DMN Blog: Barber's injuries cause concern

[LarryCanadian]

How often did we throw to running backs this year? I think that is part of our offense that is neglected, and can take the heat off in games such as the Minni game where Romo had no time. We could play 2 RB's (no fullback) out of backfield a bit more I think with the talent we have there.

Choice has proven able to pick up key first downs, and we know Felix is a threat to score every time he touches the ball and gets a bit of space.

It just seemed that we didn't have RB's catch many passes this year (although, again Felix made some yards on the few he did I think).

How do we compare to other teams in this regard? Emmitt used to catch a ton of passes early. Faulk too. Tomlinson did early in career, but the beating they take starts to reduce the double duty of both running it and catching it I think. But with 3 backs I'm curious as to why we don't do more of this, at least with Felix and Choice.

LarryCanadian

 

[Bleu Star]

12:35 PM Tue, Jan 26, 2010 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Gerry Fraley/Reporter E-mail | News tips

Cowboys owner-general manager Jerry Jones, studying the Senior Bowl workouts, admitted Marion Barber's string of injuries the last two years could cause a change in how the offense divides carries among the running backs.

injuries have limited Barber's production down the stretch in each of the last two seasons. In 2008, a lame Barber gained only 15 yards on 13 carries in the final four games. In two playoff games this season, Barber became only the second back in this century to have more than 12 carries and fewer than 20 yards rushing. He ran 11 times for 18 yards.

``We have had an injury issue there at the end of each of the last two seasons,'' Jones said. ``That may have something to do with the amount of time we can give the other backs. That could impact that decision.''

Sigh.... Freaking trade this guy before the trade value disappears. His style of running creates a higher probability that he won't last all season & the life span of a bruising RB is historically short. Start Felix and let Choice assume MB3's role..... Geez... Hello wall. I know you hear me.

 

[Vinnie2u]

No way would I cut Barber that is insane.. However Jerry made a huge mistake giving him 45 mil. especially when he was a restricted free agent and u Draft 2 running backs the same year.. Jerry has to suck it up keep him on the team and use him as a closer..

 

[UnoDallas]

who is going to give us anything. other teams would have the same concerns

would Bill Parcellls ?

he has not thought clearly in about 7 - 10 years

 

[I need 6]

I'm all for giving Jones more carries but I'm still worried about his ability to stay healthy all year with the increased workload. I would like to see TC get some more carries as well. I do think MB was hurt from the first NY game onward and we never did see him completely healthy.

I agree with the idea of less carries for Marion in a short yardage and closer role with Felix starting and TC getting a more respectable amount of touches. Garrett needs to use the running game to protect Romo. He also needs to sometimes move the pocket and Romo's launch points in the passing game to make it easier on Tony. New Orleans does this with Drew Brees for example. We have too many negative plays in early down situations especially in the red zone which kills drives and leaves points on the field.

 

[Joe_Fan]

Just cut him and be done with it already.

He's making far too much money for the type of production we're getting out of him.

It was a horrible contract then and still a horrible contract now.

He offers a lot less to the team right now than Choice does.