More Felix early, or Barber to soften D's first?

[LarryCanadian]

Was it just because it was his first NFL game and then Barber got dinged, or do you think Felix will get some plays a bit earlier in games. I know they want Barber and the mammoth oline to soften the D (especially against guys like Rogers) and then have slightly bigger holes for someone like Felix to burst through, but do you (if you are coach) put Felix in for more plays earlier in teh game?

I have never been a fan of giving players series. I think switching them up within a series works better, depending on the play call etc, although logistically (getting to huddle etc) and in terms of predictability that might not be best.

I just thought it was interesting we didn't really use F Jones as much in the roles predicted for him as we expected, and basically he came in and was used as an everydown back (which is great) and not a 3rd down type, not a scat/speed back, or a pass/screen catcher.

Was just interesting to me, but might have been spelled out by Barber's injury, with some different game play for Jones orginally planned for 2nd half.

He looks capable of being an everydown back and a decent blocker, which is huge for a Rookie (he seems a bit bigger and stronger than expected - dragging 3 guys in for the TD was impressive).

LarryCanadian

 

[Hypnotoad]

You bring up an interesting point, I did not like that we were still pounding Barber ALONE with a 2 TD lead. He should have been used like he was used with Julius.

 

[CATCH17]

It doesn't matter.

Just get the ball in either ones hands at any time and plays will be made.

 

[stealth]

Barber is fine with 20 carries a game, I don't know how many he had but it wasn't much more than that if at all. Felix is gonna work well because he runs very differently than Barber.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

I thought that using Barber on the first 4 plays of the game was odd(3 run, 1 pass).

I would like to see Felix more. Barber less.

 

[Wolfpack]

I dont think you saw all the goodies today. Philly gets the goodies next week.

 

[Real1st]

I thought that using Barber on the first 4 plays of the game was odd(3 run, 1 pass).

I would like to see Felix more. Barber less.

Ehhhh Man Barber is a stud. Felix will get his touches but i don't feel comfortable with him back there doing pass protection.

 

[silverbear]

Barber is fine with 20 carries a game, I don't know how many he had but it wasn't much more than that if at all. Felix is gonna work well because he runs very differently than Barber.

16 carries, 80 yards for Barber... that's actually a bit less than I'd like him to be used, I'm looking for 275-280 carries on the season... then, I'd like Felix to get around 125-150...

If it works out that way, I'd look for 1200-1250 yards from Marion, 600-650 yards from Felix...

But what I REALLY want to see is the Boys throw the ball to Jones... get him outside, isolated on a poor DB... I have visions of a poor man's Marshall Faulk...

 

[Tovya]

I think the way we ran it yesterday was just perfect. In reality, we easily would have been able to make it 35 points or more, but we just burned the clock in the 4th as much as possible. Our running game was unstoppable except for the 4th when they knew we were going to run.

Both backs ran it really well, and even Choice looked good towards the end, so I don't really think we need to do anything differently than what we did. We are a threat even with our 3rd stringer in, so that is very promising for the rest of the season.

 

[McCordsville Cowboy]

I wish Felix would have played earlier.....

Maybe it would have prevented the injury.. who knows.

They should rotate every 3 series to keep Marion fresh and then put him in on goaline.

 

[Redball Express]

..that MBIII was used so much in the 1st half as he was.

Then he ended up getting hurt.

Exactly when did he get hurt..? Was it the last play he was in on or did it happen earlier and then the coaches realized it and pulled him..?

Anyway..there is the issue for MBIII.

Garrett needs to switch this up and let Felix come in and run the entire diversified offense early in the game that they plan on running with Felix in the game.

And then let MBIII come in once they cross the 50 yd. line and go from there with alternating or even having them in the same backfield as needed.

Yesterday's game, as was last year's playoff game against the Jints, indicates running MBIII early and often in games is not recommended. He's either lost something as the game goes on or we are exposing him to hits from fresh defenders that are are quicker in the first part of games than in later quarters.

I also believe we need to see more of Tashard Choice at RB. He hits the hole quick and keeps moving when hit. Get this guy somemore carries if at all possible.

I like what he does whenever he's in there.

:starspin ReDBaLL ExPreSs :starspin

 

[DaBoys4Life]

so now Felix is going to take carries away from MB3 interesting.

 

[DaBoys4Life]

..that MBIII was used so much in the 1st half as he was.

Then he ended up getting hurt.

Exactly when did he get hurt..? Was it the last play he was in on or did it happen earlier and then the coaches realized it and pulled him..?

Anyway..there is the issue for MBIII.

Garrett needs to switch this up and let Felix come in and run the entire diversified offense early in the game that they plan on running with Felix in the game.

And then let MBIII come in once they cross the 50 yd. line and go from there with alternating or even having them in the same backfield as needed.

Yesterday's game, as was last year's playoff game against the Jints, indicates running MBIII early and often in games is not recommended. He's either lost something as the game goes on or we are exposing him to hits from fresh defenders that are are quicker in the first part of games than in later quarters.

I also believe we need to see more of Tashard Choice at RB. He hits the hole quick and keeps moving when hit. Get this guy somemore carries if at all possible.

I like what he does whenever he's in there.

:starspin ReDBaLL ExPreSs :starspin

When he jumped over the guy he got hurt on that play he came up with a sour face after that.

 

[Doomsday101]

I keep it as is. Barber did a great job yesterday and showed why he earned the starting job. I was very pleased with Felix but Barber at this stage is still the better all around RB

 

[CATCH17]

But what I REALLY want to see is the Boys throw the ball to Jones... get him outside, isolated on a poor DB... I have visions of a poor man's Marshall Faulk...

I think eventually you'll see more packages with Felix and Barber on the field at the same time.

Probably starting next week vs Philly actually.

He was wide open a couple times in the flats and if Romo would have tossed him the ball he had some room to work with.

 

[Tex]

Well everyone keeps saying that we pass so much early to get the defense gassed having to run around all the time and thats why last year that Jones started and we pounded them with barber more in the second half after they were tired. I think we should do something similar with Felix. Run him wide and off tackle early making the defenders run. put him in motion and on pass plays and screens etc... keep him moving and make the defenders run.... And then pound barber down their throats. I mean they should BOTH get carries early and late but... if the plan is to wear the defense out early then why not use felix in a role similar to what we did with Jones last year?

Tex

 

[CrazyCowboy]

I believe Felix will get more and more time as the year passes