Cowboys to get Felix Jones more involved in offense (1 Viewer)

[scrumptrulescent]

Your YPC point must be a joke. Jones had 1 carry in the 1st half and it was a hand-off to him coming from the slot position after a fake to Barber up the middle. It was an attempt by Dallas to get Jones the ball out in space, which they did, and he got 6 yards out of it. If you're trying to be serious with those stats then it's going to be hard to take you seriously when talking about these 2 RB's.

It was only one carry, you're right. But you are arguing there would have been no yards for Jones, when the ONLY evidence suggest to the contrary.

Come on, really? You're going to play games like that? I was stating earlier that I could not see any room for Barber to run most of the 1st half, and I don't think Jones would have done any better in those situations and on those runs. I think you realize that but are choosing to split hairs for arguments sake. I won't be staying around long if it's going to be like that.

I watched the game. I thought there was very little running room in the 1st half because the Eagles defense was beating the Dallas OL. In the 2nd half the tide turned because, from my vantage point, Dallas was beating Philly off the ball. Barber looked good in the 2nd half. I believe Felix would have looked good too. I believe Felix will see more time but that was a very close, important, divisional game to the end. Garrett probably doesn't quite trust Felix in that situation YET. I could see a 70/30 to 60/40 split by the end of the year, in games that matter. I don't see a 50/50 split this year at all barring injury. Barber does to many things to well.

 

[Bankerguy]

Just my humble opinion on the situation:Felix was used sparingly vs. the Eagles because of their complex blitzing schemes. They didn't want to chance it with the rookie in a big divisional game. Also, I personally believe Barber is hurting with the rib cartledge problem. His arm was hanging oddly the entire game and you could tell he was in some discomfort. They will now start to get Felix more touches to help the Barbarian heal up a bit.

I'll bump my previous post......I think this week will be the litmus test for Jones. If they plan on really increasing his carries it will likely start this week. Otherwise, we should see much of the same going forward.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Your YPC point must be a joke. Jones had 1 carry in the 1st half and it was a hand-off to him coming from the slot position after a fake to Barber up the middle. It was an attempt by Dallas to get Jones the ball out in space, which they did, and he got 6 yards out of it. If you're trying to be serious with those stats then it's going to be hard to take you seriously when talking about these 2 RB's.

It was only one carry, you're right. But you are arguing there would have been no yards for Jones, when the ONLY evidence suggest to the contrary. You can't argue there would have been no yards for him, when you don't know... the only time he carries, he was very successful, and then the Cowboys ran another play a couple plays later exploiting the hole in the Eagles defense that Felix's carry pointed out.

Alright, that's enough. I realize now who I'm dealing with and I'm done. I'm not going to get into a little bicker session. Have a nice day.

 

[footballsavvy]

Eyeryone ignores traits like balance and vision. MB3 is more than just "toughness". He sees the field and the way the blocks are evolving. He feels the momentum of the defense and plays off of it player by player. He instinctively knows when hes cuaght someone with their momentum in the wrong direction and this is when he trucks over you and keeps running.

Yes, Felix is faster. But thats about it. Have y'all watched him play? He gets no yards when there are no gaping holes. His vision and overall feel for running the ball does not come cloes to MB3. However, the Dallas O-line can provide more gaping holes than most teams in the league, thus Felix has several chances to use his speed to bust big plays. This is what brings his average up and what makes fans remember him.

MB3 is probably 10x more valuable to the team than Felix. But Dallas is all about the wow factor and they won't let Felix stay off the field because the world is demanding to see the wow.

That being said, there's no way they don't have Barber in the game when it count's. You just can't rely on the flasy big-play guy, when you need that game winning 4 yd first down, or that red zone score, or when you need to run the clock to close the game. You also don't want to put your pro bowl QB in harms way by not having the better blocker in the game.

I see Felix getting 4-8 carries per game and utilized on reggie bush type plays from time to time. I still don't think there are better backups in the league like Ahmad Bradshaw, Darren Sproles, and Chris Johnson, and Fred Jackson. The guy didn't even start in college and has only a handfull of pro carries - yet somehow he's ermarked as the second coming of walter payton.

 

[switz]

Eyeryone ignores traits like balance and vision. MB3 is more than just "toughness". He sees the field and the way the blocks are evolving.

Barber has exceptional balance - better than Jones without a doubt. But It's hard to argue Barber has great vision... vision allows you to evade tacklers, which Barber doesn't do.

Yes, Felix is faster. But thats about it. Have y'all watched him play? He gets no yards when there are no gaping holes. His vision and overall feel for running the ball does not come cloes to MB3.

Considering your comment on him, it's only fair to ask you the same thing - have you? Because what you say there is as far from the truth as possible.Prospect Profile

The first things that jump out are Jones’ speed and open field moves. He sets up blocks nicely, showing excellent patience and vision with the burst to slash through arm tackles. His footwork seems natural and he never stops moving his feet, allowing him to always be in position to cut and dance his way through traffic. Once he hits daylight, Jones is gone.

Second Opinion: Jones was the Right Pick

Jones does it with a combination of speed and vision.

When most running backs burst through the hole, they make a move on the linebacker and then juke the safety.

Not Jones.

His vision is so good that he sees the linebacker and the safety when he gets past the defensive line. When he makes a move on the linebacker, he's setting up the safety in the process, increasing his odds of eluding both players.

He also runs sideways. That's right, sideways.

At least that's what his teammates and coaches say. Running backs coach Skip Peete said Marshall Faulk is the only other runner he's ever seen do it.

If you watched real closely during his kickoff return against Philadelphia, you could see Jones do it.

You just can't rely on the flasy big-play guy, when you need that game winning 4 yd first down, or that red zone score, or when you need to run the clock to close the game. You also don't want to put your pro bowl QB in harms way by not having the better blocker in the game.

You mean when Jones got the only 3rd and short carry Monday night, and made the first down? BTW, I agree wholeheartedly about the blocking thing... Barber >>>>>>>>>>> Jones in pass protection. I could probably add a few more >'s and still not be exaggerating.

I see Felix getting 4-8 carries per game and utilized on reggie bush type plays from time to time. I still don't think there are better backups in the league like Ahmad Bradshaw, Darren Sproles, and Chris Johnson, and Fred Jackson.

I'm not sure if you are saying these guys are better than Jones or not... but Johnson isn't a backup.

The guy didn't even start in college and has only a handfull of pro carries - yet somehow he's ermarked as the second coming of walter payton.

I really tire of this argument. Do the people who post this really think that means anything? He was a two-time first team All American, and was talented enough to get playing time in place of arguably the most talented RB in college football last season. All that line means is that he was potentially the second best RB in college football last season. He was the 3rd RB drafted, he was a 1st round pick, and he's averaging 6 yards per carry in the NFL, as well as scoring a TD in his first two games in limited touches. While I can totally respect people arguing that Barber is the best option for the Cowboys running game at this point, I cannot understand how at this venture anyone could argue that Jones isn't an extremely extremely talented RB.----

Anyway, the OP was about Felix getting an increased role, regardless of our opinions of his talent level. Bottom line is - as I stated way earlier in this thread, Felix will get worked in, but his role isn't going to increase dramatically overnight. Late in the season, once he has the full grasp of the offense and the trust of the coaches, we'll see just how much they'll use him. I'm guessing it's a lot more than most people here want to think.

 

[lord_helmet]

However... once the coaches are more comfortable with Felix (and that comfort is growing already) his role will increase.

By the end of the season, I predict we'll see an almost even split in number of carries, and Felix having almost twice the receptions per game than Barber. But that will take working into, it's not going to happen next week. Nor the week after.

Barber owners should really look into grabbing Felix now, before his stock rises... he's a special talent at the RB position.

I was agreeing w/ you until I got to the bolded part. Not this season. Will his workload increase between the 20's? Sure, but to say EQUAL amount of carries is madness, I say. Madness.

Not really... granted in game one, Barber left with an injury, but Felix was the more effective of the two RBs. He had half as many carries as Barber, but only 18 yards less.Now in the second game, they didn't use Felix much, and Barber really struggled running the ball. They need the threat of Felix in there.

I do believe that some of Felix carries will be at the expense of Romo's passing... but I could see where both backs are seeing 12-15 carries per game.

You're on an iceflake drifting south buddy

Nice to see you actually show your face, after arguing so vehemently that the Boys wouldn't draft a running back.

Believe what you want, you obviously believe the crap you post yourself. I argued that the Cowboys would go through the season with only one back on their roster ?Right

 

[switz]

Believe what you want, you obviously believe the crap you post yourself. I argued that the Cowboys would go through the season with only one back on their roster ?

See my sig... you were vehement the Boys wouldn't draft Jones. You didn't think they'd draft an RB in the first at all.

 

[lord_helmet]

Believe what you want, you obviously believe the crap you post yourself. I argued that the Cowboys would go through the season with only one back on their roster ?

See my sig... you were vehement the Boys wouldn't draft Jones. You didn't think they'd draft an RB in the first at all.

I never cared if they got one in the first, second or whatever round. My argument was always that I didnt see Barbers role changing NO MATTER WHO they got. You putting that comment of mine in your sig, just makes you an even bigger tool.Spin that which ever way you desire, I'm done with you.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

FWIW, highlights from the 1st game against the Browns. I don't see a single direct hit, I see him using pretty good vision, he runs out of bounds on at least 3 occasions instead of inflicting punishment, he's got a nice stiff arm that gets him extra yards. I'm betting the guy's a Walter Payton fan. I see similarities.

Cowboys/Browns Highlights

....and no, I don't believe he's as good as Walter Payton.

 

[switz]

Believe what you want, you obviously believe the crap you post yourself. I argued that the Cowboys would go through the season with only one back on their roster ?

See my sig... you were vehement the Boys wouldn't draft Jones. You didn't think they'd draft an RB in the first at all.

I never cared if they got one in the first, second or whatever round. My argument was always that I didnt see Barbers role changing NO MATTER WHO they got. You putting that comment of mine in your sig, just makes you an even bigger tool.Spin that which ever way you desire, I'm done with you.

So much easier to insult someone than to admit you were as wrong as possible about a situation.

 

[Bankerguy]

Believe what you want, you obviously believe the crap you post yourself. I argued that the Cowboys would go through the season with only one back on their roster ?

See my sig... you were vehement the Boys wouldn't draft Jones. You didn't think they'd draft an RB in the first at all.

Switz.....take my comment with a grain of salt. I think part of why people like arguing with you is because of those quotes in sig. It's like you are trying to prove them wrong more then finding the truth. Or that's how it could be perceived. I think removing them might help....just my 0.02.I think you make some good points on the Barber/Jones situation, although I don't share the higher end projections I've seen for Jones. I think I am currently mores bullish on Jones then the general consesus, but certainly less then your projections.

 

[lord_helmet]

Okay, here goes. You are clueless about Barber, and have been from the beginning. I don't know the reason; don't care really. The guy is a monster and it is okay to admit it.

This is the only truth that matters

 

[switz]

Okay, here goes. You are clueless about Barber, and have been from the beginning. I don't know the reason; don't care really. The guy is a monster and it is okay to admit it.

This is the only truth that matters

That comment was in reference to Bankerguy, in case you were trying to insult me again.

 

[Bankerguy]

Okay, here goes. You are clueless about Barber, and have been from the beginning. I don't know the reason; don't care really. The guy is a monster and it is okay to admit it.

This is the only truth that matters

The only truth is that these posts are also part of the problem. Too many people have to be "right" and that the topic is NOT open for a debate. I would just like to see the discussion without the attacks. I don't want to speak for Switz (believe me), but I don't think he thinks Barber sucks. He thinks Jones is also a talented RB much like Barber and that the Dallas coaching staff is going to start using Jones more as the year goes on. Although the first 2 games support the "Barber is god/Jones sucks"side of the argument. It is still conceivable that this could change. Can we not agree to that and just monitor the situation on a week to week basis?

 

[lord_helmet]

Okay, here goes. You are clueless about Barber, and have been from the beginning. I don't know the reason; don't care really. The guy is a monster and it is okay to admit it.

This is the only truth that matters

That comment was in reference to Bankerguy, in case you were trying to insult me again.

LMFAO

 

[Bankerguy]

Okay, here goes. You are clueless about Barber, and have been from the beginning. I don't know the reason; don't care really. The guy is a monster and it is okay to admit it.

This is the only truth that matters

That comment was in reference to Bankerguy, in case you were trying to insult me again.

No, I think it was for you.

 

[switz]

Okay, here goes. You are clueless about Barber, and have been from the beginning. I don't know the reason; don't care really. The guy is a monster and it is okay to admit it.

This is the only truth that matters

That comment was in reference to Bankerguy, in case you were trying to insult me again.

No, I think it was for you.

I hadn't had any interchange with SLBD in this thread, and he was arguing with you about thinking Julius Jones was better than Barber. I'm not sure why he would have written that about or toward me...

 

[Liquid Tension]

Switz, I'm a big Felix Jones fan. I thought you were too high on his projections for this season but I remain in agreement with you about his talent. But I do think you're underrating Barber. The guy is a very good RB and quite talented in his own right in my opinion. He doesn't just run hard, he runs well. Plus, as I noted above, he's a good receiver and a good blocker. He's a very good RB.

I didn't say Barber didn't have talent... but his success isn't derived from his talent, rather his heart.ETA - I may be wrong, but Barber isn't the guy putting moves on people leaving them in the dust, or just blowing past them with his speed. In fact he gets caught from behind quite a bit, and there was even a new rule enacted this season based on his getting yards by grabbing his opponents facemask in his stiffarm. He breaks so many tackles because he can't evade them, whether that's a lack of moves, vision, or speed. Yes, he has good hands, and is a tremendous blocker. There is no doubt he has talent. But he's not a great talent. His success has more to do with his heart than natural ability. I wish some of the players with tremendous natural ability loved the game and had even half the heart Barber does.

Barber also understand leverage and balance as well as anyone in the league.

 

[lord_helmet]

Okay, here goes. You are clueless about Barber, and have been from the beginning. I don't know the reason; don't care really. The guy is a monster and it is okay to admit it.

This is the only truth that matters

That comment was in reference to Bankerguy, in case you were trying to insult me again.

No, I think it was for you.

I hadn't had any interchange with SLBD in this thread, and he was arguing with you about thinking Julius Jones was better than Barber. I'm not sure why he would have written that about or toward me...

No, I wonder why...

 

[Bankerguy]

Okay, here goes. You are clueless about Barber, and have been from the beginning. I don't know the reason; don't care really. The guy is a monster and it is okay to admit it.

This is the only truth that matters

That comment was in reference to Bankerguy, in case you were trying to insult me again.

No, I think it was for you.

:X I hadn't had any interchange with SLBD in this thread, and he was arguing with you about thinking Julius Jones was better than Barber. I'm not sure why he would have written that about or toward me...

Maybe, but who cares.Can we all just try to keep it on topic?

 

[Steeler43]

No way Barber stops being the goal line RB, so I'm really not concerned about Jones. This is just the perfect thread for Felix Jones owners to feel good about themselves.

 

[Liquid Tension]

I did not witness the "truck" holes you're speaking of on Monday against the Eagles in the 1st half. There was nothing there for Barber and there would have been nothing there for Jones either. It wasn't until later in the 2nd half that Barber started to find open lanes. And when he found them, he hit them hard.

The Eagles did focus the attention of their defense on the running game in the first half. Honestly, I don't know why they changed defenses in the second half, since they were winning with that scheme.However, in the first half there were times Barber had a hole to run though, and just couldn't get past the LBs. Barber's YPC in the first half was like 1.7. Jones YPC in the first half was 6.0, same as it is for the season so far.

Interestingly, on the only 3rd and short down where they ran the ball all game, it was Jones who got the call, and the first down.

I watched the entire game, every play........I did not see the holes you are talking about in the first half. Philly completely shut the running game down. And I'm not so sure Philly wasn't focussed on the running game in the 2nd half, I just think they were starting to get beat by the Dallas OL.Your YPC point must be a joke. Jones had 1 carry in the 1st half and it was a hand-off to him coming from the slot position after a fake to Barber up the middle. It was an attempt by Dallas to get Jones the ball out in space, which they did, and he got 6 yards out of it. If you're trying to be serious with those stats then it's going to be hard to take you seriously when talking about these 2 RB's.

ETA: 2 plays after Felix ran for 6 yards off the left end, Barber ran for 11 off the left guard.

 

[Liquid Tension]

Your YPC point must be a joke. Jones had 1 carry in the 1st half and it was a hand-off to him coming from the slot position after a fake to Barber up the middle. It was an attempt by Dallas to get Jones the ball out in space, which they did, and he got 6 yards out of it. If you're trying to be serious with those stats then it's going to be hard to take you seriously when talking about these 2 RB's.

It was only one carry, you're right. But you are arguing there would have been no yards for Jones, when the ONLY evidence suggest to the contrary. You can't argue there would have been no yards for him, when you don't know... the only time he carries, he was very successful, and then the Cowboys ran another play a couple plays later exploiting the hole in the Eagles defense that Felix's carry pointed out.

Switz you shouldn't defend what you wrote as the only thing about it was it was factually correct even though conceptually it was way off base and misleading