Barber or JJ?

[baj1dallas]

And he will continue to do so until the line starts opening holes. He's a better back when there are no holes or when you have to break tackles.

Keep in mind though, when BP needs a 30+ carry performance you know which one he'll go to. No question that JJ is far better suited to the feature back role.

Our final drive yesterday showed why Barber isn't ready. Instead of being able to stay in the goal line O, he was totally winded and needed to come out. Reminded me of Jamal Lewis. A big guy strong runner who has a small gas tank.

I dunno it looked like Barber was doing a good job of finding holes to run through. Boy you sure do sound down on him for the game he just had.

 

[btcutter]

That one run in the first half where Barber ran on right tackle and hit that big hole he should have taken it to the house. Instead he got caught from behind. It just looks like when Barber breaks through the line that he doesn't have that next gear. I am hoping julius can be our home run threat.

First, I don't care who carries the rock, as long it's for positive yardage and long gains.

That run by Barber was nice and I will take that type of run anyday, even if he can't take it to the house. Unfortunately, JJ hasn't shown enough to even get to the 2nd level often. Hopefully, it's just his ankles and he'll be back.

I like the rotation because it keeps both of them fresh. Also, I am not certain that Barber can take the full load this yr. He runs upright and takes too many shots. There is not doubt though, he is the better receiver of the two.

 

[BlueStar II]

While Jones may have more speed, with the game on the line, I'll take Barber. Jones seems to be tentative this year, and I don't mean just since the ankle injury, even prior to the ankle injury, he just hasn't been running with the same quickness and moves this year as he did last year. Barber may not have the same speed that Jones showed us "last" year, but other than the speed factor, I feel that Barber has already established himself more than Jones has. Until "if" and when...Jones begins to run with the same speed and elusiveness that he showed last year, I'll take Barber.

 

[Baileyneverfailey]

I think Barber runs harder, and doesn't go down as easily as JJ, but when Julius is running like he can, he's a much more dangerous back. The problem lies therein though. This entire season I'm only seeing Julius hold the ball with 2 hands to protect it, and because of it, his agility and cuts are non existant.

 

[wileedog]

I think Barber runs harder, and doesn't go down as easily as JJ, but when Julius is running like he can, he's a much more dangerous back. The problem lies therein though. This entire season I'm only seeing Julius hold the ball with 2 hands to protect it, and because of it, his agility and cuts are non existant.

Looks like one hand to me.

 

[DallasDomination]

That one run in the first half where Barber ran on right tackle and hit that big hole he should have taken it to the house. Instead he got caught from behind. It just looks like when Barber breaks through the line that he doesn't have that next gear. I am hoping julius can be our home run threat.

stop complaining

 

[kojak]

Julius seems to lack the vision he had last year. No juke when the hole isn't there. He just runs full speed hoping to burrow through the closed hole.

 

[MS17]

If and when the Cowboys are in the last 5:00 of a game, protecting a lead, and need to run some clock, will be interesting to see who's back there. Im guessing it would be Barber, at this point.

 

[Verdict]

In my opinion, right now, Barber is clearly outperforming Jones. I'm not sure whether injuries are a factor, but Jones looks like Edddie George so far this year.

Barber caught a poorly thrown (low) ball yesterday on a crutial third down that resulted in a huge first down. That being said, the fact Barber got caught from behind yesterday when he had more than a step on the defense is a real cause of concern for me. I'm not sure the Cowboys' "franchise back" is on the current roster.

 

[DanTanna]

That was a good catch. I didn't think anyone noticed how hard it was because he made it seem routine.

I still want to see Tyson T. out there more. He's bigger faster, hits the hole at full speed and has never fumbled once.

 

[burmafrd]

If JJ would start to ignore BP's rant about negative plays and just run HIS way he would do a lot better. Problem is that BP has JJ totally under his thumb.
Add to that ankle which probably will not heal fully untill the offseason and there you have it. MB is a better short yardage back and better catching the ball; pickup of blitzes is about the same; JJ WHEN HEALTHY is a better running back in the open field.
It is true that MB seems to get winded faster- not suprising as a bulkier body is prone to run out of gas quicker- or more likely as a rookie playing in this many games might start to get to him. Not just the games but practices, etc. Takes a while for the body to get used to that.

 

[burmafrd]

As regards clearly outperforming JJ- two draw plays - which JJ did not get- netted him 40 of his 82 yds. He average 3.0 for the other carries. Technically he got 49 of his 82 yds in 3 carries. That means he got 33 yds in 13 carries otherwise. THAT shows the fact that the O line does not open many holes.