Dallas Cowboys: Felix Jones, Tashard Choice or Marion Barber, Who Wins RB War?
We all know Tony Romo and Miles Austin will once again become the Cowboys' main threat through the air next season, but what we don't know is who Romo will be handing the ball off to when it comes to running backs.
After a couple seasons of sharing the rushing load between multiple rushers on offense, will this finally be the year Dallas breaks out and features just one running back?
If so, three running backs currently are up for Dallas' starting RB job, but which running back will Dallas go with in 2011?
Could it be still be seven year veteran Marion Barber? Or could the Cowboys go with a more youthful game and choose Felix Jones or even Tashard Choice instead?
With Jason Garrett entering his first full season as head coach in Big D, it's almost certain there will be some changes on the roster between now and September
What it may come down to is simply narrowing down the candidates, and choosing the best halfback that gives the Cowboys the best chance to win.
Here is a breakdown of all three Dallas running backs.
Felix Jones
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Entering his fourth season with the Cowboys, former Arkansas standout Felix Jones will look to build on yet another average year at the running back position. Let's face it, the former 22nd overall pick in 2008 hasn't exactly had his opportunity to shine in the Lone Star state just yet.
When he was given an opportunity this past season though, Jones did not disappoint, rushing for a total of 800 yards on 185 attempts, and running for just one touchdown.
He also gave Dallas a weapon through the air as well, as Jones added 48 receptions, 450 yards and a touchdown to his receiving stat line in 2010.
With 1,751 rushing yards in his three-year NFL career, the Cowboys could finally be willing to give Jones the full starting job in 2011—that's if head coach Jason Garrett looks to make a bold statement this upcoming season.
Jones to See Heavier Workload?
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With Jones given a noticeably heavier work load by the end of last season, does this mean that he will open up as the Cowboys main running back? It's certainly a possibility, as he currently stands as the frontrunner to land the starting RB job.
In his last eight games in 2010, Jones rushed for 498 yards on 112 attempts, averaging about 4.5 yards per carry—this after having just 22 rushing attempts between Weeks 7-9.
His final game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17 may have also been a sign of things to come from the 23 year old halfback, as Jones ran the ball 11 times and racking up 81 yards on the ground. I'm sure Dallas fans would have no problem handing the starting running back job to Jones, who has the potential to average about 7.4 yards per carry like he showed in the final game last season.
Tashard Choice
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Probably one of the most underrated running backs in the game today, Tashard Choice and Cowboys fans alike hope he finally can show why he should be a starter in the NFL.
If he wants to earn that title, Choice will simply need more playing time, as he was given around the same kind of time over the past two seasons. Over those two seasons, the former 2008 fourth round pick totaled 592 yards on 130 attempts, adding six touchdowns as well.
Could this be Dallas' top Choice at the running back position in 2011?
Is He the Right Choice?
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After compiling just 14 rushing attempts through the first 12 weeks of last season, Choice broke out in a big way in the final five games of the year.
The 26 year old rushed for 205 yards on just 52 attempts, and added two touchdowns.
His Week 13 game against the Indianapolis Colts also proved to be a memorable one, as Choice set a career-high with his first (of what hopes to be) many 100 yard rushing games.
If the Cowboys finally steer clear of a multiple running back committee, Choice could legitimately take over as the main running back in Dallas before the end of next season.
Marion Barber
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Once looked upon as a true piece and leader of the Cowboys' offensive attack, has come to a quick halt for Marion Barber.
The former fourth round pick by Dallas in 2005 set career-lows in just about every rushing category in 2010, including attempts (113), yards (374), avg. (3.3), and touchdowns (4).
Although a calf injury towards the end of last season made him miss three games, Barber was simply not the Marion Barber we were used to seeing over the last few years.
If he has any chance of stepping up and claiming the starting role again in 2011, Barber will need to start showing signs of the runner who has totaled 4,358 yards and 47 touchdowns in his now downward career.
Barber to Leave Big D?
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With his lack of production this past season, it may have all but concluded Barber's seven-year career in Dallas as well. His salary could also play a huge factor in the decision if he will be part of the team next year.
The 27 year old RB is set to make a total of $4.75 million next season, as his salary still on the rise after signing a seven-year, $45 million contract in 2008.
If Dallas does want to release him, the verdict should come soon, as they will save $2.75 million in cap space next season if Barber is cut by June.
It looks like last year may have been the final time Cowboys fans will see No. 24 in Big D.
So Who Wins?
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What it simply could come down to is money, and Barber could easily be on his way out in Dallas very soon because of it. This would leave just Jones and Choice to duel it out for the starting job—or so we would think, right?
Well, not exactly. Jason Garrett recently make known though that he will look to see how the three will once again carry the load at the running back position next season, where they will hopefully grow in their own way through this Cowboys system.
Sure, fans can believe what Garrett says may be true, but come on, what else can a rookie head coach say about his team when they may not even be playing next season.
There is still a long way until training camp let alone a lockout agreement, so anything is possible when it comes to the Cowboys and their running back situation.
One thing is for sure: if Dallas does decide to finally feature a running back next year, they are going to have one tough decision one their hands. With Barber more than likely being cut from the roster will make it a little easier though.
Give it through training camp and maybe the first few weeks of next season, Garrett will eventually find his guy between Jones and Choice, as one of them will become the next big featured running back in Dallas for many years to come.
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