Why doesn't Dallas give Barber more carries? (1 Viewer)

[MSULions]

Watching the game last night, it was painfully obvious once again that Julius Jones is just not cut out to be a starting RB in the NFL. Worse yet, Marion Barber appears to have all the skills needed to be a star, yet he gets half the carries. But MB ALWAYS does more with fewer opportunities. So why is he on the bench for 2 out of 3 possessions? It just doesn't make sense to me.

Sunday v. Giants

MBIII: 65 yards on 11 carries - 29 yards on 1 reception - 1 touchdown

JJones: 66 yards on 16 carries - 11 yards on 1 reception - 0 touchdowns

Once again he matches Jones output on the ground with less carries, and surpasses him in receiving and scoring. So why continue to give Jones the greater load?

 

[Spartans Rule]

I didn't watch a lot of Cowboys last year and figured that all the Barber love was just hype, or maybe biased fantasy owners who wanted him to get more work.

But after Sunday night, I'm convinced Barber is just the better back. And considering how good I think Dallas is all around, making him the guy could put them over the top in the NFC. So I'm stumped too.

 

[fsufan]

i think Dallas feels neither are featured back material. JJ is the RB from 20 to20. MB is the 3rd down and goal line RB. I think Dallas will sign a FA RB or draft one next year. Turner or McFadden?

 

[Balco]

i think Dallas feels neither are featured back material. JJ is the RB from 20 to20. MB is the 3rd down and goal line RB. I think Dallas will sign a FA RB or draft one next year. Turner or McFadden?

Their running backs are fine. I am in agreement that Barber is a starter, and could be a fantastic one. he is not a plodder at all, and he runs with authority and explosiveness. I think his intensity rubs off on the whole O.Dallas needs to draft a secondary before it even thinks of running back. And arguments can be made they need a WR and an O Lineman before rb as well.If they could somehow assemble a decent secondary next season, that defense can be scary good.

 

[fsufan]

i think Dallas feels neither are featured back material. JJ is the RB from 20 to20. MB is the 3rd down and goal line RB. I think Dallas will sign a FA RB or draft one next year. Turner or McFadden?

Their running backs are fine. I am in agreement that Barber is a starter, and could be a fantastic one. he is not a plodder at all, and he runs with authority and explosiveness. I think his intensity rubs off on the whole O.Dallas needs to draft a secondary before it even thinks of running back. And arguments can be made they need a WR and an O Lineman before rb as well.If they could somehow assemble a decent secondary next season, that defense can be scary good.

they could go after Turner and use their two first round draft picks on DBs. I think JJ is a FA after this year.

 

[simmonjm]

i think Dallas feels neither are featured back material. JJ is the RB from 20 to20. MB is the 3rd down and goal line RB. I think Dallas will sign a FA RB or draft one next year. Turner or McFadden?

Their running backs are fine. I am in agreement that Barber is a starter, and could be a fantastic one. he is not a plodder at all, and he runs with authority and explosiveness. I think his intensity rubs off on the whole O.Dallas needs to draft a secondary before it even thinks of running back. And arguments can be made they need a WR and an O Lineman before rb as well.If they could somehow assemble a decent secondary next season, that defense can be scary good.

they could go after Turner and use their two first round draft picks on DBs. I think JJ is a FA after this year.

Julius Jones is in a contract year. As far as Marion Barber being the starting running back he has alot of faults (but so does Julius Jones). Barber's main fault is that he ALWAYS insists on busting his runs to the outside even if the play is designed to go to the inside, defenses are able to key on this and that is why you dont have Marion Barber as your main RB. If you need further proof look no further than Marion Barber's conversion rate on 1 yard or less last year and you will see that it was only 50% the worst in the NFL because he is always trying to go outside the tackles. I truly believe that as the season wears on Julius will get better. When Julius was a rookie and into his second year he was electric putting up huge games but the Parcells influence got to him and he began running like a robot making sure not to fumble but at the same time not trying to break tackles as this season wears on and he is not being brainwashed by the Head coach he will get better and return to his old form. Also dont doubt the advantage that Barber has when he comes into the game fresh and the defense is already winded.

 

[The Man with the Plan]

Maybe last season Marion Barber had a bomb implanted in him set to go off if he goes over 25 carries in game. Other than that I can't think of any reason MB3 doesn't get most of the carries. He's just a better player than Julius Jones.

 

[fatboyj711]

i think Dallas feels neither are featured back material. JJ is the RB from 20 to20. MB is the 3rd down and goal line RB. I think Dallas will sign a FA RB or draft one next year. Turner or McFadden?

Their running backs are fine. I am in agreement that Barber is a starter, and could be a fantastic one. he is not a plodder at all, and he runs with authority and explosiveness. I think his intensity rubs off on the whole O.Dallas needs to draft a secondary before it even thinks of running back. And arguments can be made they need a WR and an O Lineman before rb as well.If they could somehow assemble a decent secondary next season, that defense can be scary good.

they could go after Turner and use their two first round draft picks on DBs. I think JJ is a FA after this year.

Julius Jones is in a contract year. As far as Marion Barber being the starting running back he has alot of faults (but so does Julius Jones). Barber's main fault is that he ALWAYS insists on busting his runs to the outside even if the play is designed to go to the inside, defenses are able to key on this and that is why you dont have Marion Barber as your main RB. If you need further proof look no further than Marion Barber's conversion rate on 1 yard or less last year and you will see that it was only 50% the worst in the NFL because he is always trying to go outside the tackles. I truly believe that as the season wears on Julius will get better. When Julius was a rookie and into his second year he was electric putting up huge games but the Parcells influence got to him and he began running like a robot making sure not to fumble but at the same time not trying to break tackles as this season wears on and he is not being brainwashed by the Head coach he will get better and return to his old form. Also dont doubt the advantage that Barber has when he comes into the game fresh and the defense is already winded.

believe it or not, julius is a better runner between the tackes... i think all the love for marion is clouding people's opinions for julius... julius and barber make a hell of a 1-2 punch

 

[BigJim®]

i think Dallas feels neither are featured back material. JJ is the RB from 20 to20. MB is the 3rd down and goal line RB. I think Dallas will sign a FA RB or draft one next year. Turner or McFadden?

After seeing their defense give up yardage like a seive and seeing MBIII perform, Dallas fan messageboards were saying forget McFadden and get some defense in the next NFL draft. I tend to agree. RB is not this team's top need; far from it.

 

[packersfan]

I think Barber summed up the situation rather well when asked about it on Monday:

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it," Barber said.

 

[KellysHeroes]

I think Barber summed up the situation rather well when asked about it on Monday:"If it ain't broke, don't fix it," Barber said.

Yeap... Both RB 3... with Barber III a higher upside

 

[Dt's Mules]

I think Barber summed up the situation rather well when asked about it on Monday:"If it ain't broke, don't fix it," Barber said.

no kidding...from a ff perspective it's less than ideal, but from an nfl perspective it keeps both guys fresh and works out quite well.

 

[Jayrod]

I think Barber summed up the situation rather well when asked about it on Monday:"If it ain't broke, don't fix it," Barber said.

no kidding...from a ff perspective it's less than ideal, but from an nfl perspective it keeps both guys fresh and works out quite well.

There is no reason for the Cowboys to change their RB strategy. Both RB's averaged over 4 ypc and both had an effective catch and run. Why not keep them both fresh? They'd be stupid to just "start" MBIII and make JJ a backup. Fantasy football ain't real football, fellas.

 

[ScoobyDoo]

Jerry loves Julie. That is all.

 

[Wu-banger]

i think Dallas feels neither are featured back material. JJ is the RB from 20 to20. MB is the 3rd down and goal line RB. I think Dallas will sign a FA RB or draft one next year. Turner or McFadden?

Their running backs are fine. I am in agreement that Barber is a starter, and could be a fantastic one. he is not a plodder at all, and he runs with authority and explosiveness. I think his intensity rubs off on the whole O.Dallas needs to draft a secondary before it even thinks of running back. And arguments can be made they need a WR and an O Lineman before rb as well.

If they could somehow assemble a decent secondary next season, that defense can be scary good.

they could go after Turner and use their two first round draft picks on DBs. I think JJ is a FA after this year.

Julius Jones is in a contract year. As far as Marion Barber being the starting running back he has alot of faults (but so does Julius Jones). Barber's main fault is that he ALWAYS insists on busting his runs to the outside even if the play is designed to go to the inside, defenses are able to key on this and that is why you dont have Marion Barber as your main RB. If you need further proof look no further than Marion Barber's conversion rate on 1 yard or less last year and you will see that it was only 50% the worst in the NFL because he is always trying to go outside the tackles. I truly believe that as the season wears on Julius will get better. When Julius was a rookie and into his second year he was electric putting up huge games but the Parcells influence got to him and he began running like a robot making sure not to fumble but at the same time not trying to break tackles as this season wears on and he is not being brainwashed by the Head coach he will get better and return to his old form. Also dont doubt the advantage that Barber has when he comes into the game fresh and the defense is already winded.

believe it or not, julius is a better runner between the tackes... i think all the love for marion is clouding people's opinions for julius... julius and barber make a hell of a 1-2 punch

I hope people read these two post and start accepting it as reality.

I am tired of this debate every week ... they work well together. .. get over it.

It sucks for fantasy but I dont think the Boys are worried about your team.

Barber gets the love here because he gets the TD's and finishes every run very hard and gets open lanes in draw plays to boost his average.

He would struggle on 1st or 2nd down when D's key on the run ... just look at his short yardage success rate.

 

[BigJim®]

I think Barber summed up the situation rather well when asked about it on Monday:"If it ain't broke, don't fix it," Barber said.

Player speak.

 

[Da Guru]

Watching the game last night, it was painfully obvious once again that Julius Jones is just not cut out to be a starting RB in the NFL. Worse yet, Marion Barber appears to have all the skills needed to be a star, yet he gets half the carries. But MB ALWAYS does more with fewer opportunities. So why is he on the bench for 2 out of 3 possessions? It just doesn't make sense to me. Sunday v. GiantsMBIII: 65 yards on 11 carries - 29 yards on 1 reception - 1 touchdownJJones: 66 yards on 16 carries - 11 yards on 1 reception - 0 touchdownsOnce again he matches Jones output on the ground with less carries, and surpasses him in receiving and scoring. So why continue to give Jones the greater load?

To keep him fresh.

 

[twitch]

First, Julius is not a bad back. He's not one of the top 15 RBs in the league, but he's not horrible either. Barber is better, imo. Many seem to agree. But I think Dallas is just sticking with the formula that's been working to this point, and helping them get wins. This team should have advanced deep into the playoffs last year with Jones as the starter if not for the fumble. But it seems to me that this is probably Jones' last year with the Cowboys. And Barber will still be under contract with the club after Jones is gone. So, theyre going to give Jones his usual # of carries and hope that he's able to shine and help the club, wear him out a little, but let him go to some other club and earn a decent contract. I think they'll actually try and re-sign Barber long term. But if they can limit his overall #s, it will help the team limit his overall contract dollars. Maybe Im reading too much into this. And this angle may have nothing to do with it. But its the way teams think when it comes to managing their teams. But to keep it simple, the formula seems to work, so if it aint broke, dont fix it. If youre a Barber owner, be patient. He's going to give you good #s all year. next year, I think you'll really like what he gives you.

 

[BigJim®]

And Barber will still be under contract with the club after Jones is gone.

Barber will be a RFA after this season.

 

[Big Score]

I am tired of this debate every week ... they work well together. .. get over it.

It sucks for fantasy but I dont think the Boys are worried about your team.

Barber gets the love here because he gets the TD's and finishes every run very hard and gets open lanes in draw plays to boost his average.

He would struggle on 1st or 2nd down when D's key on the run ... just look at his short yardage success rate.

Looking at Barber's yardage when getting 1st & 2nd down carries from the play-by-play, this is false.

Looking at Barber's game logs from when JJ was out & he assumed the fulltime RB duties, also proves this to be false.

 

[B-Deep]

I think clearly they need to use both, but you need to get closer to a 50/50 split. Las year barber wouldn't do much till the 3rd quarter, and then if the cowboys were behind he just became a wasted weapon (rushing)

Stick with both but get the rock in barber's hands a bit more

 

[GoinDeep]

i think Dallas feels neither are featured back material. JJ is the RB from 20 to20. MB is the 3rd down and goal line RB. I think Dallas will sign a FA RB or draft one next year. Turner or McFadden?

Their running backs are fine. I am in agreement that Barber is a starter, and could be a fantastic one. he is not a plodder at all, and he runs with authority and explosiveness. I think his intensity rubs off on the whole O.Dallas needs to draft a secondary before it even thinks of running back. And arguments can be made they need a WR and an O Lineman before rb as well.

If they could somehow assemble a decent secondary next season, that defense can be scary good.

they could go after Turner and use their two first round draft picks on DBs. I think JJ is a FA after this year.

Julius Jones is in a contract year. As far as Marion Barber being the starting running back he has alot of faults (but so does Julius Jones). Barber's main fault is that he ALWAYS insists on busting his runs to the outside even if the play is designed to go to the inside, defenses are able to key on this and that is why you dont have Marion Barber as your main RB. If you need further proof look no further than Marion Barber's conversion rate on 1 yard or less last year and you will see that it was only 50% the worst in the NFL because he is always trying to go outside the tackles. I truly believe that as the season wears on Julius will get better. When Julius was a rookie and into his second year he was electric putting up huge games but the Parcells influence got to him and he began running like a robot making sure not to fumble but at the same time not trying to break tackles as this season wears on and he is not being brainwashed by the Head coach he will get better and return to his old form. Also dont doubt the advantage that Barber has when he comes into the game fresh and the defense is already winded.

believe it or not, julius is a better runner between the tackes... i think all the love for marion is clouding people's opinions for julius... julius and barber make a hell of a 1-2 punch

I hope people read these two post and start accepting it as reality.

I am tired of this debate every week ... they work well together. .. get over it.

It sucks for fantasy but I dont think the Boys are worried about your team.

Barber gets the love here because he gets the TD's and finishes every run very hard and gets open lanes in draw plays to boost his average.

He would struggle on 1st or 2nd down when D's key on the run ... just look at his short yardage success rate.

FINALLY...signs of intelligent life!

 

[packersfan]

I was a Barber owner last season and never once bought into the belief that Barber would take the starting job barring an injury to Jones. I'm a Jones owner this season and my thoughts about this situation haven't changed. I happen to think both players are fine RBs but it makes no difference who any of us think is better; the bottom line is this situation worked extremely well last season and was a team strength. A new coaching staff came in and came to the exact same conclusion. So it's safe to say the Jones/Barber breakdown from last season wasn't just a byproduct of what Parcells wanted or believed. It's clear Phillips and Garrett view the two RBs the exact same way. Given how well the situation works there's no reason for them to change it unless one of the RBs gets hurt or underperforms. It's clear that now two different coaching staffs view these players in a similar light and believe the way the setup is currently fashioned is what's right for the team and the two backs themselves.

I still think Barber loses a few TDs this season only because scoring 16 as a backup is a pretty incredible accomplishment. That was a stars were all aligned just right for him kind of season. So I expect his TD number to drop with Jones maybe stealing a couple and the rest going to the passing game (my guess would be Witten). From week to week I think both RBs will be solid RB3 options with RB2 upside (as was the case in Week 1 with Barber). I wouldn't hesitate to start both in those roles given how good I think they are and how explosive I believe the Cowboys offense will be this season.

 

[packersfan]

More on this:

Link

 

[Ilov80s]

i think Dallas feels neither are featured back material. JJ is the RB from 20 to20. MB is the 3rd down and goal line RB. I think Dallas will sign a FA RB or draft one next year. Turner or McFadden?

Their running backs are fine. I am in agreement that Barber is a starter, and could be a fantastic one. he is not a plodder at all, and he runs with authority and explosiveness. I think his intensity rubs off on the whole O.Dallas needs to draft a secondary before it even thinks of running back. And arguments can be made they need a WR and an O Lineman before rb as well.

If they could somehow assemble a decent secondary next season, that defense can be scary good.

they could go after Turner and use their two first round draft picks on DBs. I think JJ is a FA after this year.

Julius Jones is in a contract year. As far as Marion Barber being the starting running back he has alot of faults (but so does Julius Jones). Barber's main fault is that he ALWAYS insists on busting his runs to the outside even if the play is designed to go to the inside, defenses are able to key on this and that is why you dont have Marion Barber as your main RB. If you need further proof look no further than Marion Barber's conversion rate on 1 yard or less last year and you will see that it was only 50% the worst in the NFL because he is always trying to go outside the tackles. I truly believe that as the season wears on Julius will get better. When Julius was a rookie and into his second year he was electric putting up huge games but the Parcells influence got to him and he began running like a robot making sure not to fumble but at the same time not trying to break tackles as this season wears on and he is not being brainwashed by the Head coach he will get better and return to his old form. Also dont doubt the advantage that Barber has when he comes into the game fresh and the defense is already winded.

believe it or not, julius is a better runner between the tackes... i think all the love for marion is clouding people's opinions for julius... julius and barber make a hell of a 1-2 punch

I hope people read these two post and start accepting it as reality.

I am tired of this debate every week ... they work well together. .. get over it.

It sucks for fantasy but I dont think the Boys are worried about your team.

Barber gets the love here because he gets the TD's and finishes every run very hard and gets open lanes in draw plays to boost his average.

He would struggle on 1st or 2nd down when D's key on the run ... just look at his short yardage success rate.

FINALLY...signs of intelligent life!

People here tend to look at it from a fantasy perspective and forget the reality perspective. In 06, the Cowboys got 2000 yards and 20 TDs from those 2 backs. Thats a great combo and theres no reason to mess with that kind of production.

 

[Billy1x]

Watching the game last night, it was painfully obvious once again that Julius Jones is just not cut out to be a starting RB in the NFL. Worse yet, Marion Barber appears to have all the skills needed to be a star, yet he gets half the carries. But MB ALWAYS does more with fewer opportunities. So why is he on the bench for 2 out of 3 possessions? It just doesn't make sense to me. Sunday v. GiantsMBIII: 65 yards on 11 carries - 29 yards on 1 reception - 1 touchdownJJones: 66 yards on 16 carries - 11 yards on 1 reception - 0 touchdownsOnce again he matches Jones output on the ground with less carries, and surpasses him in receiving and scoring. So why continue to give Jones the greater load?

Drew Rosenhaus is Barber's new agent and is trying to negotiate a new contract. What would you do?

 

[Spartans Rule]

People here tend to look at it from a fantasy perspective and forget the reality perspective. In 06, the Cowboys got 2000 yards and 20 TDs from those 2 backs. Thats a great combo and theres no reason to mess with that kind of production.

Dallas didn't have 2000 yards rushing as a team last year, and was only 13th in the NFL in rushing and 15th in YPC.And even though that's not bad, just because something works doesn't mean it couldn't work better a different way.Imagine if the Chargers started Michael Turner and then brought in Tomlinson for third downs and short yardage. They'd easily be a Top 5 rushing offense in the NFL. Would you then say that they shouldn't mess with that kind of production?There's room for improvement, and IMO Barber would bring that improvement with more work.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Watching the game last night, it was painfully obvious once again that Julius Jones is just not cut out to be a starting RB in the NFL. Worse yet, Marion Barber appears to have all the skills needed to be a star, yet he gets half the carries. But MB ALWAYS does more with fewer opportunities. So why is he on the bench for 2 out of 3 possessions? It just doesn't make sense to me. Sunday v. GiantsMBIII: 65 yards on 11 carries - 29 yards on 1 reception - 1 touchdownJJones: 66 yards on 16 carries - 11 yards on 1 reception - 0 touchdownsOnce again he matches Jones output on the ground with less carries, and surpasses him in receiving and scoring. So why continue to give Jones the greater load?

Drew Rosenhaus is Barber's new agent and is trying to negotiate a new contract. What would you do?

Play the best RB (Barber), have a great season, draft Darrin McFadden with the pick they get from Cleveland and tell Rosenhaus off.

 

[fatboyj711]

People here tend to look at it from a fantasy perspective and forget the reality perspective. In 06, the Cowboys got 2000 yards and 20 TDs from those 2 backs. Thats a great combo and theres no reason to mess with that kind of production.

Dallas didn't have 2000 yards rushing as a team last year, and was only 13th in the NFL in rushing and 15th in YPC.And even though that's not bad, just because something works doesn't mean it couldn't work better a different way.

Imagine if the Chargers started Michael Turner and then brought in Tomlinson for third downs and short yardage. They'd easily be a Top 5 rushing offense in the NFL. Would you then say that they shouldn't mess with that kind of production?

There's room for improvement, and IMO Barber would bring that improvement with more work.

is this a joke? if that were the situation in SD before LT2 was LT2, then yes... i'd say they shouldn't mess with that kind of production...

worst analogy ever

 

[Ilov80s]

People here tend to look at it from a fantasy perspective and forget the reality perspective. In 06, the Cowboys got 2000 yards and 20 TDs from those 2 backs. Thats a great combo and theres no reason to mess with that kind of production.

Dallas didn't have 2000 yards rushing as a team last year, and was only 13th in the NFL in rushing and 15th in YPC.And even though that's not bad, just because something works doesn't mean it couldn't work better a different way.Imagine if the Chargers started Michael Turner and then brought in Tomlinson for third downs and short yardage. They'd easily be a Top 5 rushing offense in the NFL. Would you then say that they shouldn't mess with that kind of production?There's room for improvement, and IMO Barber would bring that improvement with more work.

2000 total yards from those 2 RBs (actually about 1,974)Comparing MB3 to LT is really stretching it IMO. If MB3 had anywhere near the elite talent LT did, then he would get 20 carries a game. Obviously 2 coaching regimes seem to agree that the RBBC is best for the team.

 

[kensat30]

Why doesn't Michael Turner get more carries?

Same story right? He always beats out Tomlinson statistically.

 

[Spartans Rule]

People here tend to look at it from a fantasy perspective and forget the reality perspective. In 06, the Cowboys got 2000 yards and 20 TDs from those 2 backs. Thats a great combo and theres no reason to mess with that kind of production.

Dallas didn't have 2000 yards rushing as a team last year, and was only 13th in the NFL in rushing and 15th in YPC.And even though that's not bad, just because something works doesn't mean it couldn't work better a different way.

Imagine if the Chargers started Michael Turner and then brought in Tomlinson for third downs and short yardage. They'd easily be a Top 5 rushing offense in the NFL. Would you then say that they shouldn't mess with that kind of production?

There's room for improvement, and IMO Barber would bring that improvement with more work.

2000 total yards from those 2 RBs (actually about 1,974)Comparing MB3 to LT is really stretching it IMO. If MB3 had anywhere near the elite talent LT did, then he would get 20 carries a game. Obviously 2 coaching regimes seem to agree that the RBBC is best for the team.

I'm not comparing Marion Barber to LaDainian Tomlinson. Why do people here never understand how analogies work?The point is merely that just because the current platoon is "working" (giving Dallas a slightly above-average running game) doesn't mean that it's the one that would be most effective.

 

[packersfan]

There's room for improvement, and IMO Barber would bring that improvement with more work.

Two different coaching staffs have disagreed with that assessment. I think there might be something to the belief if it was just one coaching staff who went with a certain approach. But when an entirely new staff comes in and reaches the same conclusion perhaps there are factors at work that people here aren't seeing. There has to be a reason why not one, but two coaching staffs believe it's in the team's best interest to go with the same approach, don't you think?

 

[Spartans Rule]

Why doesn't Michael Turner get more carries?Same story right? He always beats out Tomlinson statistically.

More to it than stats. You watch Tomlinson, he's the best back in the NFL. It's obvious he's better than Turner.IMO it's just as obvious that when you watch Barber, he's better than Jones. And I know I'm not the only one with that opinion, not by a longshot.

 

[fatboyj711]

Why doesn't Michael Turner get more carries?Same story right? He always beats out Tomlinson statistically.

More to it than stats. You watch Tomlinson, he's the best back in the NFL. It's obvious he's better than Turner.IMO it's just as obvious that when you watch Barber, he's better than Jones. And I know I'm not the only one with that opinion, not by a longshot.

i think a lot of people on the other side of your argument will agree that barber is the "better" back... but julius + barber > barber... there are times when coaches kinda know what they are doing...

 

[Spartans Rule]

There's room for improvement, and IMO Barber would bring that improvement with more work.

Two different coaching staffs have disagreed with that assessment. I think there might be something to the belief if it was just one coaching staff who went with a certain approach. But when an entirely new staff comes in and reaches the same conclusion perhaps there are factors at work that people here aren't seeing. There has to be a reason why not one, but two coaching staffs believe it's in the team's best interest to go with the same approach, don't you think?

Those factors may have nothing to do with who the better back is.The impending free agency of both players may be a factor. The GM's opinion or the owner's opinion may be a factor. The fact that changing the status quo could cause unrest in the locker room, and put the coach under more scrutiny, could be a factor.

 

[packersfan]

There's room for improvement, and IMO Barber would bring that improvement with more work.

Two different coaching staffs have disagreed with that assessment. I think there might be something to the belief if it was just one coaching staff who went with a certain approach. But when an entirely new staff comes in and reaches the same conclusion perhaps there are factors at work that people here aren't seeing. There has to be a reason why not one, but two coaching staffs believe it's in the team's best interest to go with the same approach, don't you think?

Those factors may have nothing to do with who the better back is.The impending free agency of both players may be a factor. The GM's opinion or the owner's opinion may be a factor. The fact that changing the status quo could cause unrest in the locker room, and put the coach under more scrutiny, could be a factor.

So could the factor that the current approach worked well last season, worked well again in Week 1 and two different coaching staffs have come to the same conclusion that it's the best way for the team to manage the RB position.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Why doesn't Michael Turner get more carries?Same story right? He always beats out Tomlinson statistically.

More to it than stats. You watch Tomlinson, he's the best back in the NFL. It's obvious he's better than Turner.IMO it's just as obvious that when you watch Barber, he's better than Jones. And I know I'm not the only one with that opinion, not by a longshot.

i think a lot of people on the other side of your argument will agree that barber is the "better" back... but julius + barber > barber... there are times when coaches kinda know what they are doing...

It's not like I'm suggesting they cut Julius tomorrow and give Barber 400 carries. Just tip the scales a bit in favor of the better player.I used to be on the opposite side of this argument, but the more I watch Barber the more I'm convinced that there shouldn't even be a debate.

 

[packersfan]

there are times when coaches kinda know what they are doing...

Yup. And again, when the same conclusion is reached by two different coaching staffs then it would seem to be a rather strong argument in favor of that conclusion. As a Barber owner last season I heard the same arguments and I was arguing constantly that nothing was going to change and it didn't. And I don't think anything is going to change this season either. It's clear the team believes the best way to handle their RB situation is the current approach. The current staff must believe, as Parcells' staff believed, that starting Barber or giving him the majority of carries isn't in the team's best interests. It's difficult for me to believe that two different coaching staffs could reach the same conclusion and both of them be wrong.

 

[fatboyj711]

Why doesn't Michael Turner get more carries?Same story right? He always beats out Tomlinson statistically.

More to it than stats. You watch Tomlinson, he's the best back in the NFL. It's obvious he's better than Turner.IMO it's just as obvious that when you watch Barber, he's better than Jones. And I know I'm not the only one with that opinion, not by a longshot.

i think a lot of people on the other side of your argument will agree that barber is the "better" back... but julius + barber > barber... there are times when coaches kinda know what they are doing...

It's not like I'm suggesting they cut Julius tomorrow and give Barber 400 carries. Just tip the scales a bit in favor of the better player.I used to be on the opposite side of this argument, but the more I watch Barber the more I'm convinced that there shouldn't even be a debate.

they run their rushing attack based on the situation, not numbers... barber got the redzone and 3rd down work while julius started and got most the carries btw the 20's.... are you suggesting that dallas start barber? If so I disagree for the many reasons already posted