The Monster was loose again Sunday afternoon, although it didn’t play as significant a role as we may have liked it to in the Cowboys’ 38-17 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The three backs combined for 26 carries, 103 yards and 1 touchdown as well as 2 catches for 28 yards. Rather pedestrian numbers, but understandable when the passing game is hitting on all cylinders like it was.
Marion Barber got the start once again and finished the game with 14 carries for 53 yards and 1 touchdown to go along with 1 catch for -2 yards. Barber was able to get loose for a 16 yard gain early, but was bottled up for most of the rest of the game. Part of me still wonders if he is 100 percent because he still looks a little gimpy at times.
Felix Jones is getting back in the groove of things, finishing the game with 8 carries for 39 yards and 1 catch for 30 yards. He had a couple of runs which he almost broke for big yardage and put a lick on Ken Lucas that knocked him out of the game. It looks like Felix will be back to his normal self soon.
Tashard Choice had another quiet game, with 4 carries for 11 yards, most of that coming in garbage time. As much as I would like to see Tashard get more touches, it’s tough when there are as many players on this team that are able to do things with the ball. Hopefully, he is able to get more involved as the season progresses.
As nice a win as this was, the Cowboys need to put it behind them ASAP. Why do you ask? Because they return to the scene of one of the most embarrassing moments in team history as the Cowboys roll into Lincoln Financial Field for a big Sunday night match up against the hated Philadelphia Eagles. I would think the Cowboys are up for a measure of redemption after last year’s 44-6 loss up there to end the season and any playoff hopes.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I couldn't agree more with you Anthony about the Cowboys needing to “put it behind them ASAP”, or it could be more of that same season ending shellacking. Here are the numbers that Sean McDermott's Eagles are putting up. Can you say ouch?!
19 points/game (9th). 103.1 rushing yards/game (12th). 193.7 passing yards/game (10th). 14 INTs (2nd). 6 forced fumbles (tied 6th). 23 sacks (tied 2nd)
I'm gonna say it again: I want to see Barber moved back to the 2nd half and at the goal line. I want Felix and Tashard to start the game with some energy and bursts of speed. Barber played his best as the 2nd Half answer to Julius Jones' 1st Half. We now have a better 1st Half back in Choice/Jones, and we need to stick with what worked best.
The “monster” may not have played as big a role in the win vs Seattle yesterday… but make no mistake if Dallas wants to go into Lincoln Financial and come out alone atop the NFC East… they MUST play a major role Sunday night.
I agree with Daniel. I'm not sure if Barber is a feature back in this league. I think either Jones or Choice would be much better first options with Barber being the change of pace/goal line RB.
I agree with Daniel. I'm not sure if Barber is a feature back in this league. I think either Jones or Choice would be much better first options with Barber being the change of pace/goal line RB.