2007 Outlook

Julius Jones has managed a nice progression in his three seasons in Dallas, increasing his games played finally to all 16 last year and increasing his carries and yardage every year up to his 1084 rushing yards in 2006 – his first 1000 yard season. As great as that must feel, the reality is that he only scored four touchdowns last year while teammate Marion Barber had 14 to place 3rd best in the NFL. And Barber also gained 654 rushing yards last year. Now that HC Wade Phillips has arrived from San Diego, he finds that he has another LaDainian Tomlinson… it just requires two players combined to get those numbers.

While the offense is due for some scheme change under new OC Jason Garrett, there’s absolutely no reason why it won’t remain largely the same and especially in the backfield. Jones has far more speed than Barber has and can break a long gainer at any time. He’s had runs of at least 50 yards every season. But Jones style and ability does not lend itself well to goal line duty where he pales in comparison to what Barber does. There were rumors that Jones was on the trading block this year which were refuted by the Cowboys and he will remain as the starting tailback in a true RBBC scheme. There’s just no reason to change what works well. Jones even lost his role as a receiver in 2006 when he ended with only 9 catches for 142 yards. Consider Jones as a bit higher risk from the chance that Barber could be used more this year.

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