Cowboys: Running debate heats up
Tom Orsborn
San Antonio Express-News IRVING — With Tony Romo firmly entrenched as the starter, it appears unlikely the Dallas Cowboys will have to endure a quarterback controversy anytime soon. But that doesn't necessarily mean it will be a debate-free season.
Fans already are clamoring for a change at running back, and most seem to favor red-zone ace Marion Barber over incumbent starter Julius Jones.
The campaign likely will intensify this week after the hard-charging Barber steamrolled his way to 57 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries in Saturday's 31-20 preseason victory over the Denver Broncos.
Jones finished with 31 yards and a TD on nine carries, leaving him with a paltry 3.4 average that paled in comparison to Barber's 5.2 mark.
Both backs logged their carries in the first half when the teams played their starters and the Cowboys grabbed a commanding 24-6 lead. And both received generous praise afterward from coach Wade Phillips and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, who were careful not to add fuel to the fire fanned by the pro-Barber contingent.
"Both are good-looking backs," Phillips said. "I like them. I like their styles."
The 6-foot, 221-pound Barber's method calls for muscular, straight-ahead running. He relishes contact and rarely goes down with the first hit, a big reason he led the NFC with 14 rushing TDs last season while gaining 654 yards on 135 carries for a robust 4.8 average.
"I love Marion Barber and his approach," Garrett said. "He has tremendous intensity and passion for the game. He's obviously very talented. He plays physical and smart, and he's versatile."
Jones relies more on speed and quickness. But at 5-10, 208 pounds, he often has trouble getting through the hole and is more likely not to survive initial contact.
Still, Jones finished last season with a career-best 1,084 yards and four TDs on 267 carries, averaging 4.1 yards per attempt. He also should be highly motivated, considering his contract expires after this season.
"Julius is such a versatile guy," Garrett said. "He is so good in the open field and is good out in space and making plays."
Although Barber is clearly the fan favorite, Phillips and Garrett seem content to continue the status quo, meaning Jones would start and give way to Barber in short-yardage and red-zone situations.
But Garrett hinted Barber might get more action outside the red zone and on first and second downs this season. Tyson Thompson also could figure in the mix after shredding the Broncos' reserves for 75 yards on 16 carries in the second half.
"We're going to try to do some of the same things, and we're going to try to mix it up more," Garrett said. "Having both of those guys (Barber and Jones) getting touches is really good for us."
The Cowboys' first scoring drive, which covered 60 yards in 12 plays, offered a glimpse of how Garrett will use his array of weapons.
The big play in the march was a 20-yard bullet from Romo to Brackenridge graduate Sam Hurd on third-and-9. The drive also included runs of 5 and 8 yards by Jones; a 10-yard jaunt by Barber on third-and-5 and a nifty 9-yard scamper by Terrell Owens on an end around on first down from the Denver 14.
Three plays later, Barber scored on a 1-yard plunge in a power formation featuring three tight ends and a fullback.
"Marion Barber is going to be a force for us this year," Owens said. "And with Julius, it's going to be like a one-two punch with those guys."
Notes: The Cowboys were off Sunday. They don't return to practice until Tuesday. ... The bruised heel that forced cornerback Terence Newman to miss Saturday's game isn't considered serious. Likewise, tight end Anthony Fasano said the shoulder injury that forced him to the sideline in the second quarter shouldn't prevent him from practicing this week.
San Antonio Express-News IRVING — With Tony Romo firmly entrenched as the starter, it appears unlikely the Dallas Cowboys will have to endure a quarterback controversy anytime soon. But that doesn't necessarily mean it will be a debate-free season.
Fans already are clamoring for a change at running back, and most seem to favor red-zone ace Marion Barber over incumbent starter Julius Jones.
The campaign likely will intensify this week after the hard-charging Barber steamrolled his way to 57 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries in Saturday's 31-20 preseason victory over the Denver Broncos.
Jones finished with 31 yards and a TD on nine carries, leaving him with a paltry 3.4 average that paled in comparison to Barber's 5.2 mark.
Both backs logged their carries in the first half when the teams played their starters and the Cowboys grabbed a commanding 24-6 lead. And both received generous praise afterward from coach Wade Phillips and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, who were careful not to add fuel to the fire fanned by the pro-Barber contingent.
"Both are good-looking backs," Phillips said. "I like them. I like their styles."
The 6-foot, 221-pound Barber's method calls for muscular, straight-ahead running. He relishes contact and rarely goes down with the first hit, a big reason he led the NFC with 14 rushing TDs last season while gaining 654 yards on 135 carries for a robust 4.8 average.
"I love Marion Barber and his approach," Garrett said. "He has tremendous intensity and passion for the game. He's obviously very talented. He plays physical and smart, and he's versatile."
Jones relies more on speed and quickness. But at 5-10, 208 pounds, he often has trouble getting through the hole and is more likely not to survive initial contact.
Still, Jones finished last season with a career-best 1,084 yards and four TDs on 267 carries, averaging 4.1 yards per attempt. He also should be highly motivated, considering his contract expires after this season.
"Julius is such a versatile guy," Garrett said. "He is so good in the open field and is good out in space and making plays."
Although Barber is clearly the fan favorite, Phillips and Garrett seem content to continue the status quo, meaning Jones would start and give way to Barber in short-yardage and red-zone situations.
But Garrett hinted Barber might get more action outside the red zone and on first and second downs this season. Tyson Thompson also could figure in the mix after shredding the Broncos' reserves for 75 yards on 16 carries in the second half.
"We're going to try to do some of the same things, and we're going to try to mix it up more," Garrett said. "Having both of those guys (Barber and Jones) getting touches is really good for us."
The Cowboys' first scoring drive, which covered 60 yards in 12 plays, offered a glimpse of how Garrett will use his array of weapons.
The big play in the march was a 20-yard bullet from Romo to Brackenridge graduate Sam Hurd on third-and-9. The drive also included runs of 5 and 8 yards by Jones; a 10-yard jaunt by Barber on third-and-5 and a nifty 9-yard scamper by Terrell Owens on an end around on first down from the Denver 14.
Three plays later, Barber scored on a 1-yard plunge in a power formation featuring three tight ends and a fullback.
"Marion Barber is going to be a force for us this year," Owens said. "And with Julius, it's going to be like a one-two punch with those guys."
Notes: The Cowboys were off Sunday. They don't return to practice until Tuesday. ... The bruised heel that forced cornerback Terence Newman to miss Saturday's game isn't considered serious. Likewise, tight end Anthony Fasano said the shoulder injury that forced him to the sideline in the second quarter shouldn't prevent him from practicing this week.
posted by The Gryphon at 10:06 AM
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