After last Sunday's loss to the Bears, I emailed Dallas Radio stations because someone needed to talk about the very easy solution that would fix the Cowboys' problems. I don't think they ever mentioned it though. So, I'm going to say it again here. The Cowboys need to kill the three-headed monster!
How many elite, Super Bowl winners can you think of that used a 3-running back system where there wasn't one primary back that got the bulk of the carries? In the last 20 years, there might have been 2 teams that got it done with 2 running backs carrying somewhat equal loads: last year's Saints and the1991 Giants. Otherwise, you could go back to the 1975 Steelers and not find a team that used a multi-running back system.
There's a very good reason for not using multiple running backs. It doesn't allow the offense to establish a rhythm. This is especially true for the Dallas Cowboys. Marion Barber starts, but is getting only about 10 carries per game in the 1st two games. He splits time primarily with Felix Jones who's getting 7 carries per game so far, and Tashard Choice has gotten 3 carries per game. 1st of all, that's only 20 carries per game by Cowboys half backs. Comparatively, they've attempted to throw the ball 49 times per game in the 1st two games. So, not only are they not establishing an offensive rhythm with the running game, but they are also passing 71% of the time. And, that's probably because of not being able to establish a ground attack.
They seem to have this idea that changing up the running backs makes it harder for defenses to game plan or adjust during the game to the Cowboys offense. Really? I don't think so. The Cowboys' offense is actually very predictable. Everyone knows that Barber and Jones are going to split carries and Choice is going to run the Wild Cat. Everyone also knows that Barber is going to pound on you every chance he gets and that Choice is supposed to be the change-up, deep-threat back. By the way, thru 2 games, Felix Jones has averaged 3 yards per carry with a long of 11 yards. That's just not going to get it done. Barber's average is 3.7 with a long of 12. Now to his credit, Jones has also caught 4 passes for 9.5 yards each, but given the chance Barber could be a productive receiver out of the back field as well.
So, Kill the Three-Headed Monster! Barber should get 20 carries per game and be the feature back. He's a brute that's going to average at least 4 yards per carry and wear down a defense. He also fires up his offense. I would think that offensive lines would like to block for a guy like that. Create an offensive rhythm based on pounding a defense up front and hitting them deep with Austin and the other receivers. This isn't Emmitt and Moose, but it could be similarly effective. Barber won't lead the world in rushing, but 4 yards per carry is a first down every 3 plays. 1st downs wear down defenses and lead to scoring. This type of running attack will also take pressure off of Romo and cause defenses to put more guys up to protect against the run. Then guess what? The passing game will open up. Also, running the ball effectively will prevent you from having to overload the passing game with a 71% mark. That's just not working!
So, what about Felix Jones? What can I say? Trade him. If he can't get at least a 2nd and late round pick, then what are we doing with him anyways? Pick up another offensive lineman. AND DUMP THAT PENALTY MACHINE ALEX BARRON!!! Dallas could also use another safety. Whatever - just make a move to improve the team.
And Tashard Choice? Welcome to 2nd string buddy. He should get 5 to 10 carries per game, depending on the situation. He would be a very good back-up to Barber. Then, the Cowboys offense would be like just about every other teams' offense that has won a Super Bowl in the last 3 decades.
Jason Garrett, what are you doing? Stop tricking up the offense and get back to the dominant running game that you should know very well about already. Kill the Three-Headed Monster.
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