There was a lot of discussion around Dallas this off-season concerning the running back position, namely who will be named the starter for the 2010 season. Marion Barber, the starter for the past two years, seemed to slow down late in 2009, as Felix Jones flourished--which led, of course, to a great many fans calling for Jones to start.
But, according to a report on the team's official website, nothing has changed from last season insofar as the running back rotation is concerned. Barber remains the starter; Jones second in line; Tashard Choice sprinkled in for a change of pace--and certainly insurance--particularly via the Razorback formation.
"The debate can go on and on if he's the best running back on the team or not, but Marion Barber is the starting tailback as of right now," writes DallasCowboys.com scribe Nick Eatman. "And it doesn't really look like it's going to change anytime soon."
Barber has impressed the team this off-season after dropping some weight and working on explosiveness. The results, early as they are, have been encouraging. Just about everyone who has seen Barber since last January's season-ending loss to Minnesota have remarked on the quickness with which Barber is playing, a list that includes a slightly giddy Jerry Jones.
The potential benefit of the weight loss is twofold: of course, a quicker Barber is a better Barber, but the emphasis on elusiveness over power may also help him avoid the sort of injuries that have hampered his past two seasons.
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