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Emmitt Smith, Tony Dorsett eager to see Cowboys' RB committee
12:10 AM Wed, May 13, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Tim MacMahon
Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett combined for 19 1,000-yard seasons during their spectacular careers. The running backs on the Cowboys' current roster have a grand total of zero -- and that probably won't change this season.
That's because the Cowboys will use a committee, splitting the carries among Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. None of them are likely to rack up yardage totals like the Cowboys' legends used to, but they have the potential to form a potent three-headed rushing attack.
"For Jason (Garrett) to have those kind of weapons in his backfield, to come up with packages for all three of them is going to be challenging," Emmitt said. "But, I tell you, if you've got all three guys - if Felix comes back healthy and is able to remain healthy for the entire season - it could be a great thing for the Dallas Cowboys."
Dorsett always believed that backs got better the more they saw of a defense, but he understands that the game has changed to make RB committees the norm. And he thinks Barber and Jones form a phenomenal one-two punch, with Jones' big-play ability serving as a perfect complemtent for Barber's bruising style.
"When I watch him play, I've never seen anybody in any sport that has any more passion for what he's doing than Marion Barber," Dorsett said. "I just love to see the guy, but I think he sometimes puts himself at a disadvantage. He takes too many hits in the wrong places and exposes himself.
"Now, Felix Jones. Felix Jooooooones!!! Lemme tell you now. That man right there is the truth. I mean, that's a great change-up for a defense. He's a good-sized kid, he's got great speed and he can take it the distance from anywhere on the field.
"I'm looking forward to see exactly how this plays out for them."
Emmitt is also a fan of Barber and Jones, but he doesn't forget about Tashard Choice, whose running style reminds Jerry Jones of the league's all-time leading rusher. Choice was the Cowboys' best offensive player after toe injuries to the other backs opened a door for him in December.
"He showed that if you give him an opportunity, he'll take full advantage," Emmitt said. "So, Marion and Felix, I've only got one word of advice: Don't get hurt."
OK, that was three words of advice. When it comes to running backs at Valley Ranch, three is the new one.
12:10 AM Wed, May 13, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Tim MacMahon
Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett combined for 19 1,000-yard seasons during their spectacular careers. The running backs on the Cowboys' current roster have a grand total of zero -- and that probably won't change this season.
That's because the Cowboys will use a committee, splitting the carries among Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. None of them are likely to rack up yardage totals like the Cowboys' legends used to, but they have the potential to form a potent three-headed rushing attack.
"For Jason (Garrett) to have those kind of weapons in his backfield, to come up with packages for all three of them is going to be challenging," Emmitt said. "But, I tell you, if you've got all three guys - if Felix comes back healthy and is able to remain healthy for the entire season - it could be a great thing for the Dallas Cowboys."
Dorsett always believed that backs got better the more they saw of a defense, but he understands that the game has changed to make RB committees the norm. And he thinks Barber and Jones form a phenomenal one-two punch, with Jones' big-play ability serving as a perfect complemtent for Barber's bruising style.
"When I watch him play, I've never seen anybody in any sport that has any more passion for what he's doing than Marion Barber," Dorsett said. "I just love to see the guy, but I think he sometimes puts himself at a disadvantage. He takes too many hits in the wrong places and exposes himself.
"Now, Felix Jones. Felix Jooooooones!!! Lemme tell you now. That man right there is the truth. I mean, that's a great change-up for a defense. He's a good-sized kid, he's got great speed and he can take it the distance from anywhere on the field.
"I'm looking forward to see exactly how this plays out for them."
Emmitt is also a fan of Barber and Jones, but he doesn't forget about Tashard Choice, whose running style reminds Jerry Jones of the league's all-time leading rusher. Choice was the Cowboys' best offensive player after toe injuries to the other backs opened a door for him in December.
"He showed that if you give him an opportunity, he'll take full advantage," Emmitt said. "So, Marion and Felix, I've only got one word of advice: Don't get hurt."
OK, that was three words of advice. When it comes to running backs at Valley Ranch, three is the new one.
