It’s game time! Welcome to DallasProSports.com on this fabulous Sunday morning! This week the Seattle Seahawks square off against your Dallas Cowboys in the great non-factor known as Cowboys Stadium. Cowboys fans will get the treat of seeing Julius Jones back in action, and see whether their team made the right decision in letting Julius go.

With all this Three Headed Monster goodness, it’s easy to forget the state of the union just a few short years ago. Julius Jones of Notre Dame was the Cowboys’ starting running back , and Marion “The Barbarian” Barber of Minnesota was making a name for himself as the league’s biggest bruiser. Julius had a sub par year or two and we the fans called for his head on a platter.

Last year, Anthony compared Marion and Julius‘ performances each week to give us an accurate picture of how these two backs compare when both positioned as a team’s #1 running back.

2009 Stats

So far this year, Julius Jones has 74 carries for 290 yards and 1 touchdown. Jones averages 3.9 yards per carry.

Marion Barber has rushed 72 times for 344 yards and 3 touchdowns. Barber averages 4.8 yards per carry.

Health

Both running backs have seen injuries this year. But based on pure numbers, you have to think that Dallas made the right decision.

The Irony

The irony is that Barber now finds himself in Julius’ shoes, with many fans and commentators calling for Dallas to trade Barber and focus the running game around Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. The difference being that Barber is actually producing decent numbers, but the fans have tasted something even better and are now growing dissatisfied with simply good Barber. And the fans who aren’t calling for a trade wish Red Jesus would figure out that Barber is most effective as a 2nd half bruiser. Yes, he’s now making starting running back money. That’s Jerry’s fault. Play to win. Maximize your players’ skills. Don’t play to the salary.

I’ll write more on that later. Right now, I’m just looking forward to seeing Julius try to prove himself to the Dallas crowd. Too bad his offensive line is going to get pushed around and abused. My prediction? Though I want to see Julius and Marion square off, look for Miles, Felix, or Tashard to steal the show.

Similar Posts:

• Marion vs. Julius, Part 2
• Marion vs. Julius, Part 9
• Marion vs. Julius, Part 3
• Marion vs. Julius, Part 8
• Marion vs. Julius, Part 10