Running Backs
Players - Marion Barber, Felix Jones, Tashard Choice, Chris Gronkowski
Marion Barber
Contract Status - 2011 Base Salary: $4.25 Million, Signed through 2014
Date of Birth - 6/10/1983
2010 Stats - Played in 13 games, 113 Rushing Attempts, 374 Yards, 3.3 Average Yards per Rush, 4 Touchdowns, 11 Receptions, 49 Yards, 0 Receiving Touchdowns, 0 Fumbles
Individual Analysis - The player who used to be called "The Barbarian" is coming of a year in which he posted career lows in every major category. The offensive line blocked as poorly in the running game as I've ever seen, but still Marion doesn't seem like the same player he was a few years ago. He only carried the ball more than 15 times in a game only once(17 Vs. Houston) and he had less than 10 carries in 8 games, while missing 3 due to injury. That's a big problem. To complicate matters, he's on the books to make $4.25 millions in base salary. That's far too much for a 4th Quarter/short-yardage/goal line back. I think he's stats will be up in 2011, but probably not to the extent to warrant the zeros on his contract. I think he needs to take a pay cut or find a new home.
Roster Spot - Up in the Air(Pay Cut or Released)
Felix Jones
Contract Status - 2011 Base Salary: $1,023,750, Signed through 2012
Date of Birth - 5/8/1987
2010 Stats - Played in 16 games, 185 Rushing Attempts, 800 Yards, 4.3 Average Yards per Rush, 1 Touchdown, 48 Receptions, 450 Yards, 1 Receiving Touchdown, 2 Fumbles
Individual Analysis - Again, he had to run behind an offensive line that generally got manhandled by the opposition. Jones still had a pretty good year. He finished with 1,250 yards total yards. It's surprising he finished with only 2 touchdowns. He's got the skills to be a very good back. And I believe he's a favorite of both Garrett and Jerry, which bodes well for him. His cap number is very low considering his production. Improve the offensive line and continue to try to find innovative ways to get him the ball and good things will happen for the offense.
Roster Spot - Lock
Tashard Choice
Contract Status - 2011 Base Salary: $555,000, 2012 Free Agent
Date of Birth - 11/20/1984
2010 Stats - Played in 16 games, 66 Rushing Attempts, 243 Yards, 3.7 Average Yards per Rush, 3 Touchdown, 17 Receptions, 109 Yards, 0 Receiving Touchdowns, 1 Fumbles
Individual Analysis - I've deemed Tashard Choice the Cowboys' best overall running back for quite a few years now, and despite his 2010 campaign, I still believe in that statement. I believe his fumble at the end of the first half in the opener against Washington defined his season, which if true, was stupid. And of course, when he did get his chances, he had to work behind a porous offensive line. I love everything about Tashard. He's not going to ever be an all-star, but he should have a big part in the offense because he just gets the job done.
Roster Spot - Lock
Chris Gronkowski
Contract Status - 2011 Base Salary: $405,000, Signed through 2012
2010 Stats - Played in 14 games, 5 Rushing Attempts, 17 Yards, 3.4 Average Yards per Rush, 0 Touchdown, 7 Receptions, 35 Yards, 1 Receiving Touchdown, 0 Fumbles
Individual Analysis - Chris Gronkowski is extremely tough to judge because all he does in this offense is block. He occasionally gets a pass thrown his way as a check down or off play-action. Even rarer he gets a carry. Like Tashard Choice, his 2010 season will be remember by one play. His missed block on the Giants' Michael Boley, cost Tony Romo 9 games. As a Fullback, he's nothing special. He's just the best they've got for their money at this point. He'll be in a battle with everyone and anyone who they bring in as an undrafted Free Agent.
Roster Spot - Up in the Air
Group Analysis - This is a pretty strong unit. The Cowboys currently have three players who have fairly significant game experience and in todays NFL, you need three backs who you can trust. As I said before though, I'd do something with Barber. I just don't see it in him anymore. I'd get some young blood in there to back up Felix Jones and Tashard Choice. Serviceable Running Backs are relatively easy to find. You don't need a great Running Back to have a great Running Game. I'd take three good ones over one great one. Next year, the workload needs to be split more evenly than last year. Felix is the more dangerous player, so naturally he's going to get the ball. But Tashard wont make as many mistakes and he's very trustable. As far as Gronkowski, he's who's there at the moment. I think it's 50/50 on whether he'll be replaced by another rookie free agent.
Position Grade - B
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