Vela - why Felix should start

[lostinomiya]

I'm back with another edition of my Felix Jones-is-Tiki Barber-redux campaign. Using K.C. Joyner's run metrics from Scientific Football '09 and from the new Maple Street Press Cowboys Annual 2009, I'm going to present more evidence why Dallas should return to the running back platoon it used so effectively in 2007 with Julius Jones and Marion Barber. What's more, I'm going to demonstrate why I believe Felix should get Julius old starters job and push Barber back into the closer's spot.

Joyner's "Dallas by the Numbers" piece in the Cowboys Annual records running back performance by run type. He lists seven types of running plays -- counters, draws, drives, isolations, off-tackles, slants/stretches and tosses/sweeps. I'm not going to present Joyner's breakdowns here (sorry folks, you'll have to buy the magazine) but I am going to repackage his stats in two categories.


I'm going to catalog two types of runs. "Between the tackles" runs are the isos, dives, draws and counters. Outside runs are off tackles, stretch plays and tosses and sweeps.

Inside Runs

Player Attempts Yards Yds. per Att.
Marion Barber 137 620 4.5
Tashard Choice 59 310 5.3
Felix Jones 17 133 7.8


Outside Runs

Player Attempts Yards Yds. per Att.
Marion Barber 94 243 2.6
Tashard Choice 32 156 4.9
Felix Jones 11 178 16.2


The difference on outside runs is staggering. Jones is a touchdown threat any time he takes the ball to a defense's perimeter. His inside numbers make the case to start him. Jones didn't get many inside carries last year, but he was just as much a touchdown threat on these plays.

Jones dominated across the board. He did not run a dive play last year, but he had team-best averages on five of the other six run types. Had Choice not posted a slightly better average on draws, Jones would have run the table.

Felix Jones has the look of a special back. He's bulked up to 212 pounds this offseason. He gives Dallas the best option on first downs, because defenses cannot stereotype him as a perimeter runner. If the do, he'll burn them on a counter or isolation run.

Make him the starter. He'll give the team better performances on early drives and he'll make Barber a better runner, by letting him reprise his role as a late-half hammer.

 

[dmq]

Having a back that is a threat to get to the outside will totally change how defenses have to play you. It has been missing from our offense for over a decade. Emmitt wasn't even good at getting to the outside.

 

[Yeagermeister]

I like the method NYG used. You start with your #1 back Barber, then bring in Felix and Choice then go with whoever is the hot hand.

 

[Alexander]

I'm back with another edition of my Felix Jones-is-Tiki Barber-redux campaign. Using K.C. Joyner's run metrics from Scientific Football '09 and from the new Maple Street Press Cowboys Annual 2009, I'm going to present more evidence why Dallas should return to the running back platoon it used so effectively in 2007 with Julius Jones and Marion Barber. What's more, I'm going to demonstrate why I believe Felix should get Julius old starters job and push Barber back into the closer's spot.

Joyner's "Dallas by the Numbers" piece in the Cowboys Annual records running back performance by run type. He lists seven types of running plays -- counters, draws, drives, isolations, off-tackles, slants/stretches and tosses/sweeps. I'm not going to present Joyner's breakdowns here (sorry folks, you'll have to buy the magazine) but I am going to repackage his stats in two categories.


I'm going to catalog two types of runs. "Between the tackles" runs are the isos, dives, draws and counters. Outside runs are off tackles, stretch plays and tosses and sweeps.

Inside Runs

Player Attempts Yards Yds. per Att.
Marion Barber 137 620 4.5
Tashard Choice 59 310 5.3
Felix Jones 17 133 7.8


Outside Runs

Player Attempts Yards Yds. per Att.
Marion Barber 94 243 2.6
Tashard Choice 32 156 4.9
Felix Jones 11 178 16.2


The difference on outside runs is staggering. Jones is a touchdown threat any time he takes the ball to a defense's perimeter. His inside numbers make the case to start him. Jones didn't get many inside carries last year, but he was just as much a touchdown threat on these plays.

Jones dominated across the board. He did not run a dive play last year, but he had team-best averages on five of the other six run types. Had Choice not posted a slightly better average on draws, Jones would have run the table.

Felix Jones has the look of a special back. He's bulked up to 212 pounds this offseason. He gives Dallas the best option on first downs, because defenses cannot stereotype him as a perimeter runner. If the do, he'll burn them on a counter or isolation run.

Make him the starter. He'll give the team better performances on early drives and he'll make Barber a better runner, by letting him reprise his role as a late-half hammer.

I don't think this staff believes Jones can be the "starter".

From what I see, they have almost pigeon-holed him as a "change of pace" since day one. It might fit their style, I guess. From what I see, the interior is where we like to run and that harkens back to the days that Houck and Garrett worked together in the 1990s.

I agree with Vela, he is good enough to do it. But whether this staff would give him the chance is what the question should be. Phillips even nixed the idea of having him return kickoffs. It was strange, like they were saving him up for something. I don't understand it.

 

[reddyuta]

this is how a fan or a blogger from outside the "think tank" would think as obvious but i dont think the coaches necessarily think is as obviuos.there is also the factor of Felix's injuries which might see him get a limited role atleast in the beginning of the season.

 

[Alexander]

Having a back that is a threat to get to the outside will totally change how defenses have to play you. It has been missing from our offense for over a decade. Emmitt wasn't even good at getting to the outside.

I don't think Garrett is comfortable with perimeter runs honestly.

I still remember the Commanders game last year where Bum Phillips suggested toss plays to the outside and that was one of Barber's better games of the year.

 

[lostinomiya]

I remeber there was discussion earlier this off season about how Barber's game had diminished because of how he had been used this past season, that he was being asked to play a game that was not his.

I really like Barber but maybe he is best as the guy that comes in and kills defenses once the speedy guy has tired them a bit.

 

[Yeagermeister]

Barber is being paid to be the #1 guy and I don't see that changing.

 

[WV Cowboy]

Choice would be my every down back, ... and then by using them in special situations, I would showcase Barber and Jones' strengths, while hiding their weaknesses.

 

[CATCH17]

Doesn't really matter.

I feel safer with Barber getting the rock early in games too.

Just don't shy away from these young guys as much like you did last year.

Its a travesty if Felix doesn't get at least 10 touches a game.

 

[Alexander]

Choice would be my every down back, ... and then by using them in special situations, I would showcase Barber and Jones' strengths, while hiding their weaknesses.

If you limit how you use Jones or Barber it makes it more difficult to play to their strengths and that's part of Vela's point.

Choice has no breakaway speed. He had several plays (the pass against the Steelers and several runs against the Ravens) where if he had an extra gear he would have had touchdowns. I don't see why making him the starter would be a benefit unless you are just putting the backs on what amounts to a pitch count.

At this point, I would much rather have Felix Jones doing what Julius Jones did in 2007 and Barber back to his role of that season as well. It seemed to work, not just for the backs, but also pacing our offensive linemen.

 

[THUMPER]

If you limit how you use Jones or Barber it makes it more difficult to play to their strengths and that's part of Vela's point.

Choice has no breakaway speed. He had several plays (the pass against the Steelers and several runs against the Ravens) where if he had an extra gear he would have had touchdowns. I don't see why making him the starter would be a benefit unless you are just putting the backs on what amounts to a pitch count.

At this point, I would much rather have Felix Jones doing what Julius Jones did in 2007 and Barber back to his role of that season as well. It seemed to work, not just for the backs, but also pacing our offensive linemen.

Good points Alexander. I would like to see us not name a starter for the season but use whoever is playing well and whoever matches up best with the team we are facing that day and then utilize them to their fullest advantage by calling plays that fit their skillset.

If it's the Eagles and Felix running to the outside on tosses or inside on draws works best then let's do that. If Barber is the better choice on trap plays or sweeps then let's use him that way.

Garrett is supposed to be a smart guy so let's see some of that intelligence in the play-calling this year. He did well in 2007 but really fell off in 2008. It had better improve in 2009 or he will be gone.

 

[Alexander]

Good points Alexander. I would like to see us not name a starter for the season but use whoever is playing well and whoever matches up best with the team we are facing that day and then utilize them to their fullest advantage by calling plays that fit their skillset.

And that could work.

Having three very good tailbacks is a benefit and one that can be used to our strategic advantage if none of them are concerned about roles or titles.

Imagine if you are a defensive coordinator and had to prepare. Isn't it easier to prepare for a "starter"? You know who will get the majority of the snaps early and once a few games are played, you even can get a feel for how the rotation works.

It did not work in 2007. Julius Jones had a hangup about it and our staff continued to start him so he didn't pout, so we had to keep him happy.

Marion Barber has always been in a rotation. So has Felix Jones. Neither seems to be the type that would get their feelings hurt if they didn't show up as the starter on the game log. Choice doesn't appear to be that type either. Make it just another thing for a defensive coordinator to stay up late Saturday night worrying about I say.

Garrett is supposed to be a smart guy so let's see some of that intelligence in the play-calling this year. He did well in 2007 but really fell off in 2008. It had better improve in 2009 or he will be gone.

The offensive line also has to be prepared. Blocking man-to-man for interior runs is different from pulling and trapping. I wonder if Houck is that flexible either.

 

[WV Cowboy]

If you limit how you use Jones or Barber it makes it more difficult to play to their strengths and that's part of Vela's point.

Choice has no breakaway speed. He had several plays (the pass against the Steelers and several runs against the Ravens) where if he had an extra gear he would have had touchdowns. I don't see why making him the starter would be a benefit unless you are just putting the backs on what amounts to a pitch count.

At this point, I would much rather have Felix Jones doing what Julius Jones did in 2007 and Barber back to his role of that season as well. It seemed to work, not just for the backs, but also pacing our offensive linemen.

If you limit how you use Jones & Barber, it is easier to play to their strengths. Only put them in situations where they can excel. That to me is what coaching actually is all about. Exploit their strengths, and hide their weaknesses, for every player.

And what does "pacing our offensive linemen" mean? They have to block somebody no matter who runs the ball.

Listen, I don't claim to know what is the best thing to do, I was just giving my opinion.

Choice seems to me more like an every down back, .. runs down hill, straight ahead, between the tackles. That is what works in the long run in todays NFL.

Barber could be the "smash mouth", and Jones the "shake and bake" back. Thunder and Lightning, or whatever you want to call them.

Pound them with Barber, and get Jones the ball out in space.

Oh, and I recall another Cowboy running back that was said to not have breakaway speed. (#22)

That kind of speed does not come into play as a RB very often in the NFL. The long run does not happen as often as just "moving the chains", which is what Choice does.

Whatever Red decides to do, I hope he utilizes each of their strengths, and gets them the ball in situations where they can show what they got.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

It doesn't matter to me, at all, who gets the starter nod and all that jazz. I just want to see these three guys used, and used properly, and effectively, so that this offense has it's best chances to put up yards and more importantly Touchdowns.

 

[tomson75]

It doesn't matter to me, at all, who gets the starter nod and all that jazz. I just want to see these three guys used, and used properly, and effectively, so that this offense has it's best chances to put up yards and more importantly Touchdowns.

This.

Barber has the ability to take over games. He also has the ability to disappear in them. The coaching staff needs to learn to recognize this quickly and utilize the talent behind him more effectively. Each one of these guys has a different skill set that allows them to be effective. If they don't perform, it has to be an indictment of the coaching staff rather than the players IMO.

 

[WV Cowboy]

It doesn't matter to me, at all, who gets the starter nod and all that jazz. I just want to see these three guys used, and used properly, and effectively, so that this offense has it's best chances to put up yards and more importantly Touchdowns.

Agreed.

 

[Angus]

Everybody seems to forget that Barber and Jones have never been "starters" in their collegiate and professional lives - except tor Barber's woeful experience last year. Barber was not used correctly last year because of (1 the "starter" salary he received, and (2 the reluctance of the coaches to play Jones or Choice.

Making Barber the starter ruined his mystic. He was considered a premier back before; now, not so much. He may regain it if he again becomes the powerful closer instead of the so-so "starter."

Felix Jones might suffer the same down grade if he is made the starter, a position that would tax his stamina needed for those bursts that the opposition should come to fear unless they become diluted by over use.

The only back with experience - successful experience - as a starter is Choice. He's not as fast as Jones and not as devastating to opponents as Barber, but he can carry a full load and carry it well. He's proven it, in College and last year.

 

[Alexander]

If you limit how you use Jones & Barber, it is easier to play to their strengths. Only put them in situations where they can excel. That to me is what coaching actually is all about. Exploit their strengths, and hide their weaknesses, for every player.

This is a little different than covering up for a small nose tackle or linebacker. This means whatever back is in the game can be keyed upon if they are too structured on the plays they call. It would be a dead giveaway. Teams would anticipate more off the edge with Jones, more inside with Barber. The idea here is to eliminate that as often as you can. Send Jones inside and out, same with Barber. Get stuck in a rut, defenders can guess better.

And what does "pacing our offensive linemen" mean? They have to block somebody no matter who runs the ball.

There is a distinct difference in how they have to block for interior plays versus perimeter runs. There is more movement if we intend to counter, pull and trap often. That's why teams draft to their offensive line's style. That is why certain prospects project well to certain teams and not to others.

For example, we started drafting more mobile blockers in recent years when Sparano was here. Houck arrives, one of the first moves we make is to get Derek Kennard Lite in Montrae Holland.

Choice seems to me more like an every down back, .. runs down hill, straight ahead, between the tackles. That is what works in the long run in todays NFL.

It moves the chains but it doesn't leave much in terms of the big play. That threat needs to be there. Part of the idea we supposedly had with Julius Jones is that he was supposedly capable of breaking a long run, while Barber was the pounder. Choice is not capable of doing much more than what we saw of him last year. To me, that isn't the back you want getting the lion's share of the carries. You don't wear down the defense like Barber could, nor do you have the big play option Jones brings. Choice still deserves work, but he'd be my third option no matter what.

Oh, and I recall another Cowboy running back that was said to not have breakaway speed. (#22)

Tashard Choice isn't Emmitt Smith. He doesn't have the vision, nor the power. And Emmitt Smith made up for his lack of long speed with his ability to hit the hole and make the right cuts. Choice is slippery and has wiggle, but once he's beyond the line of scrimmage, he isn't going to break the tackles in the secondary that Emmitt would easily shrug off. Smith wasn't fast, but his power bought him yards of real estate.

About all Choice has in common with him is that lack of an extra gear. But I think Choice is even slower. Again, get over the pleasant surprise he was and go watch Choice's play again. Good back, limited upside.

 

[TNCowboy]

Jones is far and away the most talented back. He should get whatever load he can handle, and you fill in the blanks around that. Matters not to me what stage of the game it is.

Unless he simply isn't physically strong enough to get 20 touches a game, we're doing the other team a favor putting it in the hands of any back other than Jones.

Barber was an average back last year. We may gotten a good picture of why even Parcells used him as a backup. If he plays like he did most of '08, then they'll need to give more carries to Jones and Choice out of necessity. No matter how big Barber's contract is.