Barber & Jones in same backfield?

n5xm · #1 07-05-2009, 10:17 AM

Marion Barber and Felix Jones in the same backfield is a really good idea. It would be like thunder and lightening. I always liked the wingback/h-back type setup for both passing and running. It's about time the Cowboys did something half-way creative. Jones averaged 8.9 yards per carry last season, right on his average as a Hog. He is a fine KO returner also. Phillips and Garrett had better get it together. n5

MeLLo · #2 07-05-2009, 10:19 AM

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Ronin · #3 07-05-2009, 10:59 AM

Not sure this is a great way to get them both involved, I guess it depends on how the scheme it. You want to shorten Jones playing days by asking him to block a bunch? Pairing the two lessens Barbers closer impact. But, if the plays are called in the right sequence and the passing game holds enough of a threat, Romo and company could see a big offensive year. But, what do I know? I'm in sales during a recession.

bipolarboy · #4 07-05-2009, 11:55 AM

I disagree.

When you have two backs on the field who you aren't going to have block for each other, you essentially are designing running plays to go 10 on 11. The only way around it is to use one of them as a decoy, however this limits your offensive playcalling, and from a defensive standpoint a safety can be assigned to the "perimeter back" instead of a linebacker, which gives the defense more ability to attack intead of react. In short, a good defensive coordinator will eat those offensive sets for lunch.

Now, it will be successful against undisciplined defenses and schemes that gamble a lot. However, in the NFC East Dallas faces three divisional rivals who are very disciplined on defense and whom have coordinators who are generally on top of the game. The Cowboys will look great against bad teams, but when they hit a meaningful game against a tough opponent they'll get shit-hammered.

n5xm · #5 07-05-2009, 04:16 PM

It may well be unworkable. On the other hand, hybrid backfield formations may be a way to make it work. It would be like Jones would be a combo rb/wr. In an offset I-formation, you could split him out 2-3 yards laterally from the basic offset formation. Yes, it would be like 10 on 11 if you ran the standard off-tackle stuff, but if you put the TE opposite Jones, lot's of options are available for Jones in the passing game, not to mention reverses or counter pitches. On the other hand, let Barber block for Jones! I know, I know, it'll never happen. You're probably right, hehe. n5

Ronin · #6 07-05-2009, 09:06 PM

To make this effective, you could replace the slot receiver with TE Martellus Bennett, that would provoke the defense to commit to run and eliminate the strong side look. Commiting to run against Dallas will get your defensive throat slit because you now have matchup problems at both TE and any LB attempting to cover Jones will get beat. Now you bring a safety to the line and Dallas beats you with Roy Williams on the out and up or Witten or Bennett on the seam. Interesting.

cowboykid_8 · #7 07-06-2009, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronin

To make this effective, you could replace the slot receiver with TE Martellus Bennett, that would provoke the defense to commit to run and eliminate the strong side look. Commiting to run against Dallas will get your defensive throat slit because you now have matchup problems at both TE and any LB attempting to cover Jones will get beat. Now you bring a safety to the line and Dallas beats you with Roy Williams on the out and up or Witten or Bennett on the seam. Interesting.

And THAT's what Dallas plans on doing.

I'm telling yah, everyone needs to draft Martellus Bennett in Fantasy Football, he's going to have some really good numbers.

I leave a more meaningful comment to this conversation later, I'm really tired at the moment.