Cowboys RB Marion Barber is known as a physical runner and that is a concern to Dallas owner Jerry Jones. "His liability is that he will never not be physical," Jones told USA Today. "You have to worry about his ability to get through a season. He doesn't get any 'free' stuff. There's always something happening at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of every damn run." While Barber is a physical back, he has been relatively durable, missing just four starts in two seasons. But with Felix Jones and Tashard Choice nipping at his heels, Barber has to stay on the field. "Barber is a guy that can inspire you when you're trying to set a tone and tell 'em, 'Here we are,' at the start of a game," Jones said.
(Updated 08/31/2010).
Analysis
Asked if Barber should be Dallas starting RB, Jones said, "I don't, but our coaches do. (Former head coach) Bill Parcells doesn't. Parcells thinks that Barber's the finisher. Save him and wear 'em down at the end. But our coaches like to use him early, that physical part, to establish that." Head coach Wade Phillips and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett expect the running back situation to be status quo. Barber had twice as many carries as Jones did last season and rushed for 932 yards. "He needs to be out there," Phillips said of Barber. "He's that type of back." Phillips said he doesn't need to manage Barber's touches or tell him to tone down his running style. "You can't change a guy's running style," Phillips says. "He's so strong, so powerful, he can ignite your team early in a game -- and late in a game." Barber reported to camp this season 5 pounds lighter and the coaches say he is also faster. Barber is averaging just 1.9 yards per carry in the preseason, but that is of little concern. Barber is not the touchdown vulture he once was, but it still seems Dallas likes him as its feature back. Barber has been the 23rd most drafted RB in CBSSports.com leagues, while Jones isn't far behind at 27th. Consider Barber a nice low-end No. 2 Fantasy RB.
