QUESTION: Is Marion Barber an every-down back?

[Gryphon]

Source: RotoTimes.com

Will he be an every-down back? Earlier this offseason reporters put that question to Dallas coach Wade Phillips concerning running back Marion Barber , and the answer was "yes." Today's report out of Dallas indicates that is true, though he may not be carrying the ball on each of those downs. The Cowboys are experimenting with using both Barber and rookie Felix Jones in the same backfield — one formation that has Barber as a fullback and Jones lined up behind him, and another where Barber is in a one-back formation and Jones flexes out, according to Pro Football Weekly.

Our View: The thought of using Barber as a fullback should sicken most fantasy owners, especially considering the price paid to add him to the roster in most fantasy leagues. However, you can bet Jones is going to get playing time and thus the news should not be that shocking. More than anything, the threat of additional opportunity for injury in serving as a lead blocker might be cause for concern. Meanwhile, the news of using Jones as a receiver is refreshing and could raise the rook's fantasy value.

 

[CATCH17]

He does everything very well so that would make him an every down back.

The only question he really has is can he stay healthy. I just dont think Dallas wants him getting more than 15-18 carries a game.

 

[jobberone]

I think he'll get 15-25 carries a game. They are going to use Felix as much as they can and give him a rest. I don't know how Choice is going to see the field. I suppose they might take away a few carries from both of those guys. He may ride the bench.

 

[playmakers]

I dont think anything will change from last season with the exception of Barbar starting. In theory, Felix Jones will be an upgrade from Julius. The only way I see Barbar not getting a ton of carries is if Jones becomes a star right away. If he does I can see the Mcallister/Bush scenario here in Dallas.

 

[Big Dakota]

Not this crap again

 

[Spectre]

Barber's not going to be a FB.
If he does, it will be a rare occasion where they want to have a diverse formation to fool the defense a little.

As for being able to carry the load... just look at what Barber has done every time he needed to be the feature guy in the past.

The only question that should be posed about Barber is, how long can he be effective in his career the way he seeks contact and fights for the extra yardage.

 

[Kilyin]

Barber doesn't need to be an every down back, since we'll probably be carrying 3 halfbacks and a fullback.

 

[Mansta54]

Yep, if we needed him to be...

 

[LeonDixson]

Source: RotoTimes.com

W The Cowboys are experimenting with using both Barber and rookie Felix Jones in the same backfield — one formation that has Barber as a fullback and Jones lined up behind him, and another where Barber is in a one-back formation and Jones flexes out, according to Pro Football Weekly.

Our View: The thought of using Barber as a fullback should sicken most fantasy owners, especially considering the price paid to add him to the roster in most fantasy leagues.

If I remember the training camp reports correctly Barber got the hand off from that formation. Felix ended up as a safety valve pass option.

 

[utrunner07]

Y'all need to keep up...Barber was cloned in the other thread...he no longer has to be an every down back.

 

[speedkilz88]

Barber's not going to be a FB.
If he does, it will be a rare occasion where they want to have a diverse formation to fool the defense a little.

As for being able to carry the load... just look at what Barber has done every time he needed to be the feature guy in the past.

The only question that should be posed about Barber is, how long can he be effective in his career the way he seeks contact and fights for the extra yardage.

Yeah, its going to be more of a misdirection type of alignment. I would think that he will rarely be asked to lead block.

 

[peck-sicilyisland]

Barber is not a every down back,and they will find that out very quickly.The worst thing the Cowboys did, was to let J J go.When you have a guy that's a dasher off tackle,and can get to the outside,you hold on to that,it make defenses respect you more and will open up the passing game,which how is how Roma would rather beat you.Now people will cover them more, and stack the inside lanes.

 

[Gryphon]

Barber is not a every down back,and they will find that out very quickly.The worst thing the Cowboys did, was to let J J go.When you have a guy that's a dasher off tackle,and can get to the outside,you hold on to that,it make defenses respect you more and will open up the passing game,which how is how Roma would rather beat you.Now people will cover them more, and stack the inside lanes.

So are you saying the Cowboys are not better with JJ gone?

 

[Scotman]

The Cowboys are not game planning for "fantasy" football. They play the real thing.

 

[big dog cowboy]

QUESTION: Is Marion Barber an every-down back?

Does it really matter?

We don't need him to be IMHO.

 

[JonJon]

I think he'll get 15-25 carries a game. They are going to use Felix as much as they can and give him a rest. I don't know how Choice is going to see the field. I suppose they might take away a few carries from both of those guys. He may ride the bench.

I see Choice as insurance in the event Barber is injured. We needed a banger who could come in and contribute without having to change the gameplay philosophy of the offense. Choice gives us that. If Barber stays healthy, he will probably only get minimal carries in garbage time or come in when Barber is tired and we need a pounder.

 

[Coakleys Dad]

I think they will be used pretty much the same way.they will give Felix a good amount of carrys as well and it will be similar to the way he was used towards the end of the year last year with a few more carries.

 

[Dorsettfan4life]

I think un the futer Choice will be the every down back that we need. But for now Barber will split his carries. Can't wait to see how it unfolds!!!

 

[Thick 'N Hearty]

I don't think we need to look at how many carries he'll get. Instead, I would look at the number of touches he gets ... a combo of carries and receptions. We won't see a drop-off in his production. If anything, it should increase because of all the weapons the Boys have now. Felix will definitely add a dimension to this offense. If we thought they broke records last year, wait until this year gets rolling.

 

[Mansta54]

I think un the futer Choice will be the every down back that we need. But for now Barber will split his carries. Can't wait to see how it unfolds!!!