SPORTSDAY

Posted by Wes @ 11:27 AM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

"Makes sense that Barber would have wide-open running lanes with Miami's eyes on the back standing on the sideline."

HAHAHAHA

Posted by Nicholas @ 11:36 AM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

I'll be the first to admit when I'm wrong. I was wrong. Barber is proving his worth this year.

Posted by Larry @ 11:41 AM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

You have to realize however Tim, that Jones now has a new excuse. No, its not Parcells forcing him to run like a robot anymore, now he is having trouble because he keeps going in and out of the lineup and cant establish a rythem(sorry, college education but I still cant spell).

At what point in the season will the coaches finally have to admit that Julius is a 3.0 per attempt runner and has no business starting over a guy like MB3.

It still amazing that so many media, fans, and even coaches take the approach "If it aint broke, dont fix it". Well folks, a 2.1 yard average on 15 carries in the Dolphin game says it IS broke.
through the first two games Julius is worse than last years robot.

Julius can still contribute, but he should not be the starter and lead back.

Posted by Mooreman @ 11:41 AM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

I've been a Jones' guy all along, but it is clear Barber has been more effective this year. Even so I wish we could get off this topic. I do not believe Barber would be nearly as effective carrying the rock 25-30 times. His strength is his motor which would loose a little steam with extended touches. The 2 back system seems to be working just fine, who cares who starts, but Barber has earned the majority of the carries.

Posted by Lunging Wolf @ 11:42 AM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

I first suggested this about this time last year. There's something wrong with Julius Jones. He has defense seeking sonar. He doesn't cut and run, he bumps into piles and gets stopped. His heart just doesn't seem to be in it. And for all of you who are going to say he is required to follow the block, I say he can't be mindless in that endeavor. With all due respect, I've just never been all that impressed with Julius. MBIII, on the other hand, is on a mission. This is such no brainer stuff. Julius has been given every chance, and then some. I've also been saying for a year that the change of pace back should be the faster of the two. Julius' career could flourish feeding on defenses that MBIII has worn down, although I don't give that a fat lot chance. Sorry JJ, I have to go with the eye test.

Posted by Bwdyrd @ 11:43 AM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

Is Jones feeling the pressure? He has been making lots of comments in the locker room about everyone. Whereas, Barber is doing his talking on the field. M.B. shut Joey Porter and his friends up.

Jones needs to let his play talk for him.

Posted by ron mexico @ 11:48 AM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

Is anyone else surprised that Julius isn't exactly going gainbusters in a contract year? This has got to be the influence of his brother, who also didn't seem to do much til he left Arizona. I hope Julius can convince someone that he will be better, because I don't know that I would take him over Tyson Thompson at this point. And that's coming from a Julius homer!

Posted by Brandon @ 11:51 AM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

"with Miami's eyes on the back standing on the sideline." LMAO

It's time to call a spade a spade. The Cowboys have 1 good back and another that they don't want to label a failure because that would be admitting they should have drafted S. Jackson. Oh, well. A RB tandem of Barber/McFadden will make everyone quickly forget Julius Jones ever played for the Cowboys.

As a side note, I noticed Burger King is giving away little NFL jerseys. Guess whose jersey represents the Cowboys. Yep, Julius Jones. Couldn't Burger King find a better player? Maybe Romo, T.O, Barber, Witten, Ware, Williams, Newman? Did that big-headed, freaky King dude get to pick?

Posted by Jim @ 11:56 AM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

I have noticed that J.Jones seems to stop moving when he feels he may be hit and he can't see!!!

Posted by Bob @ 12:03 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

IF they could somehow get JJ into an open or broken field, he is very shifty and can make tacklers miss, rather than just being able to break the tackles. The biggest problem I see is the teams inability to get him into a broken field. On the other hand MBIII seems to help make his own holes and has good speed, and is harder to bring down and can also break some tackles. My biggest question is can he do 30-35 runs a game. If I had to pick just one of those rbs then it would have to be MBIII.

Posted by Daniel @ 12:12 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

Orange Julius sure looked awfully robotic running right into the pile against the fish. So much for the excuse, "Parcells made me do it!" I've found myself wishing the Cowboys would use MB3 more and JJ less. I don't remember a single screen called for JJ last week. Tim - any idea why?

Posted by Saint Jimmy @ 12:16 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

Wow Tim, I'm sure your parents are proud of all that money they spent on your college education. How would we ever learn that MB3's talent is breaking tackles and JJ's is running in open space without your cunning insight?

Jeez, if this is the best that the DMN sports staff can come up with maybe I should request an interview/application. Because Tim MacMahon just stole the title of "Captain Obvious" from John Madden. What's up next for the blog? The Cowboys have stars on their helmets? Almost always they have 11 guys on the field at one time? The ball isn't round?

BTW, nice of ya'll to show respect to the local boy Akin Ayodele by forgetting his bday!!!

Posted by Warden @ 12:22 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

I suppose it's good Tim did the film study, but this Barber-Jones debate is getting REALLY BORING. It's not gonna change, nor should it, given the production at the POSITION. Jones is gonna have his share of big plays, count on it, while Barber's running style, as many fans can see, simply will not hold up to 30 carries a game. Why risk starting Barber when it doesn't bother him to come off the bench. They will each get their carries and chances to shine. Even LT takes a few series off. The days of one back all the time, like Emmitt, are probably over in the NFL. To all the Julius haters, how is Stephen Jackson doing so far this season? Be patient, and watch JJ break out for a huge game this week.

Posted by Jason @ 12:23 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

The more I watch Julius, the more I see a T-Ham like ability to go down at the first sign of a defender. The difference between the 2 backs is Jones only run like Marion when he pissed..i.e. last year playoff game......

Posted by Bill in DC @ 12:25 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

Interesting that you have a pic of Patrick Crayton? on a post about the RBs.

I just engineered a trade in my fantasy league that had me send Julius out for Barber, so I guess that means I agree with your analysis.

Posted by Hanker @ 12:35 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

I am still of the opinion that MB3 should be the starter. While Jones is good at best, I think he's overrated. Besides, when MB3 runs, it's fun to watch. You always suspect that he could break it at any moment, unlike JJ.

Posted by LL from Austin @ 12:40 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

Barber certainly looks better...but Reggie B in NO was better at last season's role than this season as a feature back, maybe MB3 is better suited for the role he has now. He is getting the bulk of the work anyway, starter or not...

JJ21 is missing something...pressing too hard or thinking too much...maybe JJ should be the change of pace back after MB3 softens up the Defense.

Trust in Red Ball.

Posted by Meyer @ 12:42 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

Did you see count the broken tackles on Jones' 24 yard reception?

Posted by Mark P. @ 12:47 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

Tim, you don't need to record the whole game or analyze each carry to get to your conclusion.

My wife, I love her as much as you can love anyone that owns half your crap, knows NOTHING about football but will sit for about 10-15 mins each game.

And the one thing she says EVERY single week going back to last year: Why do they give that guy (Jones) the ball at all when he gets knocked down by the first guy that hits him?

If you have any other game still saved on your TiVo, pick one, any one, guarantee Barber wins the broken tackle game every time.

It's ok though, keep things as they are. The key is to keep both guys happy to keep this going. Jones is happy being "the man" on paper as the starter. Able to take credit for everything he and Barber does. Barber is happy racking up the TDs and hearing the $$$$ heading his way. And everyone's happy we are winning.

Don't change anything, we need both, it's working.

Posted by will (nyc) @ 12:49 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

i'm very much a big fan of "if it's not broke don't fix it" and all, but it's stupidly clear who the "better" runner is. marion breaks tackles and gets yards after contact, and julius just doesn't nearly as often or effectively. people keep saying "he's not fast enough" and "he's too small to carry the load". i seem to remember another back who recently played for the cowboys with those two tags, and he ran for more yards than anyone else has, ever. i'm not saying marion's as good, obviously, but he shouldn't be constrained by these opinions of his shortfalls. he should be getting most of the carries now and a chance to be the primary back next year unless mcfadden somehow ends up with a star on his helmet.

Posted by William @ 12:51 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

I noticed that Jones ran great after he got angry during the Seattle game last year. Might it be possible that some of the big players could slap him around before each game?

In other news, what about the ordeal with O.J. Simpson? I just can't stop watching that unfolding saga! Do you think the Las Vegas police could have set him up? Do you think O.J. might be a victim of the 'R' word? Stay tuned.

Posted by JR @ 12:55 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

As long as the offense keeps rolling and we keep winning, nothing is going to change. MB3 can make his case next year.

Posted by bobby @ 1:01 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

sounds like JJ, may be kin to Donovan McFlap....

ALWAYS, blame someone else, IF, possible.

Posted by Mike @ 1:04 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

Whatever!?! Enough of this fake RB controversy! I really like both backs and they both should get carries.

I couldn't care less who starts or finishes the game.

Posted by Donovan @ 1:28 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

Barber's running style is indicative of a short career. That being said, let Jones take the bulk of the early runs while the defense is still energetic. We're losing him next year anyway, so why should he not take the beating?

Posted by Todd @ 1:50 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

I first saw Jones when he was playing for Notre Dame. I thought he was a good back and I wished the boys would get him and they did in the 2nd round. But I have to say that he is a big disappointment. I thought he was going to have a bust out year. The two back system is a good thing for the boys. But next year Jones will be gone and how about this Cowboy fans Darrin McFadden and Marion Barber, not a bad duo.

Posted by Patrick @ 1:51 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

I can't help but think that when Wade Phillips and Jason Garrett got here that they didn't want to change to much of what had been a profilic offense in 2006. However after they watched all the film from last year, the OTAs, minicamps, training camp, preseason games, and the first two games this year, they must be thinking...

why is Jones starting again?

Posted by Charles - ATL @ 1:55 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

Warden...thanks for bringing out what the Dallas coaches are obviously considering and what most people know who have played the game. It's really simple just as you state as to why the rotation won't change anytime soon--if at all. Now, granted, some of the complaints about Julius' running and vision are valid. And although he will make some impressive runs--as he's done each year--the Cowboys will definitely be in the McFadden hunt unless Julius becomes a monster for the rest of the year...which probably won't happen. Right now folks I say even if Julius only performs like he has the previous years, sign him to a reasonable extension and get rid of Tyson Thompson. Go after Mcfadden, MBIII keeps his role, and Julius is an upgrade over Thompson for the 3rd RB position. Let Austin Miles run back kicks. Something is wrong with Tyson this year so far.

Posted by Chris/Denton @ 2:12 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

I'm a converted Barber fan also and to me it seems that besides running with more heart he just has better vision than Jones. Regardless, Jones will be gone after the end of the season and look for the Cowboys to look for another guy to split carries with Barber. He's great in his role and COULD handle more carries but I think you lose some of attributes if you run solely every game. Now the question is, do you use one of those 1st round picks for a RB to split carries with Barber or go CB, DE ect with those 2 first rounders and look for a RB in the 2nd or 3rd?

Posted by Brandon @ 2:14 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

Bill in DC, how long has it been since you had your eyesight checked? Well, that is too long. Interesting that you just made yourself look like an idiot to all 10 or 20 of us that read this blog...

(Just kidding. I know it is more like 50 or 60.)

Posted by Louis @ 2:15 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

2007 Julius Jones Rush Avg. = No takers in free agent market = Cowboy in 2008, all part of the WP ploy

Posted by Gary @ 2:30 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

Yes the moves JJ put on during the reception was worth something. We can say all we want but its working ok like it is.

Posted by Gary Mc @ 2:50 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

JJ looks like he's done to me. Maybe a change of scenery would do him well. I've only seen him hit the hole hard a couple of times this year. It just seems like he doesn't have the will to do right now. I wouldn't be opposed to Thompson getting a few more opportunities to see if he can become a viable option. Supposedly, he has more speed than the other two. All in all though, the offense scores more points with Marion the Barbarian is on the field. Right now, he is a better runner and blocker than JJ. Its not even close. I don't really even see the controversy. Just because JJ starts the game doesn't mean he's the meal-ticket. Just look at who's on the field when it matters the most. The coaches aren't stupid. Although, I would like to see MB3 get 20 carries and have JJ go down to 10.

Posted by Segaro @ 3:40 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

MB3 is good...in his role. this reminds me of the cries for Troy Hambrick.

MB3 shared the load in college too!

My Tivo indicates JJ gets hit and wrapped behind the line an almost every play. MB3 broke tackles, but they were mostly arm tackles where the guy was reaching and he already had momentum. MB3 is more patient than JJ. JJ is still robotically hitting the hole in Parcell's fashion.

Look at the play calling to. Most of MB3's runs come on passing plays. Its great play calling!

I love MB3! But I just don't think he'll produce like this as an everydown back. Switch up their roles and let's see. I'm okay with that too

Posted by Anthony @ 3:46 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

Julius Jones and Tyson Thompson are the same running back. They have good speed, but show poor vision and they stop their legs upon contact or in anticipation of contact; which, means they're timid and won't break many tackles. Next year, I'd love to see Darren McFadden, MBIII, and Alonzo Coleman as our RB unit. Yeah, our practice squad running back who has good vision, good cutting ablility, and is more physical than Jones or Thompson.

Posted by Don @ 3:58 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

Julius Jones is all talk no action. He blamed Parcells for him running the way he did, but so far I still see the same back that goes down easy. The Dolphins d was keying in on Jones so much, that before the game Barber was the one being talked about. Barber should be the starter and the sooner the staff realize this, the better the offense will be(yes it could be even better). I just find it strange that the back that did not complain about Parcells is the one that is actually bringing it every carry.

Posted by JOhn @ 5:47 PM Wed, Sep 19, 2007

Well looking back on the 2004 draft it was a total bust! Picking Jones as a #2 pick.. he wasn't worthy of more than a 4th or 5th...

I can see before it's over that MBIII will be starting... I mean come on the coaches need to use JJ to spell MB, not the other way around.

Regardless, Jones is gone after this year, they will not resign him, nor should they.

Posted by John Kochtosten @ 10:37 AM Thu, Sep 20, 2007

Nice Tim, you screw up and then blame it on the wife. It's not like these things are really difficult to use and, get this, they can be set up far in advance. Too bad we don't know what time the game is going to be on nor what channel until an few hours before game time - wait, we do.

Posted by scott perkins @ 2:06 PM Wed, Oct 17, 2007

patrick crayton is a iddiot,new england crushed dallas and like a little baby he starts talking goo goo gaa gaa after the game,if they play ne again it won't be that close.dallas will not win the nfc east,much less the nfc,they padded there record against thw winnless rams,dolphins,the 2.3 bears the 1.5 bills,please.tony romo is overated.