DMN Blog: Wade Phillips wants all three RBs involved in offense
by Tim MacMahon
Here's a crumb from Wade Phillips' breakfast chat with reporters yesterday at the owners' meetings: Phillips said he believes the running game will be a bigger factor for the Cowboys and wants the offensive coaches to find ways to get all three tailbacks involved.
"If a guy can play and help your team in a certain role, you want to utilize him," Phillips said. "Not only for the team but also for the overall morale of the team that, 'Hey, I've got this role and I can help the team win,' instead of just sitting on the bench all of the time. They practice better. Everything, the chemistry of the team is better when more players contribute. I think we have that at running back."
The Giants proved last season that a three-back system can work, using their "Earth, Wind and Fire" trio to lead the league in rushing.
The Cowboys' trio is probably more talented. One-time Pro Bowler Marion Barber is one of the league's most physical backs, and Jerry Jones has made it clear he wants "The Barbarian" fresh when it's time to finish games. First-rounder Felix Jones averaged an eye-popping 8.9 yards per carry in his abbreviated rookie season. And, after toe injuries sidelined the two guys above him on the depth chart, fourth-rounder Tashard Choice showed down the stretch that he can produce against the NFL's elite defenses.
The Wildcat would be one way to get multiple backs involved, and Phillips wants Jason Garrett and Co. to figure out other ways to feature one of the team's biggest strengths.
Here's a crumb from Wade Phillips' breakfast chat with reporters yesterday at the owners' meetings: Phillips said he believes the running game will be a bigger factor for the Cowboys and wants the offensive coaches to find ways to get all three tailbacks involved.
"If a guy can play and help your team in a certain role, you want to utilize him," Phillips said. "Not only for the team but also for the overall morale of the team that, 'Hey, I've got this role and I can help the team win,' instead of just sitting on the bench all of the time. They practice better. Everything, the chemistry of the team is better when more players contribute. I think we have that at running back."
The Giants proved last season that a three-back system can work, using their "Earth, Wind and Fire" trio to lead the league in rushing.
The Cowboys' trio is probably more talented. One-time Pro Bowler Marion Barber is one of the league's most physical backs, and Jerry Jones has made it clear he wants "The Barbarian" fresh when it's time to finish games. First-rounder Felix Jones averaged an eye-popping 8.9 yards per carry in his abbreviated rookie season. And, after toe injuries sidelined the two guys above him on the depth chart, fourth-rounder Tashard Choice showed down the stretch that he can produce against the NFL's elite defenses.
The Wildcat would be one way to get multiple backs involved, and Phillips wants Jason Garrett and Co. to figure out other ways to feature one of the team's biggest strengths.
posted by The Gryphon at 5:46 PM
<< Home