Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Kevin Burnett Blog: Marion Barber III

by Kevin Burnett

Watching this guy run the makes you glad he is on your team. He runs with such a passion that is indescribable. In the words of our friend INTENSITY. In watching his style, it looks as if he takes a lot of punishment. I mean he lowers his head, knees guys in the face mask, stiff arms guys. It would seem like ice would be his best friend. Not the case, MB has a little bit of cat in him, which makes him very deceptive.

He waits until just the right time to move slightly, so you don't get a square shot on him. You guys may not be able to see it from the TV or in the stands, but people hardly ever get a flush shot on him. He keeps defenders off balance which allows him to set up his moves. A lot of time MB cuts back and throws a stiff arm, right? This is all to set up for the short yardage run. He wears you out with the stiff arms and the slippery running then on 2nd and 1 or 3rd and short he lowers his shoulder for huge gains.

Let's say your in a fight and your getting your head beat in with a left hook. The first thing you're going to do as soon as the guy flinches is, watch for the left hook. What about the right hand? Same thing with Barber, he is a patient runner who does one thing to set up another. If you have ever heard an announcer say he's a smart runner well MB's picture should be up there when that phrase is said.