Clayton: Will the Cowboys use the running back-by-committee approach next season?

[WoodysGirl]

Q: Will the Cowboys use the running back-by-committee approach next season with Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice? If so, what will Choice's role be? I think Choice should get the bulk of the carries in the second and third quarters, Barber should start and finish the game and Jones should be the situational back (like Reggie Bush should be in New Orleans).


James in Dallas

A: An interesting system of running back rotations is being developed leaguewide, so your proposal shouldn't be taken lightly. Although I'm sure it might irritate you as a Cowboys fan, the Giants are setting the standard for how to use a three-back rotation. Brandon Jacobs, a bruiser, gets the early carries. Derrick Ward follows as Jacobs tires. Then Ahmad Bradshaw comes in with his fresh legs to make big plays in the fourth quarter. In Dallas, Choice could be the middle back, with Barber being used early and Jones late. Of course, we'll have to run it by Terrell Owens to see whether that would take away from his opportunities to catch passes.

snipped from mailbag

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=clayton_john&id=3791488

 

[grp05]

Another pointless shot at T.O.

He says he wants more touches...he gets burned.
He says he wants RW11 to get more touches...he gets burned.

It's sad that all most people know about T.O. is what ESPN and the media tells them.

I definitely want to keep all 3 backs in the rotation. It's the only way to consistently pound the ball and keep your RB fresh. I was watching the week 2 Philly game early this morning and it really reminded me how valuable Barber is as a receiver. With how well Choice has performed the last 3 games, it's easy to get sucked into the "trade Barber" mentality (now that we have two good, young backs), but Barber is just too good when he's healthy.

 

[Rack]

In Dallas, Choice could be the middle back, with Barber being used early and Jones late

Clayton is a moron - typical with BSPN people.


If we go to a regular 3-back system, Barber will be the "Closer", the role he excelled in 2006 and 2007. That is if Wade has at least half a brain...

 

[AsthmaField]

I don't know how all three backs should be used next year... I just know that all three deserve to get some carries.

I still think that Barber works best coming in after the defense has been tired out some. Perhaps Choice should start early with Barber coming in late, like he did with Julius Jones. And Felix should be sprinkled liberally throughout the game, in certain spots.

Felix should get plenty of carries... but he could be put in when the situation dictates it. He could spell Choice early when he needs a break and Barber late when he needs a break. Of course if it looks like Felix is 'on' and the defense is having trouble with him, then just run him until the D proves it can actually slow Felix down.

That's about what I'd like to see.

 

[Clove]

As long as our Home run threat touches, I'm a happy man.

 

[Vertigo_17]

If we go to a regular 3-back system, Barber will be the "Closer", the role he excelled in 2006 and 2007. That is if Wade has at least half a brain...

I agree, Barber needs to be the closer just like years past. I'm not so sure that starting him is the right thing to do, but just my opinion.

I'll be looking forward to having all 3 of these guys healthy next year.

 

[tyke1doe]

It's a joke, guys. A joke.

 

[THUMPER]

We didn't have much of a problem when we had Calvin Hill, Duane Thomas, and Walt Garrison.

The bigger issue is not how we will utilize all 3 RBs, that will work itself out, but if we can develop a more consistent O-Line to block for them. We have to have better depth on the O-Line than we do this year.

Having Holland to back up Kosier helps some but we still don't have a backup for OT or C. Obviously, McQuistan does not have the coaching staff's confidence or we would have seen him by now.

Proctor is OK as an emergency backup but he should NOT be our first option coming off the bench. We need to do a better job of drafting OLs and making it a higher priority in the draft.

 

[TheCount]

It's a joke, guys. A joke.

Hell, I thought it was funny and I've been as critical of the media as anyone over that whole debacle.

 

[NeonDeion21]

Why not use all three rbs? In this NFL the demand on a running backs body is so high that it would seem dumb not to use all three. Next year we have to give FJ more chances with the ball other than kickoffs....

 

[Hailmary]

I think in order for Choice to get equal number of carries as a healthy Barber next year, he'll need to spend some time in the weight room and improve his blocking. As good as Choice has looked these past few games, I still feel nervous when he's asked to pick up a blitzing LB.

They need to get Felix more involved in the passing game and even split him out on situations.

More multiple RB formations.

And as for who to use when, I think that's overrated (except maybe in obvious passing situations where you'd probably want Barber for his blitz pick up).

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

Clayton looks like something for outer space...

 

[nathanlt]

Shotgun with 2 RB's (probably Felix and Tashard) go out in the flat for dump off passes. 2 WR's and one TE all go vertical or mid range slants and crossing routes. The draw play will also be lethal out of this formation.


Consistently, that will kill any defense with less than 5 DB's.

Barber and Anderson will be the primary 4th quarter setup to pound the rock.

I also like the option of Twin TE's (or one WR & one TE) with all three RB's and Romo in a four man back field. Play action would be absolutely deadly.

 

[percyhoward]

The bigger issue is not how we will utilize all 3 RBs, that will work itself out...

I just hope we utilize 3 RB's better than we utilize the one healthy RB we've got right now.