Dallas Cowboys Running Backs (1 Viewer)

[Bankerguy]

My view on the below article:

3 headed monster:

The news that the Cowboys are going to try and use all 3 backs is not surprising to me in the least. In fact, many of us Cowboy homers predicted this. The coaches had to recognize the talent they have with Barber, Jones and Choice who filled nicely late in the year. The decison to cut TO was a clear indication that the Cowboys were going to focus on reducing their heavy pass to run ratio. This 3 running back model has worked well in other cities with less talented trios. This is absolutely the right thing to do.

Wildcat:

Color me very sceptical about this. Jerry Jones has been trumpeting about his love for Pat White and floating tons of talk about running with the now year old Wildcat formation. I smell a draft strategy smoke screen. The Cowboys are NOT taking White. It would not surprise me to see them practice the Wildcat and have it in the play book. However, I doubt we see a lot of this from and old school minded Jason Garrett (Offensive Co ordinator). God, I hope I'm not wrong about this, but I'll digress on this topic.

How will the Cowboys backs be used (Opinion only)

I expect to see more of the previous approach they had when it was Julius Jones/Marion Barber. Barber will still get the majority of the carries (Starter or closer role-is not important) and likely hog the red zone touches for continued strong fantasy numbers. I see Choice spelling Barber for a series or two a game and posibly more if he's "HOT". Felix will absolutely get more touches this year. I see him sharing the backfield with Barber at times and getting the 3rd down stuff.

Wade Phillips wants all three RBs involved in offense

5:44 PM Thu, Mar 26, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz

Tim MacMahon E-mail News tips

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.

 

[Moe Green]

Curious where those in the Shark Pool think each back should fall in dynasty and redrafts.

 

[foxco]

Curious where those in the Shark Pool think each back should fall in dynasty and redrafts.

Probably drops Barber a spot or two, not much more, he's still very effective even with limited touches. Jones probably stays around the same, maybe drops a spot or so, but Choice's value rises in both redraft and dynasty IMO.

 

[Moe Green]

Curious where those in the Shark Pool think each back should fall in dynasty and redrafts.

Probably drops Barber a spot or two, not much more, he's still very effective even with limited touches. Jones probably stays around the same, maybe drops a spot or so, but Choice's value rises in both redraft and dynasty IMO.

Drops Barber to where -- outside of the 1st round and into the 2nd?

 

[foxco]

Curious where those in the Shark Pool think each back should fall in dynasty and redrafts.

Probably drops Barber a spot or two, not much more, he's still very effective even with limited touches. Jones probably stays around the same, maybe drops a spot or so, but Choice's value rises in both redraft and dynasty IMO.

Drops Barber to where -- outside of the 1st round and into the 2nd?

I would still take him late 1st, probably around 8 or 9 in redrafts. In dynasty I'd drop him a bit more maybe, though.

 

[jaybebo]

I believe Felix Jones is going to be used more like Westbrook in Philadelphia during passing plays...not necessary passing downs. Barber takes a hit on this information...likely drops him to about end of first to mid-second. As for Choice, he will basically be used to spell Barber...I still believe Barber is going to be the goalline back.

 

[tonydead]

My view on the below article:3 headed monster:The news that the Cowboys are going to try and use all 3 backs is not surprising to me in the least. In fact, many of us Cowboy homers predicted this. The coaches had to recognize the talent they have with Barber, Jones and Choice who filled nicely late in the year. The decison to cut TO was a clear indication that the Cowboys were going to focus on reducing their heavy pass to run ratio. This 3 running back model has worked well in other cities with less talented trios. This is absolutely the right thing to do.Wildcat:Color me very sceptical about this. Jerry Jones has been trumpeting about his love for Pat White and floating tons of talk about running with the now year old Wildcat formation. I smell a draft strategy smoke screen. The Cowboys are NOT taking White. It would not surprise me to see them practice the Wildcat and have it in the play book. However, I doubt we see a lot of this from and old school minded Jason Garrett (Offensive Co ordinator). God, I hope I'm not wrong about this, but I'll digress on this topic.How will the Cowboys backs be used (Opinion only)I expect to see more of the previous approach they had when it was Julius Jones/Marion Barber. Barber will still get the majority of the carries (Starter or closer role-is not important) and likely hog the red zone touches for continued strong fantasy numbers. I see Choice spelling Barber for a series or two a game and posibly more if he's "HOT". Felix will absolutely get more touches this year. I see him sharing the backfield with Barber at times and getting the 3rd down stuff.Wade Phillips wants all three RBs involved in offense5:44 PM Thu, Mar 26, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! BuzzTim MacMahon E-mail News tips 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.

What exactly is this draft strategy smoke screen supposed to be accomplishing?

 

[Bankerguy]

My view on the below article:3 headed monster:The news that the Cowboys are going to try and use all 3 backs is not surprising to me in the least. In fact, many of us Cowboy homers predicted this. The coaches had to recognize the talent they have with Barber, Jones and Choice who filled nicely late in the year. The decison to cut TO was a clear indication that the Cowboys were going to focus on reducing their heavy pass to run ratio. This 3 running back model has worked well in other cities with less talented trios. This is absolutely the right thing to do.Wildcat:Color me very sceptical about this. Jerry Jones has been trumpeting about his love for Pat White and floating tons of talk about running with the now year old Wildcat formation. I smell a draft strategy smoke screen. The Cowboys are NOT taking White. It would not surprise me to see them practice the Wildcat and have it in the play book. However, I doubt we see a lot of this from and old school minded Jason Garrett (Offensive Co ordinator). God, I hope I'm not wrong about this, but I'll digress on this topic.How will the Cowboys backs be used (Opinion only)I expect to see more of the previous approach they had when it was Julius Jones/Marion Barber. Barber will still get the majority of the carries (Starter or closer role-is not important) and likely hog the red zone touches for continued strong fantasy numbers. I see Choice spelling Barber for a series or two a game and posibly more if he's "HOT". Felix will absolutely get more touches this year. I see him sharing the backfield with Barber at times and getting the 3rd down stuff.Wade Phillips wants all three RBs involved in offense5:44 PM Thu, Mar 26, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! BuzzTim MacMahon E-mail News tips 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.

What exactly is this draft strategy smoke screen supposed to be accomplishing?

Misdirection.Getting people to think that they are going to draft Pat White early. So, they specifically name him and talk about installing the Wildcat.

 

[Mustang Man]

Ok I see Dallas running the ball more this season. They had 401 carries last season. I can see about 450 carries this year. Throw it 500 times 310 completions. Here is the break down

Barber

235-1034-16td's

Felix Jones

130-637-3td's

Tashard Choice

55-350-3'tds

RW-70-1090-8td's

Miles Austin-35-561-4td's

Patrick Crayton 26-351-2td's

Isiah Stanback 6-120-1td 8 CARRIES 64 YARDS

Sam Hurd 0-0

Jason Witten 93-995-6td's

Martellus Bennett 30-330-4td's

MB3-20-140

Felix Jones-25-290-2td's

Tashard Choice 5-25

ROMO 310-500 27TD'S 14INTS 3902 YARDS

22 CARRIES 40YARDS

 

[Tanner9919]

Curious where those in the Shark Pool think each back should fall in dynasty and redrafts.

Barber will drop a few spots ( remember, he was considered a top 10 RB last season), but his numbers and overall value is sure to climb. What I mean is that he is not likely to be considered a workhorse-type of RB anymore, but rather a 240-280 carry, 12-15 TD type of RB..probably the 3rd best RBBC runningback behind Brandon Jacobs or D. Williams..and of course the HC is going to say he wants to get all threee guys involved, that's coachspeak 101..in the end, it'll be Felix setting up the opposition and Barber knocking them down..

 

[Bri]

Jerry Jones has been trumpeting about his love for Pat White and floating tons of talk about running with the now year old Wildcat formation.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.

it's older but ITYM Fins of 08Stanbeck could make for some cute playsMatt Jones=Cowboy?they could get real creative if they wanted toIn your opinion, BG, do they have the OL depth to run extremely often?

 

[Bri]

Barber235-1034-16td's

TDs too high IMOdon't disagree on carries/yards he's been about that for 900 last two years anyway

 

[switz]

Ok I see Dallas running the ball more this season. They had 401 carries last season. I can see about 450 carries this year. Throw it 500 times 310 completions. Here is the break downBarber235-1034-16td'sFelix Jones130-637-3td'sTashard Choice55-350-3'tds

So you expect Barber to have merely 3 fewer carries than he had last season, where he was the starter with little competition because the coaches are idiots. Prior he's never had more than 204 carries, sharing with only one other RB, not two others like he will this upcoming season. Choice will cut into Barber's carries, not Jones. I expect Jones to see around 200 carries, Barber near 200 as well, maybe 180 or so. Choice gets 80 or so. Theres no way Barber sees 16 TDs Barber saw 16 TDs ONCE in his career... it's not going to happen again.Jones is the guy to have IMO, as Barber moves to closer role, Choice gets early first down and short yardage, Jones gets the rest. Jones has a better knack for the endzone than the other two and is a threat to break it every time he touches it. Barber proved last year he's not starting material.My guess:Barber 188 carries, 830 yards, 9 TDs, 28 rec, 196 yards, 1 TDFelix Jones 230 carries, 1426 yards, 9 TDs, 33 rec, 258 yards, 4 TDsChoice 82 carries, 377 yards, 4 TDs, 7 rec, 62 yards, 0 TDs

 

[Bri]

My guess:Barber 188 carries, 830 yards, 9 TDs, 28 rec, 196 yards, 1 TDFelix Jones 230 carries, 1426 yards, 9 TDs, 33 rec, 258 yards, 4 TDsChoice 82 carries, 377 yards, 4 TDs, 7 rec, 62 yards, 0 TDs

why not 1500 for Choice?geesh this is high

 

[Bankerguy]

Jerry Jones has been trumpeting about his love for Pat White and floating tons of talk about running with the now year old Wildcat formation.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.

it's older but ITYM Fins of 08Stanbeck could make for some cute playsMatt Jones=Cowboy?they could get real creative if they wanted toIn your opinion, BG, do they have the OL depth to run extremely often?

Almost zero chance of Matt Jones in Dallas.The have the road grater type O-line. They run better to the right then the left, Columbo, Davis and Gurode are pretty good. Kosier is vastly under rated for an under sized Guard. His absence hurt the line last year which will likely be addressed in the draft to get some O-line depth. The Hotel is not as dominant in the run game.They are a C+ to a B minus for running.The running backs make up some of the difficiencies. It's a good group of 3.

 

[Mustang Man]

Ok I see Dallas running the ball more this season. They had 401 carries last season. I can see about 450 carries this year. Throw it 500 times 310 completions. Here is the break downBarber235-1034-16td'sFelix Jones130-637-3td'sTashard Choice55-350-3'tds

So you expect Barber to have merely 3 fewer carries than he had last season, where he was the starter with little competition because the coaches are idiots. Prior he's never had more than 204 carries, sharing with only one other RB, not two others like he will this upcoming season. Choice will cut into Barber's carries, not Jones. I expect Jones to see around 200 carries, Barber near 200 as well, maybe 180 or so. Choice gets 80 or so. Theres no way Barber sees 16 TDs Barber saw 16 TDs ONCE in his career... it's not going to happen again.Jones is the guy to have IMO, as Barber moves to closer role, Choice gets early first down and short yardage, Jones gets the rest. Jones has a better knack for the endzone than the other two and is a threat to break it every time he touches it. Barber proved last year he's not starting material.My guess:Barber 188 carries, 830 yards, 9 TDs, 28 rec, 196 yards, 1 TDFelix Jones 230 carries, 1426 yards, 9 TDs, 33 rec, 258 yards, 4 TDsChoice 82 carries, 377 yards, 4 TDs, 7 rec, 62 yards, 0 TDs

OK so you see Dallas running the ball 500 times this season without even counting Romo's 20-35 carries. That would be well over 100 more running plays then Dallas had last season. I seriously doubt there will be that big of a difference in the play calling. It looks good when it is posted but there will not be that many carries to go around. Yeah I do see Barber with about the same amount of carries as last season for two reasons even though there are other good options. One I think he will stay healthy, two and this is the big one, Dallas will run the ball more about 50 times more then last season. This will also cut down on the total amount of plays Dallas has for the season. About 1.5 plays a game because as we know running the ball takes up more clock. That would put them about 47% of the time running the ball as opposed to last season when they were about 43% running the ball. I see you think Felix will be the man next season, while I like Felix a lot I doubt he takes over as the main man. Barber is talented he was just injured last season. When they get down to the GL he will get his cracks and barring injury he will be good for about 1 a game.

 

[HellToupee]

Ok I see Dallas running the ball more this season. They had 401 carries last season. I can see about 450 carries this year. Throw it 500 times 310 completions. Here is the break downBarber235-1034-16td'sFelix Jones130-637-3td'sTashard Choice55-350-3'tds

Felix Jones 230 carries, 1426 yards, 9 TDs, 33 rec, 258 yards, 4 TDs

So Felix is going to average 6.2 ypc over 230 carries?? Doesn't that seem very unrealistic to you.

 

[stewartcjae]

Ok I see Dallas running the ball more this season. They had 401 carries last season. I can see about 450 carries this year. Throw it 500 times 310 completions. Here is the break downBarber235-1034-16td'sFelix Jones130-637-3td'sTashard Choice55-350-3'tds

So you expect Barber to have merely 3 fewer carries than he had last season, where he was the starter with little competition because the coaches are idiots. Prior he's never had more than 204 carries, sharing with only one other RB, not two others like he will this upcoming season. Choice will cut into Barber's carries, not Jones. I expect Jones to see around 200 carries, Barber near 200 as well, maybe 180 or so. Choice gets 80 or so. Theres no way Barber sees 16 TDs Barber saw 16 TDs ONCE in his career... it's not going to happen again.Jones is the guy to have IMO, as Barber moves to closer role, Choice gets early first down and short yardage, Jones gets the rest. Jones has a better knack for the endzone than the other two and is a threat to break it every time he touches it. Barber proved last year he's not starting material.My guess:Barber 188 carries, 830 yards, 9 TDs, 28 rec, 196 yards, 1 TDFelix Jones 230 carries, 1426 yards, 9 TDs, 33 rec, 258 yards, 4 TDsChoice 82 carries, 377 yards, 4 TDs, 7 rec, 62 yards, 0 TDs

Before Barber got hurt he was averaging 18+carries a game. He basically did not play the last 4 game (13 carries total). So 235 (14per game) will still be a decent decrease, especially if they have more running attempts per game as a team. If your 500 attempts is right that is basically 31 per game. Barber at 14 still leaves 17 for felix and choice.....I dunno 5 for choice and 12 for Jones?? sounds good to me.There is no way you can compare their "knack" for the endzone. How many RB's have more TD's then Barber over the last 3 years? It is not many. Barber has a very good "knack" for the endzone.....although I agree with you 16tds is high. Im guessing 12-14td's. I will give you Jones is a threat to break it every time. He is good, and I am excited to watch him play a full season, but your guess does not seem realistic at all. 6.3ypc with 230 carries?? When was the last time a RB had over a 6ypc with 225+carries...200+, 150+......though as a cowboy fan, I hope you are right. That will be fun to watch.That could be good guess for Choice. I can see him getting around 5 carries a game and very few receptions.

 

[HellToupee]

Ok I see Dallas running the ball more this season. They had 401 carries last season. I can see about 450 carries this year. Throw it 500 times 310 completions. Here is the break downBarber235-1034-16td'sFelix Jones130-637-3td'sTashard Choice55-350-3'tds

So you expect Barber to have merely 3 fewer carries than he had last season, where he was the starter with little competition because the coaches are idiots. Prior he's never had more than 204 carries, sharing with only one other RB, not two others like he will this upcoming season. Choice will cut into Barber's carries, not Jones. I expect Jones to see around 200 carries, Barber near 200 as well, maybe 180 or so. Choice gets 80 or so. Theres no way Barber sees 16 TDs Barber saw 16 TDs ONCE in his career... it's not going to happen again.Jones is the guy to have IMO, as Barber moves to closer role, Choice gets early first down and short yardage, Jones gets the rest. Jones has a better knack for the endzone than the other two and is a threat to break it every time he touches it. Barber proved last year he's not starting material.My guess:Barber 188 carries, 830 yards, 9 TDs, 28 rec, 196 yards, 1 TDFelix Jones 230 carries, 1426 yards, 9 TDs, 33 rec, 258 yards, 4 TDsChoice 82 carries, 377 yards, 4 TDs, 7 rec, 62 yards, 0 TDs

I will give you Jones is a threat to break it every time. He is good, and I am excited to watch him play a full season, but your guess does not seem realistic at all. 6.3ypc with 230 carries?? When was the last time a RB had over a 6ypc with 225+carries...200+, 150+......though as a cowboy fan, I hope you are right. That will be fun to watch.

It isn't realistic at all considering only 4 people have had a season like thatJim Brown(6.4) in 1963 , Spec Sanders(6.2) in 1947,Barry Sanders(6.1) in 1997 and OJ Simpson(6.0) in 1973Edit to add keyword for easy search later- nikon

 

[msommer]

I see Switz is still very optimistic about Felix Jones!

 

[Bankerguy]

I see Switz is still very optimistic about Felix Jones!

I truly admire Switz for being a poster who has his own opinions despite what the masses think. In this case though, I wonder if he is willing to admit that this projection is a bit silly from a yards/carry point of view.Switz...care to adjust your projections?

 

[Kool-Aid]

My guess:

...

Felix Jones 230 carries, 1426 yards, 9 TDs, 33 rec, 258 yards, 4 TDs

Switz>HiOH YEAH!!!

 

[HellToupee]

I see Switz is still very optimistic about Felix Jones!

I truly admire Switz for being a poster who has his own opinions despite what the masses think. In this case though, I wonder if he is willing to admit that this projection is a bit silly from a yards/carry point of view.Switz...care to adjust your projections?

I hope he isn't in full ignore mode on this projectiona lot of posters throw projections on the wall to see what sticks so they can point out they called it. I'm willing to give switz the benefit of the doubt here

 

[compone]

Ok I see Dallas running the ball more this season. They had 401 carries last season. I can see about 450 carries this year. Throw it 500 times 310 completions. Here is the break downBarber235-1034-16td'sFelix Jones130-637-3td'sTashard Choice55-350-3'tds

So you expect Barber to have merely 3 fewer carries than he had last season, where he was the starter with little competition because the coaches are idiots. Prior he's never had more than 204 carries, sharing with only one other RB, not two others like he will this upcoming season. Choice will cut into Barber's carries, not Jones. I expect Jones to see around 200 carries, Barber near 200 as well, maybe 180 or so. Choice gets 80 or so. Theres no way Barber sees 16 TDs Barber saw 16 TDs ONCE in his career... it's not going to happen again.Jones is the guy to have IMO, as Barber moves to closer role, Choice gets early first down and short yardage, Jones gets the rest. Jones has a better knack for the endzone than the other two and is a threat to break it every time he touches it. Barber proved last year he's not starting material.My guess:Barber 188 carries, 830 yards, 9 TDs, 28 rec, 196 yards, 1 TDFelix Jones 230 carries, 1426 yards, 9 TDs, 33 rec, 258 yards, 4 TDsChoice 82 carries, 377 yards, 4 TDs, 7 rec, 62 yards, 0 TDs

2,600+ rushing yards from just the 3. Kind of high don't you think?Dallas hasn't rushed for more then 2,000 yards in a while. Averaging 1,802 the last 3 years. I made a big trade in a 3-keeper, 14 team league last year. I gave up more talent for Barber. The deal was Slaton, Roddy White & Rice for Barber, F Jones and Harrison. Slaton & R White will end up being keepers. I could only keep 1 of Slaton or R White anyways (Barber, Grant, Boldin) so I pulled the trigger. I usually don't trade for players on my favorite team because people tend to over pay for their team's player. Maybe I did, but that's ok. I don't think Barber will be the work horse like the first half of 2008. Everyone is so quick to predict Felix Jones getting the majority of the carries similar to what Julius Jones used to get combing with Barber... First of all, F Jones got hurt quite a bit last year and I'm not sure the status of his latest injury. Choice did a great job filling in for Barber. With that said, here's my projections.Barber225 carries, 900 , 13 TDsJones125 carries, 550, 2 TDsChoice100 carries, 425 , 3 TDs

 

[towney]

I thought I read somewhere that Dallas was going to use Barber as the "closer" similar to a few years back with JJ

 

[Bankerguy]

I thought I read somewhere that Dallas was going to use Barber as the "closer" similar to a few years back with JJ

You aren't mistaken, I've Jerry Jones allude to the possibility. Nothing set in stone at this point however.

 

[Ack88]

Barber will still score the majority of TDs, but Felix Jones may very well lead the team in rushing. It's no knock on Barber, Jones is that talented.

 

[switz]

I see Switz is still very optimistic about Felix Jones!

I truly admire Switz for being a poster who has his own opinions despite what the masses think. In this case though, I wonder if he is willing to admit that this projection is a bit silly from a yards/carry point of view.Switz...care to adjust your projections?

I hope he isn't in full ignore mode on this projectiona lot of posters throw projections on the wall to see what sticks so they can point out they called it. I'm willing to give switz the benefit of the doubt here

Nah, if anyone here knows me, I stand by what I say. Here's the deal with Felix, there hasn't been this talented of a breakaway threat in the league in a LONG time. This kid averaged what, almost 9 YPC last season? Granted it was limited carries, but he's in a situation where he'll likely be spared the types of carries that kill your YPC. Little short yardage, not a ton of carries inside (though he's a very good inside runner). Barber is likely going back to the closer role, and last year's 238 was the highest carries he's seen ever in the NFL, he was in the 130s for two seasons, then up to 204. I see no reason to think he'll be back in the 230s, because he got those carries last season when the coaches had no confidence in Jones and Choice. Now they have tons of confidence in last year's rookies, and they know Barber is best under 200 carries.

Someone posted earlier that this is more of a 2 headed than 3 headed monster, and I agree that's probable. But at the same time, I don't see how you keep Choice off the field. And I don't see Barber with his running style remaining injury free... he's tough enough to play through most injuries, but when you have an option like Choice to spell him, why force Barber into the game. So I think Choice will see 80ish carries.

Now, when JJ and Barber were in their heyday as a pair, in '06 they had 472 rushing plays, in '05 they had 521 rushing plays. Then they started phasing JJ out in '07 and had 419, then in '08 they had Barber and two rookies they "didn't trust yet", and had 401 rushing plays. My estimate was a rounded 500 carries, and that's just little higher than what they did in '06, a little lower than '05, when they had full confidence in both Barber and JJ. With three RBs I don't see why it can't hit 500. Now someone mentioned Romo's carries... I think they'll drop a bit this season, well significantly. I also think they Cowboys will pass less, because they know they can't win it on Romo's arm. And letting TO go was in line with their moving toward a more run based offense.

In '05 and '06 Julius Jones was seeing 257 and 267 carries respectively. I'm not projecting that many for Felix Jones, but I do envision that Felix sees more the Julius role, and Barber goes back to closer. Of course I'm projecting Barber to see about 50 more carries this season than he saw in '05 and '06, because I think they do use him more than in those seasons, though not by a ton, 3-4 more carries per game than back then. He stays healthier, he's fresh for the 4th quarter, the Cowboys are in a win-win situation.

Barring injury, or something unforseen (maybe Michael Crabtree to Dallas) I think my projections are going to be pretty accurate on yards - and I say every year that TDs are too difficult to project with any accuracy.

 

[switz]

F Jones got hurt quite a bit last year and I'm not sure the status of his latest injury.

He pulled a hamstring - a common (non-contact) injury for speed players. That was his only game injury. Then he tore a ligament in rehab (so did Barber in the same kind of rehab). They are both on pace for full recoveries.I'm not sure where you get that Jones got hurt quite a bit, in fact Barber had more injures than Jones.

 

[Banger]

I went back over the past 10 years and looked the ypc for RB's with 200+ carries and AP had the highest with a 5.6 on 238 carries. I like Jones and think he's talented but it's safe to say that he doesn't come close to 6 let alone great than 6 ypc.

 

[Banger]

F Jones got hurt quite a bit last year and I'm not sure the status of his latest injury.

He pulled a hamstring - a common (non-contact) injury for speed players. That was his only game injury. Then he tore a ligament in rehab (so did Barber in the same kind of rehab). They are both on pace for full recoveries.I'm not sure where you get that Jones got hurt quite a bit, in fact Barber had more injures than Jones.

LOL and Barber had 290 touches compared to 32 so I'd expect him to get more dinged up because he was actually on the field.

 

[Mustang Man]

Fact of the matter is Dallas has 2 very special backs that compliment each other very well. Barber is the better runner while Felix is a big threat to go all the way. Felix is much more then just a break away threat but make no mistake Barber will see more touches on the ground barring injury. This is such a great debate and as a Cowboys fan I am really happy about what our offense can be with this deep backfield. One thing is for sure both runners are better off with the other being healthy. Lets hope we get to see what can happen when they are both healthy.I will post later about the 500 carries part. Kinda busy now.

 

[switz]

F Jones got hurt quite a bit last year and I'm not sure the status of his latest injury.

He pulled a hamstring - a common (non-contact) injury for speed players. That was his only game injury. Then he tore a ligament in rehab (so did Barber in the same kind of rehab). They are both on pace for full recoveries.I'm not sure where you get that Jones got hurt quite a bit, in fact Barber had more injures than Jones.

LOL and Barber had 290 touches compared to 32 so I'd expect him to get more dinged up because he was actually on the field.

Still doesn't take away from the original post being completely inaccurate. Barber got injured last season on fewer carries than Jones IIRC... didn't he get hurt in the very first game? That kinda kills any injury arguments.FYI Jones had 48 touches last season.As for the YPC... I have no doubts Jones can have that high of a YPC... have any of you doubters ever watched him play???

 

[switz]

I went back over the past 10 years and looked the ypc for RB's with 200+ carries and AP had the highest with a 5.6 on 238 carries. I like Jones and think he's talented but it's safe to say that he doesn't come close to 6 let alone great than 6 ypc.

Didn't you post something very similar when I suggested he'd average over 5 YPC for his rookie season?

 

[HellToupee]

I see Switz is still very optimistic about Felix Jones!

I truly admire Switz for being a poster who has his own opinions despite what the masses think. In this case though, I wonder if he is willing to admit that this projection is a bit silly from a yards/carry point of view.Switz...care to adjust your projections?

I hope he isn't in full ignore mode on this projectiona lot of posters throw projections on the wall to see what sticks so they can point out they called it. I'm willing to give switz the benefit of the doubt here

Nah, if anyone here knows me, I stand by what I say. Here's the deal with Felix, there hasn't been this talented of a breakaway threat in the league in a LONG time. This kid averaged what, almost 9 YPC last season? Granted it was limited carries, but he's in a situation where he'll likely be spared the types of carries that kill your YPC. Little short yardage, not a ton of carries inside (though he's a very good inside runner). Barber is likely going back to the closer role, and last year's 238 was the highest carries he's seen ever in the NFL, he was in the 130s for two seasons, then up to 204. I see no reason to think he'll be back in the 230s, because he got those carries last season when the coaches had no confidence in Jones and Choice. Now they have tons of confidence in last year's rookies, and they know Barber is best under 200 carries.

Someone posted earlier that this is more of a 2 headed than 3 headed monster, and I agree that's probable. But at the same time, I don't see how you keep Choice off the field. And I don't see Barber with his running style remaining injury free... he's tough enough to play through most injuries, but when you have an option like Choice to spell him, why force Barber into the game. So I think Choice will see 80ish carries.

Now, when JJ and Barber were in their heyday as a pair, in '06 they had 472 rushing plays, in '05 they had 521 rushing plays. Then they started phasing JJ out in '07 and had 419, then in '08 they had Barber and two rookies they "didn't trust yet", and had 401 rushing plays. My estimate was a rounded 500 carries, and that's just little higher than what they did in '06, a little lower than '05, when they had full confidence in both Barber and JJ. With three RBs I don't see why it can't hit 500. Now someone mentioned Romo's carries... I think they'll drop a bit this season, well significantly. I also think they Cowboys will pass less, because they know they can't win it on Romo's arm. And letting TO go was in line with their moving toward a more run based offense.

In '05 and '06 Julius Jones was seeing 257 and 267 carries respectively. I'm not projecting that many for Felix Jones, but I do envision that Felix sees more the Julius role, and Barber goes back to closer. Of course I'm projecting Barber to see about 50 more carries this season than he saw in '05 and '06, because I think they do use him more than in those seasons, though not by a ton, 3-4 more carries per game than back then. He stays healthier, he's fresh for the 4th quarter, the Cowboys are in a win-win situation.

Barring injury, or something unforseen (maybe Michael Crabtree to Dallas) I think my projections are going to be pretty accurate on yards - and I say every year that TDs are too difficult to project with any accuracy.

I always take TD proj with a grain of salt , too many variables. But I still can't see Felix having a historic type of year. Averaging 5ypc with 200 carries I can see , 225+ carries w/6.0 I can't and I think /FJ is extremely talented.

 

[Mustang Man]

I see Switz is still very optimistic about Felix Jones!

I truly admire Switz for being a poster who has his own opinions despite what the masses think. In this case though, I wonder if he is willing to admit that this projection is a bit silly from a yards/carry point of view.Switz...care to adjust your projections?

I hope he isn't in full ignore mode on this projectiona lot of posters throw projections on the wall to see what sticks so they can point out they called it. I'm willing to give switz the benefit of the doubt here

Nah, if anyone here knows me, I stand by what I say. Here's the deal with Felix, there hasn't been this talented of a breakaway threat in the league in a LONG time. This kid averaged what, almost 9 YPC last season? Granted it was limited carries, but he's in a situation where he'll likely be spared the types of carries that kill your YPC. Little short yardage, not a ton of carries inside (though he's a very good inside runner). Barber is likely going back to the closer role, and last year's 238 was the highest carries he's seen ever in the NFL, he was in the 130s for two seasons, then up to 204. I see no reason to think he'll be back in the 230s, because he got those carries last season when the coaches had no confidence in Jones and Choice. Now they have tons of confidence in last year's rookies, and they know Barber is best under 200 carries.

Someone posted earlier that this is more of a 2 headed than 3 headed monster, and I agree that's probable. But at the same time, I don't see how you keep Choice off the field. And I don't see Barber with his running style remaining injury free... he's tough enough to play through most injuries, but when you have an option like Choice to spell him, why force Barber into the game. So I think Choice will see 80ish carries.

Now, when JJ and Barber were in their heyday as a pair, in '06 they had 472 rushing plays, in '05 they had 521 rushing plays. Then they started phasing JJ out in '07 and had 419, then in '08 they had Barber and two rookies they "didn't trust yet", and had 401 rushing plays. My estimate was a rounded 500 carries, and that's just little higher than what they did in '06, a little lower than '05, when they had full confidence in both Barber and JJ. With three RBs I don't see why it can't hit 500. Now someone mentioned Romo's carries... I think they'll drop a bit this season, well significantly. I also think they Cowboys will pass less, because they know they can't win it on Romo's arm. And letting TO go was in line with their moving toward a more run based offense.

In '05 and '06 Julius Jones was seeing 257 and 267 carries respectively. I'm not projecting that many for Felix Jones, but I do envision that Felix sees more the Julius role, and Barber goes back to closer. Of course I'm projecting Barber to see about 50 more carries this season than he saw in '05 and '06, because I think they do use him more than in those seasons, though not by a ton, 3-4 more carries per game than back then. He stays healthier, he's fresh for the 4th quarter, the Cowboys are in a win-win situation.

Barring injury, or something unforseen (maybe Michael Crabtree to Dallas) I think my projections are going to be pretty accurate on yards - and I say every year that TDs are too difficult to project with any accuracy.

First off the 05 06 rushing total was with Parcells as the HC, that is normal for his teams to run that much. If they bring Parcells back then maybe I could see 500 carries. Under Garrett the most rushing attempts they have had as a team is 419 in 2007 (Romo 31 carries 16 GAMES) in 2008 with 531 passing attempts. Last year they had 401 rushing attempt (30carries for the QB'S) 28 for Romo in 13 games. 547 PASSING ATTEMPTS. I see know way Garrett changes his play calling to where Dallas has 500 attempts rushing. One thing I think people are getting carried away with is with lets run run run. Sure they need to run more then 400 times well 371 times minus the 30 runs for the qb's and they will. Romo is the best offensive player on the Cowboys. He is a stud and needs to throw the ball 500+ times(in a 16 game period). To look at last season and say well Romo turned the ball over way to much so we need to run it down peoples throats is just not right. He had no running game due to injuries and the offensive line just stunk. Now if Dallas can stay healthy with their rb's and run the ball about 4%-5% more this season that will cut down the to's for Romo and keep defenses guessing all while still using Dallas best offensive weapon in Romo. To think that just running the ball 100 times more and taking the ball outa Romo's hand will make this team better is just crazy to me. A bit less of everything on Romo is addition with subtraction but you do not want to much subtraction cause that is counter productive. This team will go as far as Romo takes it but he needs help and if they stay healthy he will get the help he needs with Barber and Jones.

 

[TD5150]

Ok I see Dallas running the ball more this season. They had 401 carries last season. I can see about 450 carries this year. Throw it 500 times 310 completions. Here is the break downBarber235-1034-16td'sFelix Jones130-637-3td'sTashard Choice55-350-3'tds

So you expect Barber to have merely 3 fewer carries than he had last season, where he was the starter with little competition because the coaches are idiots. Prior he's never had more than 204 carries, sharing with only one other RB, not two others like he will this upcoming season. Choice will cut into Barber's carries, not Jones. I expect Jones to see around 200 carries, Barber near 200 as well, maybe 180 or so. Choice gets 80 or so. Theres no way Barber sees 16 TDs Barber saw 16 TDs ONCE in his career... it's not going to happen again.Jones is the guy to have IMO, as Barber moves to closer role, Choice gets early first down and short yardage, Jones gets the rest. Jones has a better knack for the endzone than the other two and is a threat to break it every time he touches it. Barber proved last year he's not starting material.My guess:Barber 188 carries, 830 yards, 9 TDs, 28 rec, 196 yards, 1 TDFelix Jones 230 carries, 1426 yards, 9 TDs, 33 rec, 258 yards, 4 TDsChoice 82 carries, 377 yards, 4 TDs, 7 rec, 62 yards, 0 TDs

You laugh at Mustang man for prediction 16 TD for Barber....Which I agree is silly, but then you come back and predict 1426 yards for Jones?? That's crazy talk. Just because you have one of the players you are writing about on your roster doesn't mean you have to over inflate your projections for him....If you type it, it doesn't mean it's going to come true, you are only fooling yourselves.For the record Barber will get about 1000 to 1100 yards with 9 to 11 TD and Felix will get about 600 to 700 yards with 4 to 6 TDs

 

[Banger]

I went back over the past 10 years and looked the ypc for RB's with 200+ carries and AP had the highest with a 5.6 on 238 carries. I like Jones and think he's talented but it's safe to say that he doesn't come close to 6 let alone great than 6 ypc.

Didn't you post something very similar when I suggested he'd average over 5 YPC for his rookie season?

I don't know. I don't think 5+ ypc on a limited number of a carries is a big deal. Norwood had 6.2 ypc a couple years back on 100 carries, what does that mean? There's a big difference between being the change of pace back running the ball 5-8 times a games in certain limited situations and being the guy getting the ball in every sitaution.

 

[Banger]

F Jones got hurt quite a bit last year and I'm not sure the status of his latest injury.

He pulled a hamstring - a common (non-contact) injury for speed players. That was his only game injury. Then he tore a ligament in rehab (so did Barber in the same kind of rehab). They are both on pace for full recoveries.I'm not sure where you get that Jones got hurt quite a bit, in fact Barber had more injures than Jones.

LOL and Barber had 290 touches compared to 32 so I'd expect him to get more dinged up because he was actually on the field.

Still doesn't take away from the original post being completely inaccurate. Barber got injured last season on fewer carries than Jones IIRC... didn't he get hurt in the very first game? That kinda kills any injury arguments.FYI Jones had 48 touches last season.As for the YPC... I have no doubts Jones can have that high of a YPC... have any of you doubters ever watched him play???

how did Jones have 48 touches, he had 30 rushes and 2 receptions. Are you counting punt/kick returns?So maybe his post should be that Barber gets hurt more but plays through the injuries and heals faster than Jones because bottomline Jones spent 2/3 of his rookie season in street clothes and had about 1/10 of the touches.I think he'll run for a high ypc as well but not nearly as high as you think if he gets close to the number of carries you threw out. It just doesn't happen and it won't happen for him. YPC and making assumptions off of it can be tricky. If he's going to come in on 3rd downs and doesn't run in the short yardage situations of course he's going to have a better ypc. So if Barber is softening up the defense and picking up all the short yardage 1st downs and averages 3.7 ypc and Jones comes in in favorable situations and breaks a few long ones because he's fresh and Barber wore down the defense, does that mean Jones is better than Barber? Of course not. You can't extrapolate ypc. At the end of the day ypc is nice but in FF I get points for yards, TDs, receptions not ypc.

 

[BigJim®]

Why should anyone care about YPC on a mere 30 carries? I'd put more weight on inability to make it over 30 carries than what a guy did with those carries. Other than those comments, I think I'll stay clear from this hyperbole filled debate over the 2009 offseason. I basically agree with Bankerguy's comments pertaining to roles, and the amount of carries projected by Mustang Man.

 

[lord_helmet]

Why should anyone care about YPC on a mere 30 carries? I'd put more weight on inability to make it over 30 carries than what a guy did with those carries. Other than those comments, I think I'll stay clear from this hyperbole filled debate over the 2009 offseason. I basically agree with Bankerguy's comments pertaining to roles, and the amount of carries projected by Mustang Man.

 

[switz]

So maybe his post should be that Barber gets hurt more but plays through the injuries and heals faster than Jones because bottomline Jones spent 2/3 of his rookie season in street clothes and had about 1/10 of the touches.

And that would still be a disingenuous post, even if it were technically accurate. It was a coaches decision to hold Felix out because of the hamstring, he was willing to play.

I think he'll run for a high ypc as well but not nearly as high as you think if he gets close to the number of carries you threw out. It just doesn't happen and it won't happen for him. YPC and making assumptions off of it can be tricky. If he's going to come in on 3rd downs and doesn't run in the short yardage situations of course he's going to have a better ypc.

Well, Felix has never averaged less than 6.3 YPC for the last 4 years... his first game was a pro was around 7 YPC, on 9 carries. I'm not sure how anyone can watch him play and doubt his abilities. I don't think he will be limited to 3rd downs, and last season he showed he could have tremendous yardage in any situation, because his 30 carries were not all 3rd down carries.

So if Barber is softening up the defense and picking up all the short yardage 1st downs and averages 3.7 ypc and Jones comes in in favorable situations and breaks a few long ones because he's fresh and Barber wore down the defense, does that mean Jones is better than Barber? Of course not. You can't extrapolate ypc. At the end of the day ypc is nice but in FF I get points for yards, TDs, receptions not ypc.

I'm not sure where YPC==FF points has entered the discussion, I don't think anyone prior to your post said anything like that. However, to think YPC plays no role is ludicrous. #touches * YPC = yards = points. So if two guys get equal opportunity, the one with the higher YPC gets you more points every single time. Math101.Bottom line is that Barber is likely going to be the closer this year, 12 carries a game or so. If anyone gets a higher YPC because of a better situation this season, it will be Barber, just like the seasons he split with JJ. He can't take the pounding of an every down back, he's not explosive, so he needs to be fresh against tired Ds to be successful. But his opportunity is simply going to decrease this season from last.Choice will probably be the guy to get the toughest carries, because they won't put Felix in that role, and they'll want to save Barber for the closer role. So Choice may end up having the lowest YPC of them all, but I think he's actually better than Barber, so we'll see.Felix will see the most carries, simply because he's the best RB on the team. He's not injury prone, never was in college, and a hamstring is not an "injury prone" injury. He's the most explosive of the RBs, has the best vision, has the best ability to score form anywhere on the field. They will use him as much as they can, while keeping the other two involved, and trying to put every one of them in the best situations for their talents.

 

[Banger]

So maybe his post should be that Barber gets hurt more but plays through the injuries and heals faster than Jones because bottomline Jones spent 2/3 of his rookie season in street clothes and had about 1/10 of the touches.

And that would still be a disingenuous post, even if it were technically accurate. It was a coaches decision to hold Felix out because of the hamstring, he was willing to play.

I think he'll run for a high ypc as well but not nearly as high as you think if he gets close to the number of carries you threw out. It just doesn't happen and it won't happen for him. YPC and making assumptions off of it can be tricky. If he's going to come in on 3rd downs and doesn't run in the short yardage situations of course he's going to have a better ypc.

Well, Felix has never averaged less than 6.3 YPC for the last 4 years... his first game was a pro was around 7 YPC, on 9 carries. I'm not sure how anyone can watch him play and doubt his abilities. I don't think he will be limited to 3rd downs, and last season he showed he could have tremendous yardage in any situation, because his 30 carries were not all 3rd down carries.

So if Barber is softening up the defense and picking up all the short yardage 1st downs and averages 3.7 ypc and Jones comes in in favorable situations and breaks a few long ones because he's fresh and Barber wore down the defense, does that mean Jones is better than Barber? Of course not. You can't extrapolate ypc. At the end of the day ypc is nice but in FF I get points for yards, TDs, receptions not ypc.

I'm not sure where YPC==FF points has entered the discussion, I don't think anyone prior to your post said anything like that. However, to think YPC plays no role is ludicrous. #touches * YPC = yards = points. So if two guys get equal opportunity, the one with the higher YPC gets you more points every single time. Math101.Bottom line is that Barber is likely going to be the closer this year, 12 carries a game or so. If anyone gets a higher YPC because of a better situation this season, it will be Barber, just like the seasons he split with JJ. He can't take the pounding of an every down back, he's not explosive, so he needs to be fresh against tired Ds to be successful. But his opportunity is simply going to decrease this season from last.Choice will probably be the guy to get the toughest carries, because they won't put Felix in that role, and they'll want to save Barber for the closer role. So Choice may end up having the lowest YPC of them all, but I think he's actually better than Barber, so we'll see.Felix will see the most carries, simply because he's the best RB on the team. He's not injury prone, never was in college, and a hamstring is not an "injury prone" injury. He's the most explosive of the RBs, has the best vision, has the best ability to score form anywhere on the field. They will use him as much as they can, while keeping the other two involved, and trying to put every one of them in the best situations for their talents.

I think Felix is a talented back, not as talented as you do but that's fine..it makes the world go round. I generally don't buy into the "injury prone" label unless a particular player plays a violent style of game that subjects themselves to more consistent pounding. There's no doubt that he's the most explosive but what remains to be seen if that explosiveness will be as great as he tires throughout the game after getting more carries. As I said, it's a lot easier to run 5-8 times a game than it is 22. "However, to think YPC plays no role is ludicrous. #touches * YPC = yards = points. So if two guys get equal opportunity, the one with the higher YPC gets you more points every single time. Math101." I vehemently disagree with this logic. YPC is not a static measure and there's a reason why no one has gotten close to 6 ypc let alone >6 when having over 200 carries. Guys make that mistake all the time and I've argued it a number of times in Tatum Bell's case, Norwood, etc. that certain guys are good at running certain plays and getting a certain number of carries and you can't just assume that if they run 7 carries @6 ypc why doesn't that stupid coach give him the ball 22 times so he can run for 132 yards/game. It's not that easy.

 

[switz]

"However, to think YPC plays no role is ludicrous. #touches * YPC = yards = points. So if two guys get equal opportunity, the one with the higher YPC gets you more points every single time. Math101." I vehemently disagree with this logic. YPC is not a static measure and there's a reason why no one has gotten close to 6 ypc let alone >6 when having over 200 carries. Guys make that mistake all the time and I've argued it a number of times in Tatum Bell's case, Norwood, etc. that certain guys are good at running certain plays and getting a certain number of carries and you can't just assume that if they run 7 carries @6 ypc why doesn't that stupid coach give him the ball 22 times so he can run for 132 yards/game. It's not that easy.

I am actually predicting a 2.7YPC decrease for Jones getting more touches. It's not like I am expecting him to continue near 9YPC in a feature role. In college his lowest YPC for a season was 6.3, his lowest - and that was his first season there. I'm just expecting him to perform near his worst collegiate level as a pro. It's not a huge stretch to me...

 

[Dr. Octopus]

"However, to think YPC plays no role is ludicrous. #touches * YPC = yards = points. So if two guys get equal opportunity, the one with the higher YPC gets you more points every single time. Math101." I vehemently disagree with this logic. YPC is not a static measure and there's a reason why no one has gotten close to 6 ypc let alone >6 when having over 200 carries. Guys make that mistake all the time and I've argued it a number of times in Tatum Bell's case, Norwood, etc. that certain guys are good at running certain plays and getting a certain number of carries and you can't just assume that if they run 7 carries @6 ypc why doesn't that stupid coach give him the ball 22 times so he can run for 132 yards/game. It's not that easy.

I am actually predicting a 2.7YPC decrease for Jones getting more touches. It's not like I am expecting him to continue near 9YPC in a feature role. In college his lowest YPC for a season was 6.3, his lowest - and that was his first season there. I'm just expecting him to perform near his worst collegiate level as a pro. It's not a huge stretch to me...

He had 30 carries last season with a 60 yards carry. That may have skewed his average a little. You're also suggesting that NFL defenses compare to college defenses, without even mentioning that he played in a gimmick offense that also had a Heisman winner in the backfield with him.I own Felix Jones and I'm excited about his 2009 season, but these numbers and your reasoning for them don't seem reality based. He's a talent for sure, but so is Barber and to just dimiss Baber's role (especially with the money Dallas paid him) seems misguided. Hey, I hope your right, but I'm not counting on it.

 

[Bankerguy]

"However, to think YPC plays no role is ludicrous. #touches * YPC = yards = points. So if two guys get equal opportunity, the one with the higher YPC gets you more points every single time. Math101." I vehemently disagree with this logic. YPC is not a static measure and there's a reason why no one has gotten close to 6 ypc let alone >6 when having over 200 carries. Guys make that mistake all the time and I've argued it a number of times in Tatum Bell's case, Norwood, etc. that certain guys are good at running certain plays and getting a certain number of carries and you can't just assume that if they run 7 carries @6 ypc why doesn't that stupid coach give him the ball 22 times so he can run for 132 yards/game. It's not that easy.

I am actually predicting a 2.7YPC decrease for Jones getting more touches. It's not like I am expecting him to continue near 9YPC in a feature role. In college his lowest YPC for a season was 6.3, his lowest - and that was his first season there. I'm just expecting him to perform near his worst collegiate level as a pro. It's not a huge stretch to me...

I know better to change your opinion, so I won't attempt.I' ll just say that obviously you are a College historian and that influenced your prediction with Jones. From an NFL historical, he would be the 5th highest from a YPC point of view. I'm sure Felix deserves this type of hype and ss a Cowboy fan, I love Jones as much as the next guy. This just isn't realistic expectation imo. If Barber were to miss some time, he could easily put up 1200+ yards.

 

[Banger]

"However, to think YPC plays no role is ludicrous. #touches * YPC = yards = points. So if two guys get equal opportunity, the one with the higher YPC gets you more points every single time. Math101." I vehemently disagree with this logic. YPC is not a static measure and there's a reason why no one has gotten close to 6 ypc let alone >6 when having over 200 carries. Guys make that mistake all the time and I've argued it a number of times in Tatum Bell's case, Norwood, etc. that certain guys are good at running certain plays and getting a certain number of carries and you can't just assume that if they run 7 carries @6 ypc why doesn't that stupid coach give him the ball 22 times so he can run for 132 yards/game. It's not that easy.

I am actually predicting a 2.7YPC decrease for Jones getting more touches. It's not like I am expecting him to continue near 9YPC in a feature role. In college his lowest YPC for a season was 6.3, his lowest - and that was his first season there. I'm just expecting him to perform near his worst collegiate level as a pro. It's not a huge stretch to me...

Switz, you're a smart guy and a good poster but I think you're far offbase with your estimate. For the season Jones had for 30-266-3 and 2-10...in Adrian Peterson's record breaking game vs. the Chargers he got 30-296-3 and 1-19...so Jones got in his 1/2 year what Peterson got in one game. Peterson's average on that day was 9.86 and at the end of the year he lead the leaugue in ypc yet @ 5.6 ypc. I think that Peterson is quite a bit better than Jones and runs behind a better line as well. I think a 5+ ypc for Jones (5.3, 5.5) is likely but not 6+.

 

[Tyrion]

So maybe his post should be that Barber gets hurt more but plays through the injuries and heals faster than Jones because bottomline Jones spent 2/3 of his rookie season in street clothes and had about 1/10 of the touches.

And that would still be a disingenuous post, even if it were technically accurate. It was a coaches decision to hold Felix out because of the hamstring, he was willing to play.

Mark me down as a Jones supporter, although I like the other two running backs equally as well. You sell Barber way to short IMO.Felix set out the season not for his hamstring injury but due to a foot injury he suffered in practice while recovering from the hammy. The toe injury was detrimental to his career so he had surgery.I don't think that you can judge any player by one or two injuries. Felix or Barber.

 

[Mustang Man]

We all know Barber is an excellent player and baring injury he will get 200+ carries and double digit td's no question. The only question is how much will Felix get and that is far from set in stone at this point. No doubting the coaching staff has an idea but I bet they are not 100% for sure either on how he will be used best and to say that any of us no for sure now is just ridiculous.