Barber early or Barber late...

[15Adragon]

http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/news/story?id=4733975

Jerry says late and Wade says both. I actually agree with Jerry. I would go one step further and say Choice and Jones need the ball. Barber has looked weaker this season than in past seasons, almost tired looking at times.

In any case, Jerry looks like he is going Al on us with his constant meddling.

[slcdragonfan]

http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/news/story?id=4733975

Jerry says late and Wade says both. I actually agree with Jerry. I would go one step further and say Choice and Jones need the ball. Barber has looked weaker this season than in past seasons, almost tired looking at times.

In any case, Jerry looks like he is going Al on us with his constant meddling.

Let's just make it formal and announce Jerry as head Coach, Wade as DC, and red-head as OC. :rolleyes:

I'd just continue platooning and wait to see whihc one starts working, then keep them in. Definitely use Barber 4th Q. When Felix is in, he is really keyed on. Maybe some more 2 back sets?

[Maroondog]

Let's just make it formal and announce Jerry as head Coach, Wade as DC, and red-head as OC. :rolleyes:

I'd just continue platooning and wait to see whihc one starts working, then keep them in. Definitely use Barber 4th Q. When Felix is in, he is really keyed on. Maybe some more 2 back sets?

He's been the HC for several years now. I wish the GM would can his arse. :D

[su4c]

I don't like when Jerry tries to intervene but in this case he's right. I've been saying all year they're misusing the backs all around. Barber needs to get back to where he made a name for himself, which is bruising tired defenses in the 4th quarter with fresh legs. He's not as effective as an every-down back, he's a better finisher.

They expect Jones to be a home-run hitter like Chris Johnson but that's not going to happen when they're pulling him off the sidelines for 2 or 3 plays a quarter. Chances are he's not just going to come in cold and break a long one... he's gotta get hot, get a rhythm, get a feel for the game.

Choice is just being totally wasted on the sidelines as well. Other than maybe once or twice, this wildcat formation (or whatever the Dallas version is called) isn't working... definitely doesn't have as much success as Miami's. In my ideal situation, Dallas rotates Jones and Choice throughout the first 3 quarters.. and brings in Barber as the closer. Make it happen Jerry.

[SLC]

I choose late, if at all.


This isn't a running team at all. I tried to say that before the season and most said we should gear to the run game with the 3 backs we have, but this team isn't built to run the ball. We should treat this like a spread team (because it basically is) and use a scat back like Jones and deal one of the others for picks or players or both.

[Allstarkaw]

Best Triple Threat In The League...
Pick Your Choice. Jones. Barber...

[Matthew 2000 Eagle]

Well, Jerry is actually right this time. It's no secret that Marion was at his best, when he was the finisher. Or, just use him every other series, and late, just like in parts of 2006 and most of 2007. Pound them with Choice, and run them wide with Felix, and let Marion lean on them in crunch time. They made the mistake of starting him in 2007 against the Giants in the postseason and, by the 4th, he was gassed.

I don't agree with Jerry much but, he actually knows what he's talking about this time around.

[justafan50]

Put Barber on the bench and let's see what Choice and Jones can do.

[15Adragon]

Put Barber on the bench and let's see what Choice and Jones can do.

You have to do something. What gets me is this offense, which is loaded with weapons, is pretty healthy. That speaks to the play calling, execution and coaching.

The goal line series reminded me of the "Load Left" play on 4th down against the Eagles back in the mid 90's. It marked then end of the road for that team. I still think Romo and the O can get untracked but they need start soon. The Cowboys should have put up 28-31 points against the Chargers at home. These games are getting harder and harder to watch.

[SLC93]

I choose late, if at all.


This isn't a running team at all. I tried to say that before the season and most said we should gear to the run game with the 3 backs we have, but this team isn't built to run the ball. We should treat this like a spread team (because it basically is) and use a scat back like Jones and deal one of the others for picks or players or both.

Agreed. Barber is a closer and situational runner. Always has been and should be.

My only issue with your running comments is this team's line is built for power running. That is not to say they execute as such on a consistent basis.

The thing that scares me about a more wide open look for Dallas is Romo's health. Like him or not, he's made that line look so much better than it ever was with his feet. If he was so elusive in the pocket there is no telling what the sack total would be. They're awful, simply put.

[SLC93]

For the record, Jones and Choice need to be splitting the bulk of the carries, period. Choice is the best pure back on this roster. He's the only one that could excel in the old, feature back role that gave one guy 25 carries a game. Jones is simply electric. It's unfair to expect him to just come in and pop for 40. Let the kid get some reps and rhythm.

I still love Barber. I own his jersey. He's an excellent player when in the right role.

[slcdragonfan]

Agreed. Barber is a closer and situational runner. Always has been and should be.

My only issue with your running comments is this team's line is built for power running. That is not to say they execute as such on a consistent basis.

The thing that scares me about a more wide open look for Dallas is Romo's health. Like him or not, he's made that line look so much better than it ever was with his feet. If he was so elusive in the pocket there is no telling what the sack total would be. They're awful, simply put.

I agree with that statement. Other than that, the O-Line needs work. The FG game needs work. One back could be dealt, either Choice (young and healthy, lots of promise) or Barber (older but strong, seasoned) but what do you get for it, and what about depth? I think they need to design some more plays with the 2-back offense. Heck, go freakin' wishbone with all three in there, give Tony a rest. :eek: That would at least be entertaining.

[SLC93]

I agree with that statement. Other than that, the O-Line needs work. The FG game needs work. One back could be dealt, either Choice (young and healthy, lots of promise) or Barber (older but strong, seasoned) but what do you get for it, and what about depth? I think they need to design some more plays with the 2-back offense. Heck, go freakin' wishbone with all three in there, give Tony a rest. :eek: That would at least be entertaining.

I almost went there in my original post. I'd love to see some two back. What about Barber as more of a classic fb who has to spring in his step. He's a great blocker and has nice hands out of the backfield.

I've also wondered why we haven't seen them all on the field at the same time. Two backs, Felix in the slot ..... We have a very unique grouping of skill players but no imagination to use them creatively.

[Matthew 2000 Eagle]

Agreed. Barber is a closer and situational runner. Always has been and should be.

My only issue with your running comments is this team's line is built for power running. That is not to say they execute as such on a consistent basis.

The thing that scares me about a more wide open look for Dallas is Romo's health. Like him or not, he's made that line look so much better than it ever was with his feet. If he was so elusive in the pocket there is no telling what the sack total would be. They're awful, simply put.

This! If it weren't for Romo being able to move around, the games against Philly and Washington would've definitely been losses. Hell, the Raiders game MIGHT have been one too.

[Matthew 2000 Eagle]

You have to do something. What gets me is this offense, which is loaded with weapons, is pretty healthy. That speaks to the play calling, execution and coaching.

The goal line series reminded me of the "Load Left" play on 4th down against the Eagles back in the mid 90's. It marked then end of the road for that team. I still think Romo and the O can get untracked but they need start soon. The Cowboys should have put up 28-31 points against the Chargers at home. These games are getting harder and harder to watch.

It's definitely pretty painful. This game was a very winnable game, where the 'Boys left atleast 6, maybe 10 points on the field, against a great team.