A few thoughts on the Dallas RB situation from a big cowboy fan who doesn't own any of them.Dallas will run the ball 500 times this year.Thompson has the best pure running ability of the three. He is the fastest of the three. His problem is all the other things that RBs need to do, namely block. That requires technical precision as well as understanding defenses and blitzes. According to Parcells, Thompson is much improved in this area versus a year ago, but is "a little less than perfect". He's improving here, but is not where he needs to be. Until he is, he'll only get spot carries. When Dallas is up 2 TD in the 4th and not likely to throw much, you'll see him get carries.Barber has the least speed and does not threaten a defense the way JJ and TT do. He has the best understanding of the game of the three, is the best blocker and receiver of the three. He probably has the most power of the three. Though I'm far from an expert, from watching him, he appears to have good vision and balance. Parcells has said Barber reminds him of Freeman McNeil. A solid, versatile, dependable back. His skill set makes him very good for 3rd downs, goal line, and COP.JJ is somewhat in between TT and MB. He has breakaway speed that threatens a defense. He has exceptional acceleration. He's a decent pass receiver. And an adequate blocker. He has a decent understanding of defenses and blitzes. From my less than expert eyes, I wish JJ had a bit better vision. Coming into the season, I expected JJ to get 2/3 of the carries and MB3 1/3. Thats still probably not too far off, baring injury. But if TT keeps improving, he might eat into some of JJ's carries. Maybe something like 60%, 30%, 10%. Or 50%, 35%, 15%. You get the idea.MB3 isn't being challenged for the 3rd down back position. JJ is being challenged a bit by both TT and MB3 in the base offense. JJ is still the man. But his hold on that role is less firm than MB3's role.