Three's Company
Fantasy owners have gotten used to the NFL's shift toward two running backs carrying the load for one team. We've adjusted and we've moved on. But three-headed committees? Now this ship is spinning out of control.
The Cowboys have three players that are plus running backs. Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice are all very capable of being a featured back in this league. Now, how will this three-headed monster shake out in 2010? Some points to consider:
WHO WILL BE ON THE ROSTER COME WEEK 1
* Rumorville started buzzing this week when a bit on Shaun Phillips' Twitter page had Choice going to San Diego in exchange for corner Antonio Cromartie. The idea was quickly shot down by the Dallas Morning News and it really doesn't make a lot of sense. The Cowboys have a nice corner trio (Mike Jenkins, Terence Newman, Orlando Scandrick) already and Cromartie wouldn't be an upgrade.
* Marion Barber is due a $4M bonus on top of his $3.8M salary in 2010. Owner Jerry Jones said that money won't be a factor in a roster decision about Barber, and we believe him. It would be stunning if Barber got cut, but he is one most likely to go if a head does indeed roll.
* Choice came out and said he doesn't want to leave Dallas. "I want to be in Dallas," Choice said. "I love (Marion Barber and Felix Jones) to death. We don't care if we share it."
* Felix Jones is one of Jerry Jones' favorite toys and obviously isn't going anywhere.
Bottom line: Expect all three to be on the roster come Week 1, with one eye on Barber's situation.
WHO WILL GET THE MOST CARRIES
* Owner Jerry Jones admitted that Barber's inability to stay healthy could lead to a change in how he's deployed: "We have had an injury issue there at the end of each of the last two seasons,'' Jones said. "`That may have something to do with the amount of time we can give the other backs."
* Jones also said that he wants to see Choice used more in the short-range passing game. Hello, third downs.
* Beat writer Tim MacMahon says "the easy decision is to make Jones the lead horse."
* Beat writer Tim Archer: "I think Jones gets more carries than Barber next year. Barber's drop is puzzling to me in a way. He doesn't seem to have that burst anymore and he doesn't break as many tackles."
Bottom line: If healthy, Jones will get 15+ touches a game. Barber will return to his goal-line/closer role and see a big decrease in touches. Choice will get more work on third downs but won't be a fantasy factor without an injury. But there's the key word. Barber appears to be wearing down already and won't be healthy all year. And even though Jones sustained some health at the end of last season, he's still a guy that makes me cringe every time he gets hit. He seems fragile. If the ADPs of Jones and Barber are as high as I think they'll be, I'll let someone else mess around with this situation next season.
Fantasy owners have gotten used to the NFL's shift toward two running backs carrying the load for one team. We've adjusted and we've moved on. But three-headed committees? Now this ship is spinning out of control.
The Cowboys have three players that are plus running backs. Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice are all very capable of being a featured back in this league. Now, how will this three-headed monster shake out in 2010? Some points to consider:
WHO WILL BE ON THE ROSTER COME WEEK 1
* Rumorville started buzzing this week when a bit on Shaun Phillips' Twitter page had Choice going to San Diego in exchange for corner Antonio Cromartie. The idea was quickly shot down by the Dallas Morning News and it really doesn't make a lot of sense. The Cowboys have a nice corner trio (Mike Jenkins, Terence Newman, Orlando Scandrick) already and Cromartie wouldn't be an upgrade.
* Marion Barber is due a $4M bonus on top of his $3.8M salary in 2010. Owner Jerry Jones said that money won't be a factor in a roster decision about Barber, and we believe him. It would be stunning if Barber got cut, but he is one most likely to go if a head does indeed roll.
* Choice came out and said he doesn't want to leave Dallas. "I want to be in Dallas," Choice said. "I love (Marion Barber and Felix Jones) to death. We don't care if we share it."
* Felix Jones is one of Jerry Jones' favorite toys and obviously isn't going anywhere.
Bottom line: Expect all three to be on the roster come Week 1, with one eye on Barber's situation.
WHO WILL GET THE MOST CARRIES
* Owner Jerry Jones admitted that Barber's inability to stay healthy could lead to a change in how he's deployed: "We have had an injury issue there at the end of each of the last two seasons,'' Jones said. "`That may have something to do with the amount of time we can give the other backs."
* Jones also said that he wants to see Choice used more in the short-range passing game. Hello, third downs.
* Beat writer Tim MacMahon says "the easy decision is to make Jones the lead horse."
* Beat writer Tim Archer: "I think Jones gets more carries than Barber next year. Barber's drop is puzzling to me in a way. He doesn't seem to have that burst anymore and he doesn't break as many tackles."
Bottom line: If healthy, Jones will get 15+ touches a game. Barber will return to his goal-line/closer role and see a big decrease in touches. Choice will get more work on third downs but won't be a fantasy factor without an injury. But there's the key word. Barber appears to be wearing down already and won't be healthy all year. And even though Jones sustained some health at the end of last season, he's still a guy that makes me cringe every time he gets hit. He seems fragile. If the ADPs of Jones and Barber are as high as I think they'll be, I'll let someone else mess around with this situation next season.
