Making the Run a Priority for the Dallas Cowboys

Let's say the Cowboys run the ball 400 times this next season. How many of those carries will go to Marion Barber, to Felix Jones, or to Tashard Choice?

It is the biggest question of the offseason. It will have a greater effect than the decision to release Terrell Owens, or whether the draft was a benefit to the Cowboys and Tony Romo. 

The more the Cowboys can utilize the talents of the three running backs they currently have, the less Owens will be missed, and the more efficiently Romo will play.

They will throw the ball more than they run it. But an effective running game minimizes the need for Romo to make risky passes on long third downs.

An effective running game means the Cowboys won't have to lean on the big play as much as they did a year ago, often looking to Owens to supply the vertical threat. An effective running game makes the offensive line and the defense better, too.

The opinions of Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett may be a little biased, but both agree they like the talent in the Cowboys' backfield. 

Smith said the decision to part ways with Owens may necessitate a complete change of approach for offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.

"Who do you have that's going to be that explosive?" the league's all-time leading rusher asked.

Roy Williams can play, but is he explosive? 

What about Witten?  

These two players will be paramount in ball control for Romo and the offense. 

"Maybe that's the style, maybe that's the Pittsburgh Steelers style, maybe that's the style that they need to get to...All three are different players, and all of them work together very nicely. For Jason Garrett to have those kind of weapons in his backfield, coming up with packages for all three of them is going to be challenging."

The offensive coaches are going to have to deploy their talented backs differently in each game, and at different times in the game. 

Now, what it comes down to is how that will play in the running backs' minds. Are they going to be willing to share regardless of who starts without complaining?

Can they look at the big picture for this team? 

More than likely, this may be a factor, because there is no way one coach can make sure all three get equal playing time or carries. 

Tony Dorsett—a rookie in 1977—is quoted as saying, "I'm not a big supporter of platooning running backs. When I was running, I wanted to get the ball in my hands as often as I could. But the game is changing now. The players are bigger, faster, and stronger. Obviously injuries come into play."

Barber and Jones bring differing running styles, but it is a necessity in today's NFL.  

The thing with Barber is how he takes the tackler head on exposing himself to injury. Jones, however, likes to be elusive keeping him from those big hits.   

Don't count Tashard Choice out either because he can play too. He showed that during the Thanksgiving game this last season. 

How the offensive coaching staff will decide to use the running backs remains to be seen. Last season Barber started, Choice played special teams, and Jones came in on rotation. I say just make sure the roles are defined to prevent injury to the ego. 

The Cowboys should be able to get more from Jones and Choice this season no longer being rookies. 

If used correctly, the Cowboys' three backs should expand on their 1,623-yard output of last season. On 360 combined carries, Barber, Jones, and Choice averaged 4.5 yards per run. Despite that solid number, the running game did sputter on occasion.

So far this offseason from Valley Ranch there is no sign about how the trio of running backs will go about their duties. 

It might not be clear until the first game at Tampa Bay on Sept. 13. They need to form a plan. 

Jason Garrett is the coach and that's what they get paid to do—figure it out. 

Barber, Jones, and Choice are great talent and the coaches need to get those players in at the right time and in the right situation.