Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Crowded backfield. Why T-Choice needs to start.


Yup, I said it. Tashard Choice would be the best choice (pun intended) to be the Cowboy's starting running back.
Don't get me wrong, I'm still a huge fan of Marion the Barbarian, and I'm super high on Felix Jones, but both of them have been inconsistent during the past two years due to injuries. Choice has always answered the call when he was forced into a starting role, and he always seems to gain positive yards every chance he gets.
Barber is of course the bruising, bashing dynamo that sets a physical tone, but since he took over a starting role, his numbers have dipped, and he's gotten hurt more often. His yards per carry increased a good amount last season, but his touchdown total dropped, and he just didn't seem to have that burst needed during short yardage situations. Barber is at his best when he's used as "The closer," and he can wear down the defense to finish the game.
Felix Jones is by far the most explosive player on the team and his yards per carry are beyond ridiculous. He is scary good in open space and he makes defenders look like they're stuck in cement. I'd be screaming for Jones to start if he wasn't so fragile though. In his first two seasons he's missed 12 games due to injury, and I'm not sure he could take the pounding of a starting back just yet, but he does need more carries.
Choice is the most well rounded tail back on the Cowboys roster. He plays very physical, but he is shifty enough that he doesn't take too many big hits. He is very good running between the tackles, but he has enough quickness to make plenty of outside runs as well. He is versatile enough to catch passes on screen plays out of the backfield, as well as run the razorback plays in which he was very successful at last season. He is a good enough blocker that he is most used during 3rd downs to chip block defenders and protect the QB. The only knock on Choice is he does a lot of things well, but nothing great. He's fast but not a burner, and he's tough but not a true power back. Overall, Choice is a extremely talented back that can carry the load and he is one of the most fiery players out there.
Who would you like to be the starting running back this year?

1 comment:

  1. agreed! Barber is one of those tailbacks that is good for a couple years, then he's too worn out because he is such a physical player. I think choice is the best option the cowboys have this year as a starter. Like you said, he's just a well rounded player, and DOES gain a good amount of yards per carry. I think the last couple seasons hes been pretty underrated. Good Call Kevin

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