JonJon
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At the beginning of the pre-season, I was among the group that believed Barber was nothing more than a backup and Julius was the true running back who would once again emerge as the player we fell in love with as a rookie, leading the team in rushing yards and campaigning for one of the best running backs in the league.
Now, some five months later, there is no questioning the mistake in judgment that I made. After a season in which Jones actually regressed, in what could have been a big contract year for him, watching his backup lead the team in rushing yards and making a pro bowl appearance, there is no question who the better running back is.
Not only did Barber prove to be the better running back, but he proved that he can be the feature back for the Cowboys in the future. However, Barber does need help. In the second half of the game against the Giants, it appeared Barber ran out of gas. Jones entered the line up, he had the opportunity the break the backs of a tired defense and continue to help the Cowboys control the game. What happened was what we had seen all year; Jones not finding the holesand going down on first contact, resulting in more difficult first down conversions. If we had a capable running back to compliment Barber, there is no doubt that we could have extended some of those second half drives, which could have lead to more points and an eventual win.
Now here we are, basically starting our off season as the rest of the teams still alive prepare for championship games. So in our preparation for next year, I don't think anyone will argue that Jones will be gone and we will need to bring in someone to be the change of pace back. McFadden, who was on nearly everyones radar at the beginning of the season now seems to be a distant hope because of the way the Browns season went. He is not impossible to get, but the price would be too high in my book. Besides, I am perfectly happy with Barber starting.
However, this kid Felix Jones, who is used to sharing production with McFadden, actually did better than McFadden in terms of yards per carry. This Arkansas alum could be brought in at a much cheaper price and could compliment Barber perfectly in ways that the other Jones could only imagine. So what if the Patriots get McFadden? I would be perfectly happy with the other Minnesota/Arkansas combo.
Now, some five months later, there is no questioning the mistake in judgment that I made. After a season in which Jones actually regressed, in what could have been a big contract year for him, watching his backup lead the team in rushing yards and making a pro bowl appearance, there is no question who the better running back is.
Not only did Barber prove to be the better running back, but he proved that he can be the feature back for the Cowboys in the future. However, Barber does need help. In the second half of the game against the Giants, it appeared Barber ran out of gas. Jones entered the line up, he had the opportunity the break the backs of a tired defense and continue to help the Cowboys control the game. What happened was what we had seen all year; Jones not finding the holesand going down on first contact, resulting in more difficult first down conversions. If we had a capable running back to compliment Barber, there is no doubt that we could have extended some of those second half drives, which could have lead to more points and an eventual win.
Now here we are, basically starting our off season as the rest of the teams still alive prepare for championship games. So in our preparation for next year, I don't think anyone will argue that Jones will be gone and we will need to bring in someone to be the change of pace back. McFadden, who was on nearly everyones radar at the beginning of the season now seems to be a distant hope because of the way the Browns season went. He is not impossible to get, but the price would be too high in my book. Besides, I am perfectly happy with Barber starting.
However, this kid Felix Jones, who is used to sharing production with McFadden, actually did better than McFadden in terms of yards per carry. This Arkansas alum could be brought in at a much cheaper price and could compliment Barber perfectly in ways that the other Jones could only imagine. So what if the Patriots get McFadden? I would be perfectly happy with the other Minnesota/Arkansas combo.
