Marion Barber ?

[dmq]

Does anyone think this guy could build his frame up enough to be a fullback? I see him as getting stuffed behind both JJ and THompson. So, lets make him a fullback.

[Doomsday101]

Does anyone think this guy could build his frame up enough to be a fullback? I see him as getting stuffed behind both JJ and THompson. So, lets make him a fullback.

Bill used Richie Anderson in that role but then Bill does not look at FB as a blocker only position. I will say I doubt Dallas will try that with Barber at least not this season

[Hiero]

really doubt it.

[dmq]

I just don't see him having the speed to be anything more than a third down short yardage back which is what a fullback often is along w/ blocking.

[dbair1967]

Barber looks like a pure tailback to me...

David

[dbair1967]

I just don't see him having the speed to be anything more than a third down short yardage back which is what a fullback often is along w/ blocking.

and exactly what speed did Emmitt Smith have? did he need to bulk up and be a fullback?

Barber was an excellent RB at Minnesota, he came out a yr early...give him time

David

[ravidubey]

Barber has not impressed me in the slightest so far. It's like he's a half step to slow or indecisive. With Julius on the team (and hopefully healthy), MB3 may not get the chance to figure it all out this year.

[WittenFan]

That MB3 will wind up being a perfectly capable back-up to Julius and perhaps even Thompson. It's clear right now that just doesn't have the field vision that Julius or even Thompson has but I think that will come in time. What I don't get is why we're sitting A-Train who (with his vision and experience) should easily see the cut-back lane on a 3rd & 1 and will probably pick up the yardage for MB3. What's his upside over A-Train? Special Teams?

[BlueWave]

I actually would like to see A-Train in a Fullback/Richie Anderson type role. He has the build and played some FB in Chicago last year. One thing I can say about A-Train, he will lay the wood to a blitzing LB or DB. I think we will see a lot of him Sunday for that reason.

[kartr]

Barber has not impressed me in the slightest so far. It's like he's a half step to slow or indecisive. With Julius on the team (and hopefully healthy), MB3 may not get the chance to figure it all out this year.

I agree completely. He has no speed, no moves and not enough size to overpower anyone. I can't even see him as a third-down back.

[BlueStar II]

While I realize Barber came out early and doesn't have much field time yet, from what little I have seen of him when he's been on the field...I see him as nothing more than a warm body on the roster. Hopefully...he will make me, and others here as well, eat our words. I really do hope he makes us eat our words, however...I don't see much upside to Barber. He's slow, doesn't show much, if any, vision that I have seen, and doesn't seem to run with much power/leg drive. Again...I really do "hope" he proves me wrong and begins to make a contribution.

[Hiero]

he was great in college, but ya it just looks like he isnt ready for it. Give him another year to get stronger and more experienced.

[Chocolate Lab]

Not all rookies hit the ground running. Barber is one of those who looked a little overwhelmed, maybe a little intimidated, when he first started. And the foot infection at the end of camp didn't help him, either.

But it's way too early to write him off. I think he's going to get better and better as the year goes on, and by next year will be JJ's primary backup and a very solid contributor to this team.

[Doomsday101]

Not all rookies hit the ground running. Barber is one of those who looked a little overwhelmed, maybe a little intimidated, when he first started. And the foot infection at the end of camp didn't help him, either.

But it's way too early to write him off. I think he's going to get better and better as the year goes on, and by next year will be JJ's primary backup and a very solid contributor to this team.

I agree it is too early to tell with Barber but it does show that many of these kids really need to stay the full 4 years of college. I think some of these guys get some bad advice about leaving school early and once they hit the Pros they find out this is a different game

[ratpower]

That MB3 will wind up being a perfectly capable back-up to Julius and perhaps even Thompson. It's clear right now that just doesn't have the field vision that Julius or even Thompson has but I think that will come in time. What I don't get is why we're sitting A-Train who (with his vision and experience) should easily see the cut-back lane on a 3rd & 1 and will probably pick up the yardage for MB3. What's his upside over A-Train? Special Teams?

I was at SF game, MB3 never entered so the ST argument doesn't hold.

WittenFan, everything you said is correct. Play A-Train and give him more then 3 carries...

:thumbup:

[junk]

I think Parcells has a process of breaking down RBs and then building them back up. We saw it a bit with Julius last year. I think he is doing the same thing with Barber this year.