ESPN Mosley: Tashard Choice to get the majority of the carries

[WoodysGirl]

Sunday could be day of rest for Barber
October 3, 2009 3:56 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley

Cowboys running back Marion Barber is expected to play against the Broncos on Sunday, but it looks like Tashard Choice will get the majority of the carries. You can read my full report here.

Barber's made solid progress with his left quadriceps injury, but the Cowboys still have some uncertainty regarding how effective he'll be in Sunday's game. Since Choice has exhibited the ability to carry the load in the past -- he had 62 carries in the final four games of '08 -- the Cowboys don't mind leaning on him Sunday.

And in order to provide some insurance, the Cowboys signed running back Chauncey Washington off their practice squad Saturday and released safety Marvin White to make room for him. The Cowboys would like to get White back, but he'll have to clear waivers first.

The Cowboys haven't made it clear who will start at running back Sunday. I would expect for Choice to end up with at least 20 carries and for Barber to have fewer than 10.

 

[jazzcat22]

I figured this would happen anyway. And it make sense to do that. And this guy gets paid for this.

 

[casmith07]

If The Big 5 up front keep up what they've been doing, Tashard will be running through holes you could land a 747 in.

 

[Everlastingxxx]

I would rather sit Barber if he is not going to be feature back. We did this last year when we was injured and he never returned the same. Just fear he is rushing back too soon, he is too important to this offense.

 

[fannypack]

I would rather sit Barber if he is not going to be feature back. We did this last year when we was injured and he never returned the same. Just fear he is rushing back too soon, he is too important to this offense.

Me too. I don't think the risk is worth 10 touches. Honestly, I activate Barber for the game and I start Choice. I'll give Barber one or two early touches. If he looks decent enough I may go forward with him, if he looks to be struggling or not picking up yards we'd normally see then I spell Choice with Washington.

Sometimes these practice squad players seize their opportunities and really surprise you and earn some time.

Not that Washington is Choice or anything, but who really thought we had a very capable back in Choice before he showed up on the field?

 

[rysko]

i did

 

[CowboyMike]

Start Barber, play him for the first series. Then sit him until the fourth quarter.

 

[poost]

^ This.

 

[Rampage]

what's the point of even telling the media this?

 

[SLATEmosphere]

what's the point of even telling the media this?

Exactly. Just stupid. Who cares?

 

[Rampage]

Exactly. Just stupid. Who cares?

I mean i'm sure it's not gonna make a big difference if any at all but why even say this? Wade should've just called up McDaniels and said "Oh by the way tell your guys to be more prepared for Choice since we're gonna give him most of the carries".

 

[Vegas_Cowboy]

Where does it say that anyone told the media this? Once Washinton was signed from the practice squad it became obvious. Heck, even the little notes in my fantasy league have said the same thing about Choice getting most of the carries if Washington is signed from the PS.

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

This would be Tashard Choice's showcase.

This would be a literally breath-taking Sunday for Tashard.

And if Marion Barber is truly fully healthy, I can see MB churning up yards as well, whether he does or does not take most of the load.

What say you, all you hangers-on, poets, parolees, dreamers, frezied fans and boys of the NFL turf?

I say, that in a storied Sunday classic, the Boys chew up 200 yards on the ground and wow the nation when they pair up with the brilliance and reliability of Witten and the occasional electrifying catches by Crayfish, Austin and yes, even that boy of potential, RW.

I say 210 yards combined rushing when all is said an done.

Yeah, I said it. 210 yards.

How do you think Choice/Barber will do, despite the high attitude in the Mile High Shadium?

 

[RS12]

I have no problem with T Choice getting the bulk of the work. I think they are in good hands.

 

[Gemini Dolly]

I believe thats a good Choice.

 

[JBell]

This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.

And oh yeah.. Choice puns are no longer funny or cool.

 

[pugilist]

i'm thinking they are going to put Barber in primarily to pick up blitzes.. maybe 5 or 6 carries at the most

 

[TD-33]

Felix is out.
Barber is hurt.
Choice is the 3rd back and will get the majority of touches.

OK Mosley thanks for those pearls of wisdom.

 

[CowboyMike]

i'm thinking they are going to put Barber in primarily to pick up blitzes.. maybe 5 or 6 carries at the most

Romo said the other day Choice is one of the best blitz pick up running backs he's been around. Putting Barber in just to do that won't be necessary. (Even though Barber is one of the best in the league at picking them up.)

 

[rkell87]

Romo said the other day Choice is one of the best blitz pick up running backs he's been around. Putting Barber in just to do that won't be necessary. (Even though Barber is one of the best in the league at picking them up.)

no. he said he is one of the best at knowing his assignment/recognizing who to pick up and that he is comfortable with him back there doing it...not that he is one of the best at actually picking up the blitz. it is a big difference. but that said i don't think the drop off is significant enough to warrant barber being in just to pick up the blitz.