Impact Analysis: Dallas Cowboys' backfield

August 2, 2010 @ 04:01:28

By John Kotch Jr.
Edited by Cory J. Bonini

The term running back by committee has never been more aptly applied than when describing the running game of the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys utilize three quality running backs that rushed for a combined 1,966 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. Marion Barber III, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice averaged 131.4 rushing yards per game, listing the Cowboys seventh in the NFL. They also put up 472 receiving yards on 60 catches. 

For the last two seasons, Barber and Jones have suffered from an acute inability to remain healthy. With training camp open, the Cowboys' coaching staff is looking to re-adjust the workload distribution for their running backs. The Cowboys would like to get the right allotment of touches for each back, which would allow them to fully utilize all three, while at the same time optimizing their chances of staying healthy.  

During the 2006 season, Barber was used in specific game situations as a complementary back to then-Cowboys and current Seattle Seahawks running back Julius Jones. The 2006 season was Barber's most productive as a pro. The following season Barber and Jones split the workload; Barber wound up in the Pro Bowl. In the spring of 2008, the Cowboys signed Barber to a seven-year contract worth $45 million with the intent to make him the lead back. However, Barber was unable to hold up physically under the increased workload, and he spent a good portion of the 2008 season hampered by a toe injury. 

Last season, Barber tore his left quadriceps muscle in a Week 2 loss to the New York Giants. It was listed as a strain and Barber continued to play, missing only one game the entire year. Compounding the quad injury were problems with his knee and a broken thumb. He barely had anything left at the end of the season but managed to post 4.4 yards per carry, 932 yards, and seven touchdowns. Barber also caught 26 passes for 221 yards.

Felix is still the back to own

Barber reported to the Cowboys' 2010 OTAs noticeably smaller and leaner. He has dropped 10 pounds, and according to coaches, has increased his speed and quickness. A quicker, faster Barber, is apt to take fewer hits and stands a better chance of staying fresh for a potential late-season playoff run.  

Since joining the Cowboys as a first-round draft choice in 2008, Jones has also had his share of injuries. Six games into his rookie season, Jones was sidelined by an injured hamstring. Four weeks later, during a rehab session, he tore a ligament in his big toe and had to be placed on Injured Reserve.

Last season, Jones was able to bounce back after missing two games with a knee strain. As the season wore on, Barber wore down, and Jones saw an increase in playing time. Jones ended the 2009 season with a 5.9 yards-per-carry, and his strong finish gives the Cowboys hope that he may be able to handle an expanded role. Jones consistently made big plays throughout the season, including a 73-yard touchdown run against the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs. Jones has the potential to break a big play whenever he touches the football, but until he can prove otherwise, questions surrounding his ability to stay healthy remain. 

Like Barber, Jones spent the offseason reconditioning his body. He put on muscle in an apparent effort to increase his power and durability. Jones, at 220 pounds, now outweighs Barber, who is currently at 214 pounds. This increases the versatility of both backs, and allows the team to use them more interchangeably. Reports out of the team's June minicamp were that Jones was seeing a lot of work as a receiver and is purported to have markedly improved that facet of his game. Therefore, Jones should see increased utilization on third down, which is an area where Barber has been used almost exclusively in the past. This may come down to pass protect, where Barber excels. 

Choice is a solid all-around back, perhaps the most complete back of the three. Due to the injuries suffered by Barber and Jones, Choice has seen ample playing time in his two seasons with the Cowboys and has displayed starter capability with every opportunity. Choice's primary purpose is to keep the respective touches of both Barber and Jones to a minimum. 

Fantasy outlook

Jones becoming bigger and stronger was likely done in preparation for an increased workload. Although Jones is expected to lead the way, a breakout season is not expected due to the fact that the amount of touches will be rationed, as the Cowboys seek to get all three backs involved. Jones is expected to gain plenty of yards but give way to Barber in the red zone. Jones is likely to see the majority of touches per game. Jones is considered a high-end No. 3 fantasy back with low-end No. 2 upside - and a high injury risk.

Barber will likely go back to the role that has garnered him the most success, despite being listed atop the depth chart. He should be used primarily in the red zone, in short-yardage and goal line situations, on third down, and coming in as the lead back in the fourth quarter to close out games. Barber is not likely to see much action between the 20s, but he should see the most scoring opportunities. Barber is considered a high-end No. 4 or low-end No. 3 fantasy back, or as a handcuff to Jones. Barber is also considered a high injury risk. 

Choice will likely maintain his role as the spell back for Jones and Barber. He's also featured in the Cowboys' razorback formations, which is their version of the wildcat. Choice is expected to see minimal touches per game, and gain 500 total yards with three touchdowns. If the Cowboys' top two backs again struggle with injuries, only then would Choice have any significant fantasy value. Choice should only be considered as a late-round selection in deeper leagues. If either Jones, or Barber, or both, were to go down, which would not be considered a freak occurrence, Choice could prove a valuable roster stash.

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John Kotch Jr.
John Kotch Jr. has been a KFFL contributing writer since 2007.

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