DMN:Fraley: If Cowboys want progress, it's time to bench Marion Barber

[BrAinPaiNt]

Gerry Fraley

IRVING – Running back Marion Barber emerged from the Thanksgiving Day loss to New Orleans with a strained calf muscle. For the Cowboys, that injury could be a godsend.

It gives interim head coach Jason Garrett more reason to remove Barber as a starter, creating more chances for Felix Jones.

Garrett has stubbornly stayed with Barber as the starter. It is the most baffling NFL lineup decision in more than half a century.

In the late 1950s, New York Giants coach Jim Lee Howell had backup quarterback Don Heinrich open games so that starter Charlie Conerly could observe the opponent's defense for a few series before taking control.

Garrett's stock answer on the subject is "we like Marion a lot." It is difficult to understand why.

Consider the running backs for three games with Garrett in charge.

Read More http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/football/cowboys/stories/112910dnspofraleyinsider.3e611f6.html

[Bull Frog]

I agree with this article. Barber's first move is a hop. He doesn't hit the hole agressively anymore and thinks he has the speed to run outside. Choice should be the short yardage runner now, because he finds the hole quickly.

[sago1]

If MBIII is hurt, it's a good time to see what Felix & Choice can really do. Admit I'm not sure that MBIII is really finished. There are times iwhen he makes a few good runs. Can't help thinking he was a whole lot better & of more use to us in short yardage situations or close to the goalline. Also don't know how our bad OL has infected our game strategy. But, maybe we can get that answer once we see enough of F & C. If they suddenly start producing real running yardage, then maybe we have our answer.

Don't know why Garrett continues to start MBIII. Maybe he's seen enough of Choice in practice not to have much confidence in him. On the other hand, he did bring in Choice for the short TD score. We also don't know how much control Garrett holds over this team right now & how much he must coordinate with Jerry "the GM". I know it's quite obvious that Garrett did not have as much control over the offense as many of us thought. Probably only offensive strategy & which players to bring in the game, etc. No control over practices, training or anything like that. Wade set those rules & Garrett couldn't rock the boat.

[jamesdojr]

Choice will expose the decision making ability of this coaching staff yet again - if they play him.

______________________________________

Gerry Fraley

IRVING – Running back Marion Barber emerged from the Thanksgiving Day loss to New Orleans with a strained calf muscle. For the Cowboys, that injury could be a godsend.

It gives interim head coach Jason Garrett more reason to remove Barber as a starter, creating more chances for Felix Jones.

Garrett has stubbornly stayed with Barber as the starter. It is the most baffling NFL lineup decision in more than half a century.

In the late 1950s, New York Giants coach Jim Lee Howell had backup quarterback Don Heinrich open games so that starter Charlie Conerly could observe the opponent's defense for a few series before taking control.

Garrett's stock answer on the subject is "we like Marion a lot." It is difficult to understand why.

Consider the running backs for three games with Garrett in charge.

Read More http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/football/cowboys/stories/112910dnspofraleyinsider.3e611f6.html

[jobberone]

Choice may be marginally better than Barber do don't expect huge rewards here. No one can run without some decent blocking.

[john van brocklin]

Gerry Fraley

IRVING – Running back Marion Barber emerged from the Thanksgiving Day loss to New Orleans with a strained calf muscle. For the Cowboys, that injury could be a godsend.

It gives interim head coach Jason Garrett more reason to remove Barber as a starter, creating more chances for Felix Jones.

Garrett has stubbornly stayed with Barber as the starter. It is the most baffling NFL lineup decision in more than half a century.

In the late 1950s, New York Giants coach Jim Lee Howell had backup quarterback Don Heinrich open games so that starter Charlie Conerly could observe the opponent's defense for a few series before taking control.

Garrett's stock answer on the subject is "we like Marion a lot." It is difficult to understand why.

Consider the running backs for three games with Garrett in charge.

Read More http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/football/cowboys/stories/112910dnspofraleyinsider.3e611f6.html

Choice could be the future, we know Barber is not .

We are 3-8 , why don't we find out ?

[Bonecrusher#31]

I agree with this article. Barber's first move is a hop. He doesn't hit the hole agressively anymore and thinks he has the speed to run outside. Choice should be the short yardage runner now, because he finds the hole quickly.


MBIII's long hair flopping around makes him think he's moving fast along with the weight loss...

He would be a top NFL FB if he wasn't paid like a top NFL TB...

Thx Jerrah

[ThreeSportStar80]

I agree, it's time for Barber to get demoted... I don't care if it's Felix or Tashard who replaces him as long as Barber isn't starting.

[LeonDixson]

Holy Cow!! Even Eddie George had a better YPC average in a Cowboys uniform than Barber does this year. I like MBIII, but to be honest I'm not upset that we will get to see Felix and Choice can do for a full game or two. In fact, I'm looking forward to it.