In August, Drew Magary gave nicknames to all of the key players on this year's Cowboys squad and chose "The Razor" for Felix Jones. It's a good choice, as it references both his cutting ability and alma mater, but it's starting to look like "The Jaguar" might be a better choice.
Jaguars were gorgeous cars (this is before Ford bought the company and turned them into just another auto) with powerful engines that made women want to throw away everything they had for a chance to hop in the front seat and cruise away with the fella behind the wheel. But, because they were made in England using handmade parts, they were notorious for being in the shop at least as often as they were on the road. Ultimately a lot of drivers felt that they weren't worth the trouble, because, at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter what a car can do if it is sitting under a tarp in your driveway.
That's what makes it a great nickname for Jones, who may not be British but is just as prone to breaking down when used. He suffered a thigh bruise against the Buccaneers on Sunday, which meant he only got six touches and wasn't a big part of the offensive attack. He was also slowed by a thigh bruise during minicamp, which either means they're particularly tender or he needs to invest in a sturdier set of pads. This recurring issue comes after a rookie year that ended prematurely because of injuries to his hamstring and toe.
Jones is an eye-catching bauble who makes you dizzy just from thinking about all the ways he can impact games. Unfortunately, the Cowboys have spent a lot more time thinking about what Jones can do instead of actually being able to watch him do it much like Jaguar owners used to spend a lot more time imagining themselves tearing down asphalt while riding the bus. In each case, there's a point where you have to wonder if a more sensible, less exciting choice better suits your needs.
The Cowboys aren't there yet, but there's got to be a backup plan if Jones continues to be an irregular part of the team's attack.
Josh Alper is a writer living in New York City and is a contributor to FanHouse.com and ProFootballTalk.com in addition to his duties for NBCNewYork.com.
