The Cowboys went to Washington and got themselves a shutout, beating the Redskins 17-0. In the process, they snatched up the last available playoff spot in the NFC (thanks Giants!).If the Cowboys are going to advance in the playoffs, there are some issues that need to be ironed out in the run game.
Marion Barber. Oh, dear Marion Barber. What’s happened to the Barbarian we’ve all grown to love in these parts? Never mind the 17 carries for 63 yards and 1 touchdown and the 4 catches for 30 yards. Let’s talk about 3rd and 1. And, more specifically, 4th and 1.
One had to think the goal line stand the Chargers defense had against the Cowboys was a bit of an aberration, something that would work itself out in the future. After what I saw against the Redskins, I’m convinced that’s not the case. Yes, some of the fault lies with the offensive line, but ultimately the man with the ball in his hands has to find a way to get that yard. It depresses me to admit this, but Barber just doesn’t seem to have the ability to bang in the middle like he used to. If a similar situation comes up in the future, who do you give the ball to? Do you still trust Barber in that situation?
Felix Jones had himself a nice game with 10 carries for 58 yards and 4 catches for 27 yards. Felix slowly but surely appears to be rounding back into the form he was in before last season’s injuries. I liked that he didn’t have to return kicks either, allowing him to stay focused on the offense.
I’m making the call right here, right now. Give Tashard Choice some serious run. Dude should be getting more than 1 carry for 1 yard per game. If we’re still to believe Marion is still the Barbarian, then let Jones and Choice get the majority of the carries through the 1st 3 quarters, paving the way for Barber to close it out. Tashard is too talented to only be given a carry a game.
The NFC East title will be on the line Sunday afternoon as the Philadelphia Eagles visit the Death Star. With a win, the Cowboys not only clinch the division title, but if the Giants and Packers win on Sunday, the Cowboys would be the #2 seed in the NFC and have a first-round bye.
GO COWBOYS!!!
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You'll get no disagreement with me on this topic: get Choice some touches, at least a dozen. Also, have you noticed what he does away from the ball when he is on the field? Awesome blocks, on the perimeter of the pocket and down field ahead of the ball carrier. It’s time to open the corral gate and let Choice run loose!
Cardzrool again (Twitter issues logging in) One other comment. On 3rd/4th and short, with Barber alone in the back field, have the Cowboys ever run any play recently other than off tackle? Too predictable. I mean if you CAN get those needed yards for a 1st down or score, no issue. Line it up and punch them in the mouth every time. But getting stopped short time after time is just crazy to keep repeating. If Romo would just go play action ONE TIME, it would prevent the defense from stacking the box, right?