Don't expect new spin on Dallas Cowboys' RB rotation
By CALVIN WATKINS / The Dallas Morning News
cwatkins@dallasnews.com
IRVING – Talk show hosts and fans are clamoring for Cowboys running back Marion Barber.
They want Barber to move from backup to starter and end this silly rotation of running backs.
Barber has an exciting style of a punishing rusher who uses a stiff arm like a boxer snaps a jab.
Julius Jones, the starter, coming off a 1,000 yard season, is a sleek back with deceptive speed that moves through holes like a jazz band during a set: gracefully.
Despite the calls to sports talk radio stations and fans having their daily debates on blogs, in sports bars, phone conversations and in Texas Stadium, the Cowboys rotation isn't changing.
In fact, there's nothing wrong with it according to the people who make these decisions.
"I don't think that would make a difference in our game overall," coach Wade Phillips said.
The two running backs with the different styles have similar numbers.
Although Jones has fewer carries and yards this year than at this same time last year, he remains in the top 15 in the NFC in rushing yards and yards per carry in the second half.
Barber's numbers are impressive with more carries and yards. He's first in the NFC in yards per carry in the second half and third in the conference in yards per carry on first-and-10.
He has numbers of a player who is asking to be the primary back.
"No, I don't think like that at all," Barber said. "I look at the opportunity and you have to take advantage of it. It's all about winning the game, whether it's a three-back system. It's whatever."
The impact of both runners is seen on the scoreboard.
Dallas has the second best offense in the NFL and tied for 10th in rushing.
Of the 24 total offensive touchdowns, 13 came with Jones on the field and 11 with Barber.
When Dallas made 12 field goal attempts, Barber has been part of seven scoring drives and Jones five.
"There's personal goals, but we're winning, so everything else gets put aside," Jones said. "It's working out right now. We're fresher when it gets down to the fourth quarter. It's working out well for the team."
In some ways, Barber is the closer while Jones is the starter.
Barber's rushed 54 times for 364 yards with three touchdowns in the second half of games.
"He's a powerful inside runner," Phillips said. "You want to hammer it inside late in the ball game as much as you can. You don't want to run sideways trying to run outside."
The running backs publicly said they have no problems with the rotation. And they shouldn't because it could end following the season.
Jones is an unrestricted free agent, and he's always wondered if the Cowboys want him around.
Barber is a restricted free agent and the team could retain him by offering him a first-round tender or reaching a deal for a three-to-five year contract.
If Dallas lets Jones go, it could provide No. 3 back Tyson Thompson with a chance to join a new rotation. Also, Dallas, with two first-round picks in 2008, has the option of drafting a running back.
For now, the rotation of Jones and Barber or Barber and Jones stays.
And whomever has the hot hand gets the carries.
"I see everybody's point that Marion's doing some great things for us," Phillips said a few weeks ago. "And that's that what we hoped he'll do. But the other guy is doing some good thing for us, too."
cwatkins@dallasnews.com
IRVING – Talk show hosts and fans are clamoring for Cowboys running back Marion Barber.
They want Barber to move from backup to starter and end this silly rotation of running backs.
Barber has an exciting style of a punishing rusher who uses a stiff arm like a boxer snaps a jab.
Julius Jones, the starter, coming off a 1,000 yard season, is a sleek back with deceptive speed that moves through holes like a jazz band during a set: gracefully.
Despite the calls to sports talk radio stations and fans having their daily debates on blogs, in sports bars, phone conversations and in Texas Stadium, the Cowboys rotation isn't changing.
In fact, there's nothing wrong with it according to the people who make these decisions.
"I don't think that would make a difference in our game overall," coach Wade Phillips said.
The two running backs with the different styles have similar numbers.
Although Jones has fewer carries and yards this year than at this same time last year, he remains in the top 15 in the NFC in rushing yards and yards per carry in the second half.
Barber's numbers are impressive with more carries and yards. He's first in the NFC in yards per carry in the second half and third in the conference in yards per carry on first-and-10.
He has numbers of a player who is asking to be the primary back.
"No, I don't think like that at all," Barber said. "I look at the opportunity and you have to take advantage of it. It's all about winning the game, whether it's a three-back system. It's whatever."
The impact of both runners is seen on the scoreboard.
Dallas has the second best offense in the NFL and tied for 10th in rushing.
Of the 24 total offensive touchdowns, 13 came with Jones on the field and 11 with Barber.
When Dallas made 12 field goal attempts, Barber has been part of seven scoring drives and Jones five.
"There's personal goals, but we're winning, so everything else gets put aside," Jones said. "It's working out right now. We're fresher when it gets down to the fourth quarter. It's working out well for the team."
In some ways, Barber is the closer while Jones is the starter.
Barber's rushed 54 times for 364 yards with three touchdowns in the second half of games.
"He's a powerful inside runner," Phillips said. "You want to hammer it inside late in the ball game as much as you can. You don't want to run sideways trying to run outside."
The running backs publicly said they have no problems with the rotation. And they shouldn't because it could end following the season.
Jones is an unrestricted free agent, and he's always wondered if the Cowboys want him around.
Barber is a restricted free agent and the team could retain him by offering him a first-round tender or reaching a deal for a three-to-five year contract.
If Dallas lets Jones go, it could provide No. 3 back Tyson Thompson with a chance to join a new rotation. Also, Dallas, with two first-round picks in 2008, has the option of drafting a running back.
For now, the rotation of Jones and Barber or Barber and Jones stays.
And whomever has the hot hand gets the carries.
"I see everybody's point that Marion's doing some great things for us," Phillips said a few weeks ago. "And that's that what we hoped he'll do. But the other guy is doing some good thing for us, too."
posted by The Gryphon at 1:26 PM
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