DMN Blog: Felix = Reggie Bush?

[AbeBeta]

How will RB rotation work? Maybe like '06 Saints

5:37 PM Wed, Jun 18, 2008 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Tim MacMahon E-mail News tips

The Cowboys did not draft a backup running back in the first round. They drafted a complementary back. There's a big difference.

Marion "The Barbarian" Barber is the lead horse, but Felix Jones will have a significant role in the offense. His playmaking ability and versatility has Jason Garrett's creative juices flowing.

The Cowboys will move Jones around, occasionally putting him on the field with Barber and often sending him in motion or lining him up in the slot. Think of the way the Saints used Reggie Bush when Deuce McAllister was healthy in 2006, when New Orleans had the NFL's top offense. (Click this link to refresh painful memories of that Saints offense.)

"Sean [Payton] did a great job down there with those guys," Garrett said. "They kind of hammered the defenses with McAllister and were kind of more spread out and open with Reggie Bush. Those are certainly examples you have."

 

[AbeBeta]

I have to say, I like the idea of using Felix like Bush -- Westbrook is another good model (but certainly not for 370 touches a year)

 

[DasTex]

Well Felix doesn't have Bush's pure straight speed but in the wiggle department, it's close.

 

[theogt]

Though I'd have preferred not take any running back at 22, it's certainly a persuasive reason to have taken Jones over Mendenhall.

Well Felix doesn't have Bush's pure straight speed but in the wiggle department, it's close.

Eh...I'd say similar speed, dissimilar wiggle.

 

[DasTex]

Eh...I'd say similar speed, dissimilar wiggle.

You see lots of times where Felix in college got caught from behind. I can't ever say I've seen Reggie in college get caught from behind. That guy can flat out fly.

 

[RomoIsBack]

i love it

 

[InmanRoshi]

It's nice in theory, but Felix is going to have to do a lot of things he's never been asked to do before, like running wheel routes down the field, catching the ball over his shoulder, etc.

 

[theogt]

You see lots of times where Felix in college got caught from behind. I can't ever say I've seen Reggie in college get caught from behind. That guy can flat out fly.

I've seen Demarcus Ware catch Reggie Bush from behind.

 

[DasTex]

I've seen Demarcus Ware catch Reggie Bush from behind.

You really think Reggie and Felix have similar speed? I'm by no means a big Reggie supporter, but just watching both play in college...I don't think the speed aspect is that close.

 

[percyhoward]

It's nice in theory, but Felix is going to have to do a lot of things he's never been asked to do before, like running wheel routes down the field, catching the ball over his shoulder, etc.

That, and we'll have to design more plays specifically for Felix (more than we did for Julius, who had an excellent yards per catch), and Romo will have to be looking to dump it off to the back more than he is accustomed to doing.

 

[AbeBeta]

I don't think it matters whether they have similar speed. Both are going to be among the fastest players on the field at any time. Whether you break off a 40 yard TD in 4.20 seconds or 4.3 seconds makes no difference to me.

 

[AbeBeta]

Romo will have to be looking to dump it off to the back more than he is accustomed to doing.

The short dump off stuff is what, I feel, kept Romo last year from having an all-time great season -- the Buffalo game was a clear example -- he just wouldn't take enough of the short stuff.

I expect that folks are working with Romo on this issue and we'll see much more short passing from him.

 

[percyhoward]

I expect that folks are working with Romo on this issue and we'll see much more short passing from him.

With someone like Felix to go to, I hope so.

I still remember Wade saying last summer, "Julius Jones is a screen runner," then we hardly ever threw the screen.

 

[DaBoys4Life]

hmmm 70 catches in one year I don't see Jones getting that type of production.

 

[AbeBeta]

With someone like Felix to go to, I hope so.

I still remember Wade saying last summer, "Julius Jones is a screen runner," then we hardly ever threw the screen.

Well if there is one thing consistent about this team, it is that we suck at screen plays.

 

[DaBoys4Life]

Well if there is one thing consistent about this team, it is that we suck at screen plays.

we don't run them.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Felix at least has the attitude and the stones to try to run inside.

I also think he'll be more willing to take what's there rather than dancing around trying to make every play a Fresno State moment.

But yeah... Felix should be scary in the open field.

 

[percyhoward]

2006 & 2007

JJones 32 rec 345 yds 10.8 avg
RBush 161 rec 1,159 yds 7.2 avg

Now, not all of those were screens, but the point is Julius produced when he got the ball in the open field. Felix should be even better, I just hope he gets the chance.

 

[the kid 05]

2006 & 2007

JJones 32 rec 345 yds 10.8 avg
RBush 161 rec 1,159 yds 7.2 avg

Now, not all of those were screens, but the point is Julius produced when he got the ball in the open field. Felix should be even better, I just hope he gets the chance.

not counting all the negated plays cuz of freakin holding penalties...

 

[AbeBeta]

we don't run them.

and why do you think that is?