Mickey Spagnola's logic for starting J.Jones over M.Barber III
From latest Mick's Mail:
Bill Carraway, Fort Campbell, Ky.: I know that when healthy, Julius Jones has proven to be a pretty good back. I also know that Marion Barber performed pretty well last year when called upon. Do you think that Barber has a chance to unseat Jones as the starter this year, or do you think that the 'Boys can't go wrong with either one in the starting lineup? I personally think that Barber would be the better starter with Jones as a third down back. What are the chances that the team will run a split backfield with both of them out there?
Mickey: None. Remember, Bill Parcells has been talking about running a two-tight end offense, and he doesn't mean two tights, two running backs and one wide receiver. He means a one-back offense. So that ain't happening. As for who will start, I'm sure there will be competition, but remember, when Jones returned healthy - or as healthy as he was following the high ankle sprain - who was the starter? It was Jones. And why? Because he gives you the home-run dimension Barber doesn't. Barber isn't a threat to take it to the house, and when defenses know that, they play you differently. Rarely will put eight in the box to stop you. Jones can take it to the house and as long as he's healthy, my guess is he gets the majority of the carrries.
Bill Carraway, Fort Campbell, Ky.: I know that when healthy, Julius Jones has proven to be a pretty good back. I also know that Marion Barber performed pretty well last year when called upon. Do you think that Barber has a chance to unseat Jones as the starter this year, or do you think that the 'Boys can't go wrong with either one in the starting lineup? I personally think that Barber would be the better starter with Jones as a third down back. What are the chances that the team will run a split backfield with both of them out there?
Mickey: None. Remember, Bill Parcells has been talking about running a two-tight end offense, and he doesn't mean two tights, two running backs and one wide receiver. He means a one-back offense. So that ain't happening. As for who will start, I'm sure there will be competition, but remember, when Jones returned healthy - or as healthy as he was following the high ankle sprain - who was the starter? It was Jones. And why? Because he gives you the home-run dimension Barber doesn't. Barber isn't a threat to take it to the house, and when defenses know that, they play you differently. Rarely will put eight in the box to stop you. Jones can take it to the house and as long as he's healthy, my guess is he gets the majority of the carrries.
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