Felix Jones - no more than 10 carries per game (1 Viewer)

[Hoss_Cartwright]

TheHuddle) Gerry Fraley, of The Dallas Morning News, reports the Cowboys are reluctant to use RB Felix Jones for more than roughly 10 carries per game out of concern he will break down.

Analysis: Being self-limited to 10 carries a game pretty much cuts the legs out from under Jones' fantasy value, no matter how explosive he can be.

I can't believe I traded Mendenhall earlier this year for this guy. What the F was I thinking. Maybe I was drinking the Switz cool-aid. I should have known better.

 

[THE UNDERCOVER BROTHA]

i always wonder why he cant handle more than 10 carries a game myself. Seems absurd for a rb who cant handle more touches than that...

Not sure what to make of his dyno value if thats the case. Has he ever had over 10 carries in any game?

 

[lyon812]

As an owner, I've been holding out hope that this is just an inauspicious beginning to his career, and that he'll take the Taylor path and eventually wind up having several healthy (and productive) seasons in a row. The downside of that sort of thinking is that Taylor was carrying the rock 20+ times a game when he was healthy. Jones hasn't even hit that point yet.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

As an owner, I've been holding out hope that this is just an inauspicious beginning to his career, and that he'll take the Taylor path and eventually wind up having several healthy (and productive) seasons in a row. The downside of that sort of thinking is that Taylor was carrying the rock 20+ times a game when he was healthy. Jones hasn't even hit that point yet.

I fear that he will fall into this mold that will stick with him throughout his career. It's a real possibility.

 

[PosterNutBag]

TheHuddle) Gerry Fraley, of The Dallas Morning News, reports the Cowboys are reluctant to use RB Felix Jones for more than roughly 10 carries per game out of concern he will break down.

Analysis: Being self-limited to 10 carries a game pretty much cuts the legs out from under Jones' fantasy value, no matter how explosive he can be.

I can't believe I traded Mendenhall earlier this year for this guy. What the F was I thinking. Maybe I was drinking the Switz cool-aid. I should have known better.

I agree with you that they should use him more. If he breaks down, then they still have Barber/Choice. They are fighting for their playoff lives....why wouldn't they do everything possible to win? I feel like the Cowboys could do a much better job mixing in Jones/Choice with Barber than they have been doing.

 

[packersfan]

I liked him a lot too and was bummed I didn't get him in my top league. Not so bummed anymore. Then again, the entire Cowboys' backfield is a mess right now so it's not just Jones. I think they need to pick one guy and make him the featured RB instead of trying to figure out a way to play all three guys. But Jones doesn't look like anything more than a change-of-pace RB to me.

 

[Malabar]

TheHuddle) Gerry Fraley, of The Dallas Morning News, reports the Cowboys are reluctant to use RB Felix Jones for more than roughly 10 carries per game out of concern he will break down.Analysis: Being self-limited to 10 carries a game pretty much cuts the legs out from under Jones' fantasy value, no matter how explosive he can be.I can't believe I traded Mendenhall earlier this year for this guy. What the F was I thinking. Maybe I was drinking the Switz cool-aid. I should have known better.

best thing that WILL happen to Felix dynasty owners is WHEN Phillips/Garrett are out of Dallas.

 

[BigJim®]

I liked him a lot too and was bummed I didn't get him in my top league. Not so bummed anymore. Then again, the entire Cowboys' backfield is a mess right now so it's not just Jones. I think they need to pick one guy and make him the featured RB instead of trying to figure out a way to play all three guys. But Jones doesn't look like anything more than a change-of-pace RB to me.

What a mess. All the predetermining specific roles for RBs is accomplishing is stopping the running game from getting into any flow. Barber is the starter/finisher? Jones is limited to 10 carries? Someone is way overthinking the roles. Just get your running game to function productively, and don't let technical roles get in the way of it. IMHO this running game would be a lot more productive if one of the guys did get injured and overthinking coaches had to use a primary ball carrier. Look how Choice did just last year when the Cowboys were forced into that situation.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

TheHuddle) Gerry Fraley, of The Dallas Morning News, reports the Cowboys are reluctant to use RB Felix Jones for more than roughly 10 carries per game out of concern he will break down.Analysis: Being self-limited to 10 carries a game pretty much cuts the legs out from under Jones' fantasy value, no matter how explosive he can be.I can't believe I traded Mendenhall earlier this year for this guy. What the F was I thinking. Maybe I was drinking the Switz cool-aid. I should have known better.

best thing that WILL happen to Felix dynasty owners is WHEN Phillips/Garrett are out of Dallas.

I thought for sure Jerry Jones was about to lay down the law and insist Jones is on the field more.

 

[Garts]

memories of Tatum Bell.

At least when Bell carried it more then 10 times per game, he just got tired...not hurt.

 

[Ridgelake]

I've been reading more and more criticisms in the media that they should use Felix more. Barber just does not threaten a defense the way Felix does. Barber just doesnt have the same burst.

Garrett has been susceptible to media influence on occasions. It would not surprise me to see Felix get the rock the most he has so far. Of course, that would be 11+ carries. So we've got a way's to go before he becomes startable.

 

[EBF]

Not good news, but not a death sentence either. This isn't permanent by any means.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

Not good news, but not a death sentence either. This isn't permanent by any means.

How do you know that? I hope you're right.

 

[Matt Waldman]

They said the same things about Westbrook. Felix Jones looks head and shoulders better than Barber right now. I think this whole workload worry is amazingly stupid on the Cowboys' part. One of the reasons is that I believe Jones' two injuries came from plays where he didn't even collide with anyone; he was simply running. The guy is a second-year RB and the Cowboys are ready to designate him as a third down scat back after two years of injuries that caused him to miss time when he didn't have that type of issue in college? Foolish. Ricky Williams had injury problems and they didn't worry about limiting his carry counts. Jonathan Stewart seems to be dealing with injuries every week and I'm sure there will be teams inquiring about trading for him in the off season as a potential full-time back.

While I might not have traded Mendenhall for Jones myself, I can understand the decision. I think Phillips will be gone from Dallas by January anyhow so the depth chart/use scenario currently happening will probably change.

 

[Lascelle]

10 carries is a LOT.

After all, Reggie Bush doesn't even get more than 6 per game.

 

[BigJim®]

I think Phillips will be gone from Dallas by January anyhow so the depth chart/use scenario currently happening will probably change.

I've seen this opinion in a couple replies in this thread and I'm confused. If Jerry Jones loves Felix, and Phillps/Garrett are generally perceived as Jerry's hand picked bobos, why would a change in coaching help Felix Jones?

 

[Chaos Commish]

I think Felix has a few other issues. Some are going to disagree with this, because Felix has made some fine catches and generally looked okay catching the ball. He's also flat stoned some blitzing LBs and looked stout protecting Romo, but both of those visuals do not tell the story. His hands are very inconsistent as they were at Arkansas. Both coaching staffs (college and pro) have learned they cannot trust him on punts and he bobbles a kickoff in practically every game. So I think his inconsistent hands hurt him not just as a third down back, but in the overall number of plays he sees. Then he was chewed out again last week for completely muffing in pass protection. These are drive killing errors and one led to a turnover deep in their own territory. You have to start considering he may not be very football savvy. Great burst, as sudden as any back in the league through a seam, a natural runner, but all these aother tangibles hurt him. He also gets into ugly collisions for now reason and seems to have trouble "falling" safely. It happened again last week where I was pretty sure he was a little dinged after a basic carry and tackle sent him flying oddly. He did this earlier in the season and sufferred a mostly unreported neck injury I discussed in the team thread.

Who was that guy in the 06 draft thread screaming and yelling for Chris Johnson with that pick? Man I ache ever time I watch CJ tear it up.

 

[Football Jones]

I firmly believe in the not-too-distant future we'll look back on Felix's early career & wonder how the Cowboys could be so stubborn (& so inept). The thought of a 5-10 218-pound NFL RB not being able to handle more than 10 carries a game is ridiculous. It's apparent to me they have the RBBC thing stuck so far up their butt it's just an excuse (the 10-carry thing). Yeah, if he can't handle it over time, then they have their answer. Right now, Dallas doesn't know if Felix can do it because they've never given him a chance. He's just 22 years old. His body isn't even done maturing yet.

RBBCs have their place in the NFL, but it doesn't make sense for the Cowboys. At the very least, Barber & Felix should switch roles (as far as touches). Felix is simply a much better RB, IMO. That's not a knock on Barber...he's a fine RB. Instead, it's a statement that reflects the stud potential Felix has. I'm not talking just about FF, either. There's no doubt in my mind if Dallas made Felix their feature back & gave him 20 touches a game (Barber about 10 & Choice the rest), the offense would jump to another level.

Felix is one of the best pure RBs in the league. I've also seen him make significant progress as a pass-blocker. And while he's no Brian Westbrook, he can catch the ball. Look at Chris Johnson. He's pretty much a mediocre pass-blocker & receiver (as far as his hands & route-running are concerned), but that doesn't keep the Titans from giving CJ at least 20 touches a game. You've got to use a little creativity on offense. Something tells me a good HC like Jeff Fisher would demand Felix touch the ball 20 times a game.

Felix won't be 25 until the 2012 season. Think about that. He's probably my biggest target right now in dynasty leagues because of his upside relative to his cost. Felix might eventually prove too fragile, but I'm betting he'll eventually end up being an elite RB for somebody (if not the Cowboys).

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

TheHuddle) Gerry Fraley, of The Dallas Morning News, reports the Cowboys are reluctant to use RB Felix Jones for more than roughly 10 carries per game out of concern he will break down.Analysis: Being self-limited to 10 carries a game pretty much cuts the legs out from under Jones' fantasy value, no matter how explosive he can be.I can't believe I traded Mendenhall earlier this year for this guy. What the F was I thinking. Maybe I was drinking the Switz cool-aid. I should have known better.

I don't think he'll ever be anything more than a 10 to 15 carry guy. No way he can carry 20 to 25 carries for a 16 game season, the guy can't even last 10 carries a game for a season. The guy can be electric when healthy, but he will be a frustrating player to own.

 

[MNTom]

TheHuddle) Gerry Fraley, of The Dallas Morning News, reports the Cowboys are reluctant to use RB Felix Jones for more than roughly 10 carries per game out of concern he will break down.Analysis: Being self-limited to 10 carries a game pretty much cuts the legs out from under Jones' fantasy value, no matter how explosive he can be.I can't believe I traded Mendenhall earlier this year for this guy. What the F was I thinking. Maybe I was drinking the Switz cool-aid. I should have known better.

I don't think he'll ever be anything more than a 10 to 15 carry guy. No way he can carry 20 to 25 carries for a 16 game season, the guy can't even last 10 carries a game for a season. The guy can be electric when healthy, but he will be a frustrating player to own.

Remember Robert Smith got injured a lot in his early seasons with the Vikings but was very durable later on.

 

[Matt Waldman]

I think Phillips will be gone from Dallas by January anyhow so the depth chart/use scenario currently happening will probably change.

I've seen this opinion in a couple replies in this thread and I'm confused. If Jerry Jones loves Felix, and Phillps/Garrett are generally perceived as Jerry's hand picked bobos, why would a change in coaching help Felix Jones?

Because Jerry picked Felix after he picked Wade and Jerry is known for micromanaging aspects of the organization that counteract a philosophy that a coach takes a season(s) to install. Jerry will hire someone who understands what he (a fickle owner with an ego the size of Texas) wants from his handpicked players of the moment.

 

[BigJim®]

I think Phillips will be gone from Dallas by January anyhow so the depth chart/use scenario currently happening will probably change.

I've seen this opinion in a couple replies in this thread and I'm confused. If Jerry Jones loves Felix, and Phillps/Garrett are generally perceived as Jerry's hand picked bobos, why would a change in coaching help Felix Jones?

Because Jerry picked Felix after he picked Wade and Jerry is known for micromanaging aspects of the organization that counteract a philosophy that a coach takes a season(s) to install. Jerry will hire someone who understands what he (a fickle owner with an ego the size of Texas) wants from his handpicked players of the moment.

Yes, I'm familiar with Jones. I just don't see how a new coach will give Felix a better opportunity. I think you need to begin with the hypothesis that Jerry's bobos are not giving the guy a fair shake, and wind up at a conclusion that a new coach will not only love Felix but (by implication) defy Jerry going about things differently. Call me a skeptic. F.Jones has had injury problems, and according to a prior poster, has jeopardized his own role by not displaying good hands and having questionable pass blocking. Those aren't the kinds of things a new coach will look past, and frankly I'd think a new coach would be reluctant to hitch his wagon to a Jerry draftee who may not be reliable. Regardless, I don't think coaching has much bearing and Felix will make his own break, if at all, by improving his game and proving durability.

 

[switz]

TheHuddle) Gerry Fraley, of The Dallas Morning News, reports the Cowboys are reluctant to use RB Felix Jones for more than roughly 10 carries per game out of concern he will break down.

Analysis: Being self-limited to 10 carries a game pretty much cuts the legs out from under Jones' fantasy value, no matter how explosive he can be.

I can't believe I traded Mendenhall earlier this year for this guy. What the F was I thinking. Maybe I was drinking the Switz cool-aid. I should have known better.

I don't think he'll ever be anything more than a 10 to 15 carry guy. No way he can carry 20 to 25 carries for a 16 game season, the guy can't even last 10 carries a game for a season. The guy can be electric when healthy, but he will be a frustrating player to own.

We don't really know that yet... he was very durable in college. He had a hamstring injury last season which is a non-contact injury, which the trainers screwed up worse. FYI - hamstring injuries are very common to fast players, especially early in their career before they learn how to take care of themselves properly. He missed a couple games with a PCL injury this year. Another pretty common injury, not career threatening. He's never been injured from a hit. He's also never been given a chance at more than 10 carries.I think the durability issue is overblown by the FF community, and is currently being used as an excuse by a HC and OC who don't know what they're doing. Phillips has long been a players coach, and right now he's being far too loyal to Barber. Garrett is simply a backup QB - turned - OC who doesn't want to run the ball despite his best offensive weapons being running backs.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

14 carries last game and 1 reception....

It looks as though the cowboys are making a conscious effort to get one of their best offensive players the ball. He was given a hand off the second play from scrimmage. Oh and by the way his legs did not even fall off.

If he can continue to get 15 touches a game he will be a really good fantasy option next season. He will also be able to be had cheap next year as many people have soured on him due to his inability to remain healthy. The only thing that would raise his fantasy value next year (which could happen) is a couple of good games to end this year and if he does well in the playoffs where everyone is watching.

 

[Sweet Love]

I just have to ask, but why is getting injured from a hit bad and getting injured without being hit OK??? What happens if he gets the ball 15-20 times/game on a consistent basis and he actually does get hit or continues to run in open space and have more opportunities to hurt himself???