SPORTSDAY

Posted by Timbo @ 3:02 PM Fri, Jun 29, 2007

Barber has dreadlocks and those slow him down. If he would lose the dreadlocks, he could beat out JJ. The last time we had a big-time back in the state of TX with dreadlocks, I believe he ended up on the beach puffing magic dragons. Tell Barber to lose the locks and he's a shoe-in for the HOF.

Posted by Big Kev @ 3:03 PM Fri, Jun 29, 2007

I commend you sir for taking the time to look that up. You proved me wrong.

Posted by Gary @ 3:15 PM Fri, Jun 29, 2007

Go back in time and do the same breakdown for Troy Hambrick in 2001. At least you know what JJ is. Barber you really don't. If he's better it'll show up in camp. Until then let's hold off on the Ring of Honor ceremony.

Posted by JOHN @ 3:24 PM Fri, Jun 29, 2007

I dont think anything was proven. First, MB was the back on the field the most in the 4th qtr, the time of game the D was the most tired. How did that effect his play? Plus, if i recall, the last couple games last year, MB was getting stuffed himself at the goal line. JJ ws not playing much at the end , but was that because he was worn out, or because Bill simply wanted MB in the game? we will never know. The bottom line is this, JJ deserves a chance, but if he does not perform, then give MB a chance. after all, we may loose both after this year since both have contracts ready to expire.

Posted by Gary Quakenbush @ 3:28 PM Fri, Jun 29, 2007

I agree 100%...Marion Barber should be at least given the chance to see what he can do as the featured back before we invest big dollars in JJ. I would hate for us to see Barber go to another team and us regret it.

Posted by Darius @ 3:30 PM Fri, Jun 29, 2007

I really like both Barber and Jones. And Barber's #'s tell a pretty compelling story. But any Dallas fan who can remember just 2 seasons back, has SEEN Julius do things that Barber is not capable of. We just want to see if Julius still has that shifty ability he showed while compiling some of the highest single game rushing totals in franchise history. He has shown that he is capable of being that game breaker. We want to see him go back to running on instinct and not thinking where he should run. If he is given that oppurtunity this year and he performs like last year, his bandwagon will be empty and there will be no more wondering from a disbanded fan club.

Posted by Gincy Hartin @ 4:18 PM Fri, Jun 29, 2007

In a previous post, DCFanatic reminded us of JJ's 77-yard TD run against the Saints last year. To me, that says it all. JJ is a threat to take it all the way on any given carry. Does Barber strike that kind of fear into the heart of a defense? So far, no one has successfully refuted this argument.

JJ's yards per carry may be lower than Barber's, but it's still worthwhile to give JJ more carries since he's a home-run hitter unlike Barber.

Posted by Russ @ 4:22 PM Fri, Jun 29, 2007

Very interesting. Give him a legitimate shot.
Also what backs up the notion that in the 4'th quarter the poor out of shape defenders are too tired to play.
Is there a huge disparate distribution of points scored in the 4'th - tons of yards given up?
These guys are in incredible shape. And gee, don't they also rotate guys in to keep them fresh?

Posted by FREITO @ 4:45 PM Fri, Jun 29, 2007

I thought that the adrenaline kicked in during the 4th quarter. If any of you are going to sit here and tell me that these guys are making millions of dollars and they are getting "tired" in the fourth quarter, then I might as well shut the T.V. off after the third. And if you are going to say the defense is tired, what about the O-line?

Posted by al king @ 4:50 PM Fri, Jun 29, 2007

Bottom line is this: In this day and time, you need multiple backs. Barber and Jones make a very good combination. Players need to quit being selfish. What's important is winning. There have been plenty of players with lots of stats, but in the end, they all cry about not having won a title. The two of them just need to play ball. Do we remember Franco and Bleier; Mercury Morris, Csonka, and Kiick; Dorsett, Pearson, Newhouse, Laidlaw, and Springs; just two name a few tandems that were successful.

Posted by Saint Jimmy @ 4:53 PM Fri, Jun 29, 2007

Don't lump me in with the JJFC. I'm in the D-Mac FC. But since he's still stuck in Arkansas I have to think of what will be the best situation for the Cowboys running game this year.

But since you want a reason why the running game shouldn't be changed. Let's just say for arguement's sake that MB3 will be as good if not a little better as a primary back than JJ has been. Now ask yourself...can JJ be as effective in MB3's role? The answer is most likely a big no. He's not a punishing back that can finish the games like MB3. He's not as good of a blocker as MB3 in nickel situations. And he's not as strong as MB3 at the goaline.

So just by making that switch you've already lost some production. I say don't fix what ain't broke. And if JJ is so deadset about leaving...good riddance, we'll just take Darren McFadden anyway and be a whole lot better off.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I'm not saying they should switch roles. Barber is the short-yardage and third-down guy, period. All I'm saying is that Barber should be given a shot to earn a bigger chunk of the other carries.

Posted by evilinc @ 5:04 PM Fri, Jun 29, 2007

Seems to me the query assumes some things. First it assumes that Barber wasn't, or isn't going to be, "given a shot", and, perhaps of greater importance, that there's actually a "shot" to be gotten. Parcells never seemed to find the notion of "starter" as important as the fans and media and it appears he used the backs in the manner he thought most appropriate, regarless of the notion of "starter". Certainly, over the second half of the season, Barber got more and more work, and Jones less and less.

While I'm not personally confident that Barber can do as a "starter" what he's done in his previous role, I certainly think he's been a good back. I can only say that we've seen flashes of greatness from Jones that far exceed anything we've seen from Barber. It may be that Jones is one of those coaching teases who never fullfills his promise. We'll see. But certainly, I'd do what has been done--pay attention at practice, give the ball to the guy who looks like the biggest threat, or, if they're roughly equal, try to take advantage of their unique skills and share the load. If someone steps up, ride that horse.

Posted by Burt-D @ 5:23 PM Fri, Jun 29, 2007

Right on Tim!

Next you need to debunk the Barber/Hambrick comparisons.

Posted by DCFanatic @ 5:39 PM Fri, Jun 29, 2007

HEY MCMAHON!!!!!!!!!

I guess I have to post this everyday until it finds a way to get into that thick skull of yours!

I will reference one play that tells me that Julius Jones should be on the field more often than Marion Barber III.

Against the Saints last season on the Cowboys second offensive play of the game Julius hit a hole and took the ball 77 yards for a TD. Marion Barber can't now nor will he ever be able to outrun a defense like that.

Julius Jones has the 'potential' to do that each and every time he touches the football. This is why he should get 20 carries and MBIII should stick with his 10-12 carries a game.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Oh, you must be referring to Jones' only TD in the last half of the season. You know, lottery tickets have the potential to make you rich, but that doesn't make them good investments.

Posted by Richard @ 6:33 PM Fri, Jun 29, 2007

Man will you people please give up the ridiculous "77 yard TD" argument. He has pulled off one of those in his career. You mean to tell me he locked up the starter position indefinitely with that ONE run?! I will take Barber's every down production, over JJ's one breakout run a year any day. If JJ could have averaged a decent ypc during the final stretch last year, maybe the offence could have kept that god awful pass defence off the field. I doubt, however, that reason will get through to this crowd. JJ could probably make some cash selling all of his fan boys pics of himself without his pads on!

Posted by Charles - ATL @ 7:36 PM Fri, Jun 29, 2007

No...you anti-Julius people need to give it up. There is a reason Julius has continued to be named the starter: his big-play capability. Yes, he hasn't achieved quite to the level expected, but he has done a pretty good job overall. Numerous people have pointed out again and again what history has told us about clamoring for the 2nd, change-up, or 3rd down back. They typically don't pan out as the #1 guy. Now if your argument is that Marion should get more touches in his current role, e.g., thrown to more (better receiver) or alternating maybe 1 out of 3 series as the back on downs 1-2, then I have no problem with that. The key is the tandem HAS BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL...and this year we find out if Julius can consistently provide big plays under the new regime and o-philosophy. Right now, any attempt to drum up support for Marion being the #1 back (for Dallas anyway) based on stats is a waste of your time people.

Posted by Not So Crazy Ray @ 8:17 PM Fri, Jun 29, 2007

I certainly don't see how anyone would have a problem with giving MB3 a shot at the job. Everybody put away the anointing oils for him, OK? But, give him a shot. Julius has shown brilliant flashes, but it's not as if he has some great track record that allows him to stake claim to the job without competition.

We have two pretty good backs who, as a tandem, are awfully darn good. It will be about a 60/40 split anyway, so this isn't really as big a deal as some make it out to be. Since Julius won't be "held back" by a certain future HOF-er head coach this year, though, I expect a Pro Bowl performance from him (much sarcasm intended).

Posted by rafe hollister @ 9:07 PM Fri, Jun 29, 2007

ONCE AGAIN, Julius will be gone after this season regardless of how good or bad his season. If its bad, he is a goner, and if it is good, the boys will not pay the toll in free agency to keep him.
Not with Darren McFadden coming on board(yes, I am making that assumption)

Furthermore, even though Barber is a restricted free agent, they may not resign him either if he demands too much - How many carries are you going to take away from McFadden anyway?

I would love to see a McFadden/Barber backfield but JULIUS IS GONE. You can take that to the bank.

Posted by Mike @ 9:25 PM Fri, Jun 29, 2007

Come on, Tim. You're saying because Barber had some success on 2nd and short or 3rd and short it's supposed to prove something? Did you forget that 2nd and short is the best play-action situation there is and that defenses might be looking for that? Did you forget 3rd and ANYTHING has much more potential for a pass play than a run play?

This entry is a waste of space, Tim.

EDITOR'S NOTE: You kinda missed the point of all that fancy math I did, buddy.

Posted by Cruz @ 9:26 PM Fri, Jun 29, 2007

Does nayone remember julius rookie year after he came back from the shoulder injury? He was a beast. He had close to 900 yrds just being eddie george's backup that year. His sophomore was decent in which ha had only 2 good games, the eagles game he got hurt and the carolina game. His 2006 season would been a monster year for him had it not been for mbIII and parcells' fear of jones getting injured again. Do you not remember jones had three 100 yard games in a row(under the 2 tightend fornation). Do you really think barber can accomplish that? I really like Barber but he should be the 3rd down guy and the reciever back.

Posted by John @ 9:45 PM Fri, Jun 29, 2007

Haha! Tim, I just read your response to the trying to be intelligent guy on the other RB entry. "Creditentials" haha, I love the style!

Anyways, I agree with you completely, MBIII Should get a chance to start. But, I'm not convinced to see them take Julius out just yet. Let him start the first couple games and if he isn't any good, take him out and put the bruiser in. I mean I did notice JJ wasn't the same runner the past 2 years as he was his rookie year. I guess he was "parcellerized" ugh, that parcelleration is a terrible scary thing to come down with as a player...you may never be the same!

Anyways...I think both runners will be good without Parcells around. And this is to you Parcells, Down in Dallas we're bustin out the Annointing Oil for everyone!!!

Posted by Quincyyyyy @ 11:50 PM Fri, Jun 29, 2007

JuJo had 3 good games is rookie season. Just three. Get over it guys JuJo sucks, always have always will.

Posted by Saint Jimmy @ 7:22 AM Sat, Jun 30, 2007

I forgot to give you some credit Timmy. I'm not a big fan of stat-bending but at least you did it as fair as possible unlike that quack reporter you blogged about the other day. So props for that.

And I'm glad to see that you're not on record for those 2 switching roles. If it were up to me I would give JJ 3-4 drives (no subs) in the 1st half with MB3 getting 1-2 and then reversing it in the 2nd half. I really don't like the nickel back sub. To me it's just tipping off the defense. And both RB's are capable of being a 1st-3rd down back...just not for 60 minutes like Emmitt.

But we shouldn't get so wrapped up in all of this who should start or get more carries. Let the games dictate it. If Dallas has a 10 point lead in the 2nd half...basically bench JJ and let MB3 give out a pounding. If it's a close game keep JJ in since he's more likely to bust off a big gain.

Watching some 2006 highlights on youtube it still baffles me that the draw play wasn't used more often when JJ was in the game. Seems like everytime he busts one for 15+ yards it's on a delay/draw running play. His TD run against the Saints, his 20+ yard TD run in Philly, some real nice runs against the Redskins in Dallas, his TD run against Carolina were all draw/delay plays (and notice how many times I wrote TD). Not to mention his rookie year where his big games were almost exclusively draw/delay running plays.

Posted by hunter @ 8:03 AM Sat, Jun 30, 2007

i see jj no more than what he is.after the season he will be gone and we will use clevlands pick on mcfadden. keep mb as his backup.it is better to have a star running back to go with tony romo.look at troy aikman had smith and irvin.we need more fire power and young talented on the offense side of the ball.jj will always act like he is hurt.he is not a complete back.not good hands and below average blocker.he will never a franchise back.

Posted by treek @ 8:09 AM Sat, Jun 30, 2007

I like jj and mb as a team . It might be interesting to switch them,as to when they get in the game.I sure would like to see what jj could do in the 4th quarter if he were fresher.You got to like mb and his attitude towards hitting the hole!

Posted by Mike H @ 8:41 AM Sat, Jun 30, 2007

For the record, I prefer that JJ start over MB3. I think that JJ's running style fits the starter’s role and MB3's style fits the short-yardage/change-of-pace role. Even though I want JJ to start, I'm not going to hate on MB3's skills. I think MB3 is a good back too. In fact, individually, they both would provide a decent running game. But together they provide a very good running game.

Some of you guys, on both sides, seem like you're rooting for someone to fail just so you can win this silly argument. I want both guys to be successful that way the COWBOYS win. If one or both fail, the COWBOYS suffer.

What’s more important, winning this argument or the COWBOYS winning?

Posted by Jack Nicholson @ 9:33 AM Sat, Jun 30, 2007

You can't handle the truth!

Posted by rhdj @ 12:48 PM Sat, Jun 30, 2007

Man do I miss Matt. This guy takes everything far to personal. Then insults you for disagreeing with him. If he is that good he will win the job,bottom line. Get over it. Stats prove nothing, you and I both know it. Remember the ststs said troy Hamerick was better than Emmitt, WE ALL KNOW HOW THAT WENT.

Posted by Chris Jordan @ 5:44 PM Sat, Jun 30, 2007

Ask Romo how many blocks Barber missed in pass protection.

Posted by Neal @ 11:30 PM Sat, Jun 30, 2007

I agree with you 110%. Barbar makes first downs and touchdowns period! He moves the chains. Sounds like a good measurement of a starting RB. Stop the madness and give Barbar a shot at starting!

Posted by Burt-D @ 12:56 AM Sun, Jul 01, 2007

Um Chris Jordan, pass protection is actually one of the well known facts that makes Barber better than JuJo. Thats why Parcells perfered to have MB3 in on passing downs. Get your facts straight.

Posted by Mike Stevens @ 1:46 AM Sun, Jul 01, 2007

I like Marion Barber (and Michael Turner) ever since I heard of his accomplishments as they were happening at Minnesota. At least I had heard of him in college. He was ranked high in YPC and was one of the few RBs that had a significant number of catches in the college RB stat listings when the cowboys were starting Troy Hambrick. I was looking for someone draftable down the road to replace Hambrick. Same thing with Turner.

I have to say that until the NFL draft I never heard of Julius Jones. Why should I? He was hurt a lot of the time and never really stood out as anything special there. So why should I feel any more loyalty to him than I would either Barber or Turner? Does his draft position make him better? Would being a #2 draft pick make him better than Terrel Davis in his Bronco prime who was drafted in the 6th round? Ofcourse not.

Listen, I like Julius Jones too and I thought Parcells was messing up his instinctive style of running at least a year before he mentioned it (in so many words)this off season. The fact is, he has this year to make it or break it but Marion Barber should be afforded every opportunity to beat him out and may the best man win.

With sights set on drafting Darren McFadden I post reminders of why there is no such thing as a sure thing.

The ten biggest running back busts of all-time:

1. Ki-Jana Carter (#1 draft pick '95)
2. Blair Thomas (#2 draft pick '90)
3. Alonzo Highsmith (#3 draft pick '87)
4. Curtis Enis (#5 draft pick '98)
5. Lawrence Phillips (#6 draft pick '96)
6. Tim Worley (7th pick '89)
7. Tim Biakabutuka (8th pick 96)
8. Sammy Smith (9th pick 89)
9. Tommy Vardell (9th pick 92)
10. Rashaun Salaam (21st pick '1995)

Dis-Honorable mention:

Archie Griffin ('74 & 75 heisman winner)
Ron Dayne (11th pick '2000)
William Green (16th pick '2002)
John Avery (29th pick '98)
Bo Mathews (2nd pick 74)
Brent Fullwood (4th pick 87)
D.J. Dozier (1987)
Michael Haddix (1983)
Bubba Bean (1976)
Darrell Thompson (1990)
John Cappelletti (1974)
Vaughn Dunbar (1992)
Joe Profit (1971)
Terry Miller (1978)

Posted by Andrew S. @ 2:33 AM Sun, Jul 01, 2007

How of curiosity Tim, how many of Barber's "normal downs" were in the late third or fourth quarter? How many were in "garbage time" mode (i.e. blow outs where both defenses stop trying). I'm not trying to be a jerk; I'd honestly just like to hear ... I don't know where you get your information from but I'd like access to those kinds of stats. You know, without taping every game and analyzing game film.

But yeah, I have a sneaking suspicion it was a large amount. Yes, I'm a JJ-backer, but I like to do my homework, too.

EDITOR'S NOTE: You can find play-by-play for each game here.

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/teams/schedule/DAL/2006

Posted by rafe hollister @ 11:11 AM Sun, Jul 01, 2007

MIKE STEVENS, just had to come on an compliment you on your posting. Shows a lot of thought and a lot of research. Kudos.

But neither Jones or Barber are the long range STARTING franchise back for this team. Hopefully Cleveland's #1 next year will be.