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October 16, 2009, 11:32 AM
By: Tim MacMahon
Tashard Choice wants to be a workhorse, which he was at Georgia Tech while twice leading the ACC in rushing.
He realizes, however, that won't be his role with the Dallas Cowboys unless both of his tailback teammates are hurt. He understands that Marion Barber and Felix Jones will get the bulk of the work when their bodies can handle it.
"It's hard when you know you can do it every down," Choice said. "You've got a play here and there, and you've gotta make the most of it."
There's no bitterness in Choice's voice when he says that. He's matter of fact about his situation.
He has made the most of his limited opportunities in the NFL, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Despite his success, Choice has been a significant part of Cowboys' game plans only when injuries limit or sideline Barber and Jones.
Choice can't define his role. But he does know his job: Always be ready. Like a lot of backs, Choice believes he's at his best when he gets a steady workload and can get in a rhythm throughout the course of a game. He doesn't often have that opportunity, though.
"You have to get that out of your mind and understand your role," Choice said. "You have to prepare yourself in a totally different way, understand that you don't have that much time to get yourself going. You've got to get juiced from the get-go."
He's learned during his brief NFL career to learn by watching and has proven that he can excel in small doses. In fact, Choice's two highest yardage totals came in games when he subbed for Barber, who was slowed by injuries. Choice had 91 yards and the win-sealing touchdown on only nine carries in last season's victory over the Giants. He had 92 yards and a TD that sparked the Cowboys on only eight carries in last week's win over the Chiefs.
Wade Phillips has seen enough from Choice to declare that the guy needs to be involved in the offense even when Barber and Jones are healthy. Choice isn't sure exactly how that will work, but he'll be ready when they call his number.
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Choice still keeping in touch with T.O.
October 16, 2009, 11:23 AM
By: Calvin Watkins
Tashard Choice is taking up residence at the locker closest to the entrance to the shower area at Valley Ranch -- the position formerly occupied by Terrell Owens.
The Cowboys' healthiest running back, however, is not taking over Owens' demands to get the ball more. But Choice does talk to the Buffalo Bills receiver frequently.
"We talked about working hard in practice so it can carry over into games," Choice said. "He just tells me, 'keep working hard, little buddy' -- and that's what I'm trying to do."
By: Tim MacMahon
Tashard Choice wants to be a workhorse, which he was at Georgia Tech while twice leading the ACC in rushing.
He realizes, however, that won't be his role with the Dallas Cowboys unless both of his tailback teammates are hurt. He understands that Marion Barber and Felix Jones will get the bulk of the work when their bodies can handle it.
"It's hard when you know you can do it every down," Choice said. "You've got a play here and there, and you've gotta make the most of it."
There's no bitterness in Choice's voice when he says that. He's matter of fact about his situation.
He has made the most of his limited opportunities in the NFL, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Despite his success, Choice has been a significant part of Cowboys' game plans only when injuries limit or sideline Barber and Jones.
Choice can't define his role. But he does know his job: Always be ready. Like a lot of backs, Choice believes he's at his best when he gets a steady workload and can get in a rhythm throughout the course of a game. He doesn't often have that opportunity, though.
"You have to get that out of your mind and understand your role," Choice said. "You have to prepare yourself in a totally different way, understand that you don't have that much time to get yourself going. You've got to get juiced from the get-go."
He's learned during his brief NFL career to learn by watching and has proven that he can excel in small doses. In fact, Choice's two highest yardage totals came in games when he subbed for Barber, who was slowed by injuries. Choice had 91 yards and the win-sealing touchdown on only nine carries in last season's victory over the Giants. He had 92 yards and a TD that sparked the Cowboys on only eight carries in last week's win over the Chiefs.
Wade Phillips has seen enough from Choice to declare that the guy needs to be involved in the offense even when Barber and Jones are healthy. Choice isn't sure exactly how that will work, but he'll be ready when they call his number.
Read comments or leave a comment
Choice still keeping in touch with T.O.
October 16, 2009, 11:23 AM
By: Calvin Watkins
Tashard Choice is taking up residence at the locker closest to the entrance to the shower area at Valley Ranch -- the position formerly occupied by Terrell Owens.
The Cowboys' healthiest running back, however, is not taking over Owens' demands to get the ball more. But Choice does talk to the Buffalo Bills receiver frequently.
"We talked about working hard in practice so it can carry over into games," Choice said. "He just tells me, 'keep working hard, little buddy' -- and that's what I'm trying to do."
