I am just happy for him right now. Whenever I see him make a play -- even when it is against us -- it's 'That was a good play, DeMarcus.' I just wish he hadn't done it against us."

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Comments

I am psyched to see MBIII get more touches, but..

My only concern is that he is more of a liability in blocking schemes, and I can only hope this doesn't hurt us. I still would like to see JJ used as a 3rd down back for this very purpose. JJ seems to do better in space and block better, so WHY NOT?

I am hoping the Cowboys put a complete beat-down on the Giants. We need some momentum going into the Green Bay game.

Cowboys and Tar Heels

by DalaiLuke on Jan 12, 2008 10:52 PM CST reply actions

Really?

I've always thought MB3 was a better blocker than JJ, although JJ has improved over time.

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by Dave Halprin on Jan 12, 2008 10:54 PM CST up reply actions

MB missed a couple

.....lately which had me thinking JJ was blocking better recently. Barber has looked like he's out of position or late to pick up the blitz. But I think part of that being in 3rd and long too much as of late.

None of that should matter after today - Jones should be running with a chip on his shoulder (playing for a job somewhere next year) and Barber will continue to run every play like it's the last play of his life.

by Doomsday on Jan 13, 2008 8:36 AM CST up reply actions

I have notice that Barber gets out of position

on some rare occasions, but Barber can stonewall a linebacker in a way JuJo can't.

Burt-D

by Burt D @ Blogging The Boys on Jan 13, 2008 10:34 AM CST up reply actions

On Ware and Umenyiora

They will be boys before the game and after it, but during... not so much. It was a good read, reminded me of the way I am with guys I played football with in HS.

Been a Cowboy fan from 4 yrs old.

by TKM31986 on Jan 12, 2008 11:03 PM CST reply actions

I can't wait for this game

its been 2 weeks since we played and definitely want to get the bitter taste out of my mouth

by coolaid on Jan 12, 2008 11:21 PM CST reply actions

JuJo

"Phillips informed Jones of the decision during the bye week so that he had time to recover from his disappointment. According to the source, Jones was upset with the decision and clearly not himself for several days."

Talk about a fragile egg...did he really think he deserved to start? Really?

And he needs a week to gather himself from this crushing ego blow?

He should be disappointed...with his lackluster performance this season.

He should be glad he has a chance to win a SB before he gets kicked to the curb. Jeez.

by APerfectStar on Jan 13, 2008 4:08 AM CST reply actions

Seriously

quotes like that make me want this guy gone. Way to be a team player Jujo, make sure your tears don't blur your vision on gameday. How can he not gracefully accept that he is the #2 back on a very good team? Does he still blame how he is being used?

by Billito on Jan 13, 2008 7:28 AM CST up reply actions

His vision is pretty bad now

blurring his vision could only make it better.

Burt-D

by Burt D @ Blogging The Boys on Jan 13, 2008 10:31 AM CST up reply actions

he should be glad he's..

even getting any carries...i think they might come out with glenn starting also...to,glenn,witten,crayton,and barber who do you focus on...

"I guess I'm gonna fade into Bolivian." Mike tyson.

by hashishkabob on Jan 13, 2008 4:50 AM CST reply actions

Jones...

"Sources said the Cowboys have contemplated making the move for weeks, but coach Wade Phillips wanted to keep Jones happy as the starter."

Phillips felt like he had to tell Jones he wasn't the starter at a time when he had two weeks to digest the decision? WTF? Wade should have benched him as soon as he realized that he was the 2nd best of two. Good grief, this is the NFL man, if you you aren't the best at your position you deserve to be benched. The team doesn't have time to worry about your feelings. Play better, you might get another chance to start.

Lombardi is rolling over in his grave!

by giants fan since 57 on Jan 13, 2008 5:58 AM CST reply actions

Wade danced around this one too long

It seemed like Wade or Garrett was make P.C. decisions with the roster to make certain people happy instead of doing what was best for the team. I think I B**ched about 6 weeks ago, Wade doesn't read this blog?

Barber dominates early and keeps us in 3rd and short situations which is also his specialty.

by Doomsday on Jan 13, 2008 8:29 AM CST up reply actions