Julius Jones vs. Marion Barber (1 Viewer)

[packersfan]

Jones was OK in Week 1 but pretty bad today after a nice start (his first three touches were quite good). Meanwhile, Barber scored two more TDs and looked real good again for the second straight game. I don't think the Cowboys are going to make a change at RB as long as they keep winning. But the trend that could be emerging is for Barber to be the second-half RB on top of his Red Zone and goal-line carries. He got most of the carries in the second half today and produced well for the most part. Jones didn't get many carries and did nothing when he got his attempts. The trend that seems to be emerging is that if Jones doesn't get off to a big start he isn't going to be the featured RB as the game goes along. That was definitely the case today. What Jones really needs is a big game but he isn't likely to get it next week against the Bears. Meanwhile, Barber may very well score 15+ TDs again. I wasn't sure he could match his 2006 production but in this offense and given his talent he very well might.

 

[Lash]

my favorite was when he hit Zach Thomas hard on a Mike blitz, he will be a feature back soon

 

[Houston turmOiler]

I can't figure out why I continually leave MBIII on my bench, although I'll probably leave him there again against the Bears next week...

 

[Kiddnets]

I can understand the "ain't broke, don't fix it approach" but Barber is the far superior RB - if it stays as it is he should finish top 10. If Wasde wakes up and makes him the feature RB we could be looking at top 5. I personally think they make him the man within a few games.

 

[gman8343]

I was and still am a Julius Jones fan, but Barber simply looks better than him and it's not even close. I thought Jones would be more effective than he has been.

 

[packersfan]

I was and still am a Julius Jones fan, but Barber simply looks better than him and it's not even close. I thought Jones would be more effective than he has been.

So did I. I thought he ran well last week but after his strong start today he really looked poor. I don't think he'll be benched but I do think we could see Barber take over as the primary RB in the second half of games like I said before if Jones doesn't get off to strong and consistent starts. Other than the 40-yard TD Barber didn't exactly go off today but he ran harder and with more of a sense of purpose than Jones did.

 

[Kiddnets]

I was and still am a Julius Jones fan, but Barber simply looks better than him and it's not even close. I thought Jones would be more effective than he has been.

So did I. I thought he ran well last week but after his strong start today he really looked poor. I don't think he'll be benched but I do think we could see Barber take over as the primary RB in the second half of games like I said before if Jones doesn't get off to strong and consistent starts. Other than the 40-yard TD Barber didn't exactly go off today but he ran harder and with more of a sense of purpose than Jones did.

other than the play that completely broke open the game! Thats the point - JJ can't make thos eplays- Barber can and does - he is special - Dallas would be a much better team IMO giving Barber the ball 20 times a game.

 

[packersfan]

I was and still am a Julius Jones fan, but Barber simply looks better than him and it's not even close. I thought Jones would be more effective than he has been.

So did I. I thought he ran well last week but after his strong start today he really looked poor. I don't think he'll be benched but I do think we could see Barber take over as the primary RB in the second half of games like I said before if Jones doesn't get off to strong and consistent starts. Other than the 40-yard TD Barber didn't exactly go off today but he ran harder and with more of a sense of purpose than Jones did.

other than the play that completely broke open the game! Thats the point - JJ can't make thos eplays- Barber can and does - he is special - Dallas would be a much better team IMO giving Barber the ball 20 times a game.

I disagree that Jones can't make those plays. I think he is a playmaker but he hasn't shown it so far.

 

[vegasrobb]

There's something to be said for dividing the touches and dividing the pounding that they each have to take. The Cowboys are hoping to have both backs healthy when they need them for a playoff push. No reason to let either back get over 25 touches a game.

 

[Kiddnets]

There's something to be said for dividing the touches and dividing the pounding that they each have to take. The Cowboys are hoping to have both backs healthy when they need them for a playoff push. No reason to let either back get over 25 touches a game.

I assume thats the thought the Cowboys have - and that makes sense when you are winning - at some point they are going to be in a dogfight and they should play the best RB. Clearly Barber IMO

 

[Pnishthm]

I was and still am a Julius Jones fan, but Barber simply looks better than him and it's not even close. I thought Jones would be more effective than he has been.

So did I. I thought he ran well last week but after his strong start today he really looked poor. I don't think he'll be benched but I do think we could see Barber take over as the primary RB in the second half of games like I said before if Jones doesn't get off to strong and consistent starts. Other than the 40-yard TD Barber didn't exactly go off today but he ran harder and with more of a sense of purpose than Jones did.

other than the play that completely broke open the game! Thats the point - JJ can't make thos eplays- Barber can and does - he is special - Dallas would be a much better team IMO giving Barber the ball 20 times a game.

I disagree that Jones can't make those plays. I think he is a playmaker but he hasn't shown it so far.

How long do we have to see him not making those plays before we just admit that he can't?

 

[One]

It's surprising to me that this is still a debate.

 

[FavreCo]

There's something to be said for dividing the touches and dividing the pounding that they each have to take. The Cowboys are hoping to have both backs healthy when they need them for a playoff push. No reason to let either back get over 25 touches a game.

I would guess they keep Jones around and use him up to save Barber just as you said. After the year, he's gone because he is weak. Any RB can do what he is doing. They definately don't want to use up Barber. If he goes down, they are hurting. If Jones goes down.....oh well, who's next.

 

[simmonjm]

The reason you dont see Marion Barber as the featured back is because he doesnt know how to run between the tackles. Until he learns how to do this he will be playing back-up

 

[KellysHeroes]

I say this.... Dynasty wise... Buy low on JJ... he'll be on a new team next yr and will get a 2nd chance.

 

[BigJim®]

Don't let on-field performance and statistics cloud your judgment. JJ is the value play here.

 

[ImTheScientist]

Don't let on-field performance and statistics cloud your judgment. JJ is the value play here.

 

[Tough As Nails]

The Cowboys are very smart with the way they use their guys I think. Barber is "better"...so he is getting the touches when the yards are the most important. It's saving lots of wear and tear and keeping both guys fresh.

 

[daveandken]

I was and still am a Julius Jones fan, but Barber simply looks better than him and it's not even close. I thought Jones would be more effective than he has been.

So did I. I thought he ran well last week but after his strong start today he really looked poor. I don't think he'll be benched but I do think we could see Barber take over as the primary RB in the second half of games like I said before if Jones doesn't get off to strong and consistent starts. Other than the 40-yard TD Barber didn't exactly go off today but he ran harder and with more of a sense of purpose than Jones did.

other than the play that completely broke open the game! Thats the point - JJ can't make thos eplays- Barber can and does - he is special - Dallas would be a much better team IMO giving Barber the ball 20 times a game.

I disagree that Jones can't make those plays. I think he is a playmaker but he hasn't shown it so far.

How long do we have to see him not making those plays before we just admit that he can't?

He is far from consistant, but he definitely can and has made those type plays.2004 Week 12,13,17

2005 Week 3,16

2006 Week 14

 

[Rounders]

I can't figure out why I continually leave MBIII on my bench, although I'll probably leave him there again against the Bears next week...

You're not alone....I do the same thing...and will probably leave him there again next week.

 

[Supercool]

I can't figure out why I continually leave MBIII on my bench, although I'll probably leave him there again against the Bears next week...

You're not alone....I do the same thing...and will probably leave him there again next week.

Agreed

 

[culdeus]

Dallas is using them all wrong.

Between the 20s barber needs all the carries

redzone jj needs all the carries

Barber kills me on short yardage. He just tries to bury himself in the line.

There is no reason to use one as a feature back, each have their own merits.

 

[cowboyz]

I can't figure out why I continually leave MBIII on my bench, although I'll probably leave him there again against the Bears next week...

if you think the cowboys score at least 2 tds, then you should start mb3 because the bears defense will absolutely shut down JJ who won't be able to run away from the fast chicago def. and any goalline plays will be using mb3 guaranteed.

Dallas is using them all wrong.Between the 20s barber needs all the carriesredzone jj needs all the carriesBarber kills me on short yardage. He just tries to bury himself in the line. There is no reason to use one as a feature back, each have their own merits.

is that a joke?

 

[hbkhbk]

MBIII is my RB3 and he is out scoring my top two backs... but I still can't pull the trigger on starting him over Bush or Jackson...

 

[-primetime-]

IMO they just use Jones to keep Barber fresh for later in the game and later in the season as well

let Jones get the bulk in the first half and then Barber will destroy a tired defense in the second half.

 

[clinton_c]

IMO they just use Jones to keep Barber fresh for later in the game and later in the season as welllet Jones get the bulk in the first half and then Barber will destroy a tired defense in the second half.

As a Cowboy fan, that is the way I hope it works...In the Giants game they left Jones in the game with 3 minutes left only up 3. Then Jones promptly got nothing...and then stupidly ran out of bounds (while trying to run the clock down) on 2nd down. Luckly Romo found Hurd for the game clincher.From now on Barber should be in for every 3rd down, goaline, and 4th quarter carry....I wonder what Jones excuse is now. First it was that Parcells made him "run like a robot"different coach + same results= average player

 

[Stingdiddy]

Dallas is using them all wrong.Between the 20s barber needs all the carriesredzone jj needs all the carriesBarber kills me on short yardage. He just tries to bury himself in the line. There is no reason to use one as a feature back, each have their own merits.

This is either really bad schtick or you just don't know much about the game.

 

[packersfan]

According to Wade Phillips, the plan will remain the same for Jones and Barber. From RotoWorld:

Despite Marion Barber continuing to outperform Julius Jones, Cowboys coach Wade Phillips says he has no plans to alter the by-series rotation.

Barber may not overtake Jones all season, but is on his way towards either earning a big contract after the year or being tendered as high as possible as a restricted free agent. Barber's YPC so far is 6.2, while Jones' is 3.2.

 

[fatboyj711]

IMO they just use Jones to keep Barber fresh for later in the game and later in the season as welllet Jones get the bulk in the first half and then Barber will destroy a tired defense in the second half.

As a Cowboy fan, that is the way I hope it works...In the Giants game they left Jones in the game with 3 minutes left only up 3. Then Jones promptly got nothing...and then stupidly ran out of bounds (while trying to run the clock down) on 2nd down. Luckly Romo found Hurd for the game clincher.From now on Barber should be in for every 3rd down, goaline, and 4th quarter carry....I wonder what Jones excuse is now. First it was that Parcells made him "run like a robot"different coach + same results= average player

it will probably end up similar to how the rhodes/addai situation played out last year... judging how barber's been playing, i could see him taking the lionshare of the carries during the stretch run and in the playoffs.

 

[culdeus]

Dallas is using them all wrong.Between the 20s barber needs all the carriesredzone jj needs all the carriesBarber kills me on short yardage. He just tries to bury himself in the line. There is no reason to use one as a feature back, each have their own merits.

This is either really bad schtick or you just don't know much about the game.

Watch the games. MBIII on a short yardage situation looks lost. He's looking for a place to fall down. Jones can at least hit a hole in the OL. So many times last year and some (though 3rd and shorts are non-existent really so far) I'd look to my left and tell my buddy, if this goes to mb3 it's a punt or fg. I have no explanation for it, but it's there. He was by FAR the worst RB with any significant carries in short yardage situations last year. Then you toss it to the dude on a counter and it's 15 yards and he's rolling up people left and right.

 

[Da Guru]

I have MBIII..I am not complaining one bit..Jones could punch in those 1 yard TDs runs just as easy as MBIII..be thankful.

 

[Pnishthm]

I was and still am a Julius Jones fan, but Barber simply looks better than him and it's not even close. I thought Jones would be more effective than he has been.

So did I. I thought he ran well last week but after his strong start today he really looked poor. I don't think he'll be benched but I do think we could see Barber take over as the primary RB in the second half of games like I said before if Jones doesn't get off to strong and consistent starts. Other than the 40-yard TD Barber didn't exactly go off today but he ran harder and with more of a sense of purpose than Jones did.

other than the play that completely broke open the game! Thats the point - JJ can't make thos eplays- Barber can and does - he is special - Dallas would be a much better team IMO giving Barber the ball 20 times a game.

I disagree that Jones can't make those plays. I think he is a playmaker but he hasn't shown it so far.

How long do we have to see him not making those plays before we just admit that he can't?

He is far from consistant, but he definitely can and has made those type plays.2004 Week 12,13,17

2005 Week 3,16

2006 Week 14

Did you really just take the time to look up 6 weeks out of 50 that he was able to make plays? Wow! A free agent off the street could do that.

 

[yinzer]

I think if 1 of these backs was named #2, they'd be a top 30-35 RB regardless. This offense and defense is talented enough that even a #2 should get numbers.

That said, I think MB3 is the better back. I had him last year, and wish I didnt overlook him this year as much as I did. He appears to be the real deal and I doubt he gets less than 10 and 800 this year. And I think its a possibility that he takes over as #1 RB.

At this point, I think they run JJ to keep MB3 preserved late, as was said in previous posts. No, he's not great on short downs, but neither is JJ. If they do keep him in on down like this, its probably for the threat/chance for a pass

 

[packersfan]

More on this from RotoWire:

Despite the fact that Marion Barber has badly out-produced Jones through the first two games, head coach Wade Phillips doesn't intend to change the Cowboys' RB rotation, the team's web site reports.

"I see everybody's point that Marion's doing some great things for us and that's what we hoped he'll do," Phillips said. "But (Jones) is doing some good things for us, too. And we're featuring (Barber) on the 1-yard line. You're going to get more touchdowns when you get it on the 1. But we feel like he's strong in that already and he's proven that already. He's done it last year. But I think it's working the way we're doing it." Jones' overall value will be limited as long as Barber gets the goal-line carries, but the rushing yards should eventually come.

 

[thatguythere]

JJ might as well be JJ Arrington if he is going to get 50 yds and no TD's. He was my 5th RB and I dropped him this morning for Sammy Morris. At least Morris has a chance at the endzone.

 

[greggorymac]

JJ might as well be JJ Arrington if he is going to get 50 yds and no TD's. He was my 5th RB and I dropped him this morning for Sammy Morris. At least Morris has a chance at the endzone.

That's pretty short-sided. Yes, currently Sammy Morris has the potential to outscore JJ from week to week, but what if MB3 or Maroney went down? Sammy would continue to be a RB in an offense that spreads the ball around and is unpredictable as to whom gets the ball in the redzone, where JJ would have the keys to a similarly high scoring offense that likes to rush the ball more. Would you actually ever start Sammy Morris other than a bye-week fill-in?

 

[B-Deep]

What made me happy this week was that Barber got a few more carries in the first half. I think the cowboys are smart to split time, but they need to make sure Barber gets his touches no mater what. LAst year if the 'Boys fell behind in the first half Barber was not slated to be in till Q3 and by that time it was too late.

Keep a good mix with a little barber early and a lot of barber late

 

[yesitsme]

Same as last year, same as we said in preseason, same as it's been in 2 weeks and same as it will be all season.

One guy gets Td's, the other one not much.

 

[unckeyherb]

I can't figure out why I continually leave MBIII on my bench, although I'll probably leave him there again against the Bears next week...

You're not alone....I do the same thing...and will probably leave him there again next week.

Agreed

yep. He is my #3 behind SA and Addai, but after watching SA I really think MBIII might be starting for me soon. Shaun looks tired out there and MBIII runs like a man possessed.Also, being that he is my RB3 I am fine with them splitting time and staying fresh all season. He might just be the best backup to your squad out there. Imagine what he'll be capable of in your fantasy playoffs if he continues to get about half the load. Worst case scenario, I guarantee that there are teams in any league that would kill to have him as their RB2. Great trade bait and will remain so throughout the year.

 

[thatguythere]

JJ might as well be JJ Arrington if he is going to get 50 yds and no TD's. He was my 5th RB and I dropped him this morning for Sammy Morris. At least Morris has a chance at the endzone.

That's pretty short-sided. Yes, currently Sammy Morris has the potential to outscore JJ from week to week, but what if MB3 or Maroney went down? Sammy would continue to be a RB in an offense that spreads the ball around and is unpredictable as to whom gets the ball in the redzone, where JJ would have the keys to a similarly high scoring offense that likes to rush the ball more. Would you actually ever start Sammy Morris other than a bye-week fill-in?

No, and I wouldn't start Julius Jones other than a bye week fill in either....and after this morning not at all. Here's my RB'sWillie ParkerTravis HenryFred TaylorChester TaylorShort sighted, No.... far sited, probably. I have bye week problems with Henry and Parker, but I wasn't passing on either because of one week out of the season. Week six I need two RB's out of Taylor, Taylor, or Julius. With things going the way they have been in Dallas I figured I would be much better off starting Morris vs Dallas and maybe getting a some goal line looks his 10 or 12 carries and 50 or 60 yds....instead of JJ who might get 50 yds and no red zone looks vs New England. He couldn't even score against New York when they put up 45, how the hell is he going to score against New England? I know stranger things have happened.... Fred Taylor has Houston and Chester is up against Chicago. I still think Chester is going to be okay as a fill in after the lowly Lions held Peterson pretty much in check. I pictured him running all over the Lions....but when I watched the game I thought maybe they miss Chester Taylor a little after all.As far as JJ getting the keys to the Dallas offense, I don't know if he can do what Barber does, and I don't know if Barber can do what he does. Does anyone know?One more bit of info. This is 10 team league and not a whole lot of trading goes on.....here are the WW RB's left in order of points in our league as of week 2wynnMorrisMusa SmithLo NealHeath EvansJustin GriffithCecil SappMike CarneyVickersMewelde MooreRon DayneDavenport ChatmanStrongPittmanAdrian Peterson (chi)Michael TurnerSelvin YoungNobody else available has any points this year.

 

[packersfan]

JJ might as well be JJ Arrington if he is going to get 50 yds and no TD's. He was my 5th RB and I dropped him this morning for Sammy Morris. At least Morris has a chance at the endzone.

That's pretty short-sided. Yes, currently Sammy Morris has the potential to outscore JJ from week to week, but what if MB3 or Maroney went down? Sammy would continue to be a RB in an offense that spreads the ball around and is unpredictable as to whom gets the ball in the redzone, where JJ would have the keys to a similarly high scoring offense that likes to rush the ball more. Would you actually ever start Sammy Morris other than a bye-week fill-in?

No, and I wouldn't start Julius Jones other than a bye week fill in either....and after this morning not at all. Here's my RB'sWillie ParkerTravis HenryFred TaylorChester TaylorShort sighted, No.... far sited, probably. I have bye week problems with Henry and Parker, but I wasn't passing on either because of one week out of the season. Week six I need two RB's out of Taylor, Taylor, or Julius. With things going the way they have been in Dallas I figured I would be much better off starting Morris vs Dallas and maybe getting a some goal line looks his 10 or 12 carries and 50 or 60 yds....instead of JJ who might get 50 yds and no red zone looks vs New England. He couldn't even score against New York when they put up 45, how the hell is he going to score against New England? I know stranger things have happened.... Fred Taylor has Houston and Chester is up against Chicago. I still think Chester is going to be okay as a fill in after the lowly Lions held Peterson pretty much in check. I pictured him running all over the Lions....but when I watched the game I thought maybe they miss Chester Taylor a little after all.As far as JJ getting the keys to the Dallas offense, I don't know if he can do what Barber does, and I don't know if Barber can do what he does. Does anyone know?

I'd rather have Jones than Chester but that's me. I am biased as both a Jones fan and a Jones owner.

 

[packersfan]

Jones quote from KFFL:

Cowboys | J. Jones not frustrated at slow start

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 11:04:37 -0700

Nick Eatman, of DallasCowboys.com, reports Dallas Cowboys RB Julius Jones said he is not frustrated at his lack of production early this season. "No, I'm not frustrated. It's a long season. I'm going to stay positive. My time will come. It's a long season - it's a race, not a marathon. I'm going to keep my head in the game. When my time comes, I'll be ready for it," Jones said. Jones has rushed for 98 yards and zero touchdowns in two games.

 

[thatguythere]

Jones quote from KFFL:Cowboys | J. Jones not frustrated at slow startTue, 18 Sep 2007 11:04:37 -0700Nick Eatman, of DallasCowboys.com, reports Dallas Cowboys RB Julius Jones said he is not frustrated at his lack of production early this season. "No, I'm not frustrated. It's a long season. I'm going to stay positive. My time will come. It's a long season - it's a race, not a marathon. I'm going to keep my head in the game. When my time comes, I'll be ready for it," Jones said. Jones has rushed for 98 yards and zero touchdowns in two games.

He can only help me if his "time" comes in the next three weeks.... It's a race, not a marathon????? Isn't a marathon a race?

 

[thatguythere]

JJ might as well be JJ Arrington if he is going to get 50 yds and no TD's. He was my 5th RB and I dropped him this morning for Sammy Morris. At least Morris has a chance at the endzone.

That's pretty short-sided. Yes, currently Sammy Morris has the potential to outscore JJ from week to week, but what if MB3 or Maroney went down? Sammy would continue to be a RB in an offense that spreads the ball around and is unpredictable as to whom gets the ball in the redzone, where JJ would have the keys to a similarly high scoring offense that likes to rush the ball more. Would you actually ever start Sammy Morris other than a bye-week fill-in?

No, and I wouldn't start Julius Jones other than a bye week fill in either....and after this morning not at all. Here's my RB'sWillie ParkerTravis HenryFred TaylorChester TaylorShort sighted, No.... far sited, probably. I have bye week problems with Henry and Parker, but I wasn't passing on either because of one week out of the season. Week six I need two RB's out of Taylor, Taylor, or Julius. With things going the way they have been in Dallas I figured I would be much better off starting Morris vs Dallas and maybe getting a some goal line looks his 10 or 12 carries and 50 or 60 yds....instead of JJ who might get 50 yds and no red zone looks vs New England. He couldn't even score against New York when they put up 45, how the hell is he going to score against New England? I know stranger things have happened.... Fred Taylor has Houston and Chester is up against Chicago. I still think Chester is going to be okay as a fill in after the lowly Lions held Peterson pretty much in check. I pictured him running all over the Lions....but when I watched the game I thought maybe they miss Chester Taylor a little after all.As far as JJ getting the keys to the Dallas offense, I don't know if he can do what Barber does, and I don't know if Barber can do what he does. Does anyone know?

I'd rather have Jones than Chester but that's me. I am biased as both a Jones fan and a Jones owner.

You shouldn't let the fact that you like watching a player or that he plays on team you root for, influence your FF decision. Take it from me I am a Lions fan and in ten years I never drafted a Lion until this year. Except their defense as the last pick.The reason I would rather have Chester is the injury risk of AP, and the fact that he will start when he comes back and will most likely get carries in the Red Zone, unlike JJ. Even though Wade says otherwise, his actions speak louder than his words.

 

[packersfan]

The reason I would rather have Chester is the injury risk of AP, and the fact that he will start when he comes back and will most likely get carries in the Red Zone, unlike JJ. Even though Wade says otherwise, his actions speak louder than his words.

I think Chester is a good player and I agree about the durability questions with Peterson but I don't see Chester getting the goal-line work. I think Peterson will be the guy there and at the rate things are going Peterson is going to be the primary RB on a horrible team. Jones plays on a MUCH better offense so I would view his chances to succeed as being higher. He definitely needs to run with more authority, though. That's where Barber is kicking his a**. I'm waiting to see the spark from Jones I've seen in the past. I'm not optimistic I'll see it against the Bears, however.

 

[pwtrash]

I was and still am a Julius Jones fan, but Barber simply looks better than him and it's not even close. I thought Jones would be more effective than he has been.

So did I. I thought he ran well last week but after his strong start today he really looked poor. I don't think he'll be benched but I do think we could see Barber take over as the primary RB in the second half of games like I said before if Jones doesn't get off to strong and consistent starts. Other than the 40-yard TD Barber didn't exactly go off today but he ran harder and with more of a sense of purpose than Jones did.

other than the play that completely broke open the game! Thats the point - JJ can't make thos eplays- Barber can and does - he is special - Dallas would be a much better team IMO giving Barber the ball 20 times a game.

I disagree that Jones can't make those plays. I think he is a playmaker but he hasn't shown it so far.

How long do we have to see him not making those plays before we just admit that he can't?

He is far from consistant, but he definitely can and has made those type plays.2004 Week 12,13,17

2005 Week 3,16

2006 Week 14

I've been very disappointed with Jones as well. I thought he was returning to rookie year form based on preseason, when he actually seemed to be letting instinct take over a little more. In the regular season, not so much. Still running to darkness a lot of the time. I think he has some skills (such as speed, which I hear kills) that MBIII just doesn't have, but Barber brings energy and tenacity that Jones just doesn't seem to have anymore.

Barber obviously has the power edge, but as for goal line, I think Barber is pretty over-rated, as he seems to get stuffed more than he gets in - he gets a lot of tries. However, Barber has been much much better than Jones overall. If Jones keeps playing like this, he's probably with another team next year. So far this year, he is definitely the Cowboys' opponents' preferred RB.

 

[thatguythere]

The reason I would rather have Chester is the injury risk of AP, and the fact that he will start when he comes back and will most likely get carries in the Red Zone, unlike JJ. Even though Wade says otherwise, his actions speak louder than his words.

I think Chester is a good player and I agree about the durability questions with Peterson but I don't see Chester getting the goal-line work. I think Peterson will be the guy there and at the rate things are going Peterson is going to be the primary RB on a horrible team. Jones plays on a MUCH better offense so I would view his chances to succeed as being higher. He definitely needs to run with more authority, though. That's where Barber is kicking his a**. I'm waiting to see the spark from Jones I've seen in the past. I'm not optimistic I'll see it against the Bears, however.

I agree with you there, Dallas is obviously a much better team.....but I don't think Minnesota is as bad as they seem. Good Defense and Jackson getting hurt could be good for them, didn't they sign Holcomb? They are tough in the Dome. I'm still holding out hope Chester gets some, and I'm not believing "all" the AP hype...just some.

 

[Pnishthm]

Jones quote from KFFL:Cowboys | J. Jones not frustrated at slow startTue, 18 Sep 2007 11:04:37 -0700Nick Eatman, of DallasCowboys.com, reports Dallas Cowboys RB Julius Jones said he is not frustrated at his lack of production early this season. "No, I'm not frustrated. It's a long season. I'm going to stay positive. My time will come. It's a long season - it's a race, not a marathon. I'm going to keep my head in the game. When my time comes, I'll be ready for it," Jones said. Jones has rushed for 98 yards and zero touchdowns in two games.

He can only help me if his "time" comes in the next three weeks.... It's a race, not a marathon????? Isn't a marathon a race?

LOL yes and the saying is... it's not a sprint it's a marathon. Way to put that Notre Dame education to work JJ.

 

[doughboydeluxe]

Good article on dallasnews.com today about Julius and Barber:

Cowboys' Jones, Barber thriving as duo

09:27 AM CDT on Friday, September 21, 2007

By DAVID MOORE / The Dallas Morning News

dmoore@dallasnews.com

Only a brain rotted by years of fantasy football would look at the Cowboys backfield and think something is wrong.

It's true the Cowboys don't have a lead back to consume the carries and adulation. But this team does lead the NFL in scoring as it enters Sunday's game in Chicago. If you combine the yards gained by Julius Jones and Marion Barber, the Cowboys four-legged back ranks second only to Denver's Travis Henry in rushing.

Still, with each touchdown he scores, with each joyous romp downfield or helmet-ejecting run into the heart of the defense, the feeling grows that Barber needs to get more touches.

Wade Phillips is sensitive to this mounting perception outside his team. That's why the Cowboys coach redirected the conversation to Jones earlier in the week after fielding three consecutive questions about Barber's style and effectiveness.

Dividing the workload between Jones and Barber is just part of the equation. The coaching staff must also balance egos and divide praise to make this arrangement work. Phillips is conscious of that responsibility.

"Sure I am," Phillips said. "Why wouldn't I be?

"I mean, this is our football team. All of these guys are important to me. I believe that, not because I'm trying to help one guy or whatever. I believe our football team is awfully good the way we're doing it and I believe in Julius just as much as I believe in Marion.

"That's where we are."

The model isn't unique. More and more teams are employing this division of labor in the backfield.

The benefits are apparent. One is that it helps keep the backs fresh.

Use Barber as an example. He's carried the ball 25 times this season for an average of 6.2 yards a carry. Would his average remain that high if he carried the ball 25 times a game for an entire season?

Barber's aggressive style is aesthetically pleasing. But at 6-0, 221 pounds, there's a question as to how he would hold up over the course of the season as a lead back.

That doesn't mean he wouldn't hold up. But with a 1,000-yard rusher in Jones, it lessens the need or desire to find out. Remember, Jones rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns against Chicago the last time these teams met.

Another benefit of the Jones/Barber arrangement is that it forces defenses to spend more time in preparation.

Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher describes Jones as "a straight-ahead speed guy." He labels Barber as a more patient, cut-back runner. That alters how the defense attacks.

The Cowboys also use both players differently in the passing game.

"I definitely think it's an adjustment if the running backs are different types of runners," Chicago coach Lovie Smith said. "Barber and Jones both do a lot of things well. Both have good hands. Both are powerful runners with speed. It would be hard for me to say which one is best or any of that. Both of them give you a lot of problems.

"If you have two good players who can get the job done, to me, it's about letting them both play. Get their carries, get their touches on the ball, and everyone is happy.

"Guys just want to be involved and get their opportunities to play."

The Cowboys are monitoring those opportunities.

Running backs coach Skip Peete charts how many touches each back has during the course of the game. Jones and Barber know they'll get the ball more if they're on a roll. Otherwise, the Cowboys and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett are committed to keeping those touches close.

"I think they're both very, very conscientious guys and they're both very proud individuals and they push each other," Peete said of Jones and Barber. "If one does something, I think the other wants to get in there and do something, too. The peer pressure of pushing each other makes them better."

Barber has gotten off to the quicker start. He has 56 more yards on the ground in six less carries. Barber is tied with San Francisco's Frank Gore for the league lead in rushing touchdowns with three and has earned the nickname 'Marion the Barbarian' from receiver Terrell Owens.

"I see everybody's point certainly that Marion is doing some great things for us," Phillips said. "And that's what we hope he'll do, but the other guy is doing some good things for us, too."

Jones ripped off a 21-yard run in the third quarter of the opener to spark a touchdown drive. His 24-yard reception in the first quarter against Miami helped set up a Nick Folk field goal.

Remember that talk about fresh legs? Well, Jones faces fresh legs on defense since he's the back to start.

Jones believes he may be pressing a bit to make something happen because he knows he will come out during or after the second series. But he's not complaining about his role.

Barber appreciates his growing fan support but recognizes the coaches will determine how much he plays. Peete said both backs are supportive and exchange information during the game, a clear sign they have bought into the arrangement.

"It's kind of a good tandem to have back there," Jones said.

That doesn't mean it will be together long term.

Jones, 26, is a free agent at the end of the season. Barber, 24, is a restricted free agent. Age, a desire to carry more of the load and the economics of the open market make it unlikely that Jones and Barber will be together long. But they are together now and sharing the load.

Don't look for that to change anytime soon.

"I think it's working the way we're doing it." Phillips said. "Both of them have been pretty good."

DIVISION OF LABOR

Julius Jones and Marion Barber have combined to touch the ball on 61 of the 121 plays the Cowboys have run from scrimmage this season. Here's the breakdown by quarter.

Julius Jones Quarter Marion Barber

RUSH: 11-34 yds. REC.: 2-35 1st RUSH: 4-17. REC.: 1-(-3)

RUSH: 8-18. REC.: none. 2nd RUSH: 6-31. REC.: 2-38.

RUSH: 4-29. REC.: none. 3rd RUSH: 5-29. REC.: none.

RUSH: 8-17. REC.: none. 4th RUSH: 10-77. REC.: none.

RUSH: 31-98. REC.: 2-35. Total RUSH: 25-154. REC.: 3-35.

 

[einstein2u]

it won't change no matter how i want it to.

it is rbbc all season, unless someone gets hurt.

jj between the 20s, mb3 at the goal line.

pretty simple.