A game of chase with Barber

As you probably already know, Pro Bowl running back Marion Barber rarely talks to the media. But now we really need him to say something. He's dealing with a dislocated right pinkie toe, so we're trying to report how he's feeling and if he will be ready Sunday against the Steelers.

Barber popped in the locker room briefly on Monday. So the chase started as did his playful back-and-forth around the locker area...

Q: Marion, how's the toe doing?

A: "I don't know, how's your toe doing?"

Q: Marion, how'd it happen?

A: "How'd what happen? I have amnesia, I don't know what you're talking about."

This is what we deal with "talking" with Barber. Now, that leaves us to having to observe to see how he's doing. Actually, he did say he would not wear the walking boot the athletic training staff gave him to help protect and keep pressure off his toe.

Barber did not walk with a limp, but I did notice he would not put weight on his right foot while messing with stuff in his locker. His right shoe was loosened and untied and when I pointed it out to him, he untied the other shoe.

Barber did not practice Monday and may not practice all week, but is still expected to play. Just don't ask him.

- Rick Herrin

Comments

[buck]

So what, that Marion won't talk to the media! Big deal, as long as he is a strong captain in the locker room & on the field then he's my dude. As long as he gives 100% on game day then he's cool as ice. As long he gets stronger when the opposition is tiring, then he's all good. Just ask John Madden, he recognizes whats really important & that Marion is a baller. We've got enough chatterers on this squad. Come on Media dude Rick, be for real & stop ego trippin'

[nfc scout]

the weather condition at henz field will benefit the cowboys offensive line and running game on sunday. barber and choice style of running will fit find with what offensive coordinator jason garrett won't to do against the steelers front seven. if garrett can get the cowboys running game going to the point that it does not put romo in long yardages on 3rd down will be the key for the cowboys when attaking the steelers, setting up short yardages to mix it up in the play calling where garrett does not have to be predictable. the cowboys defense should be at full strength with ware at full strength for the front seven, the key will be the cowboys front seven stopping the steelers running game, especially parker and moore both backs have deceptive speed. for the cowboys secondary, i think adam "pacman" jones will have a big game in the various secondary packages that coach wade phillps has in store for the steelers, in addition, terrance newman should also be a force, the only weakness i see with the cowboys on offense is with their safeties, hamlin is not having a pro-bowl season and anthony henry play is stuggling but rookie orlando scandrick should be able to pick up the slack, who is a gamer and is really coming on for the cowboys.
the cowboys special teams is getting stronger with carlos polk and tra battle added along with newly acquired steve octavien who is very good special teams player to go along with kelvin burnett and keith davis. pacman should also help out in the punt returns and isaiah stanback is already getting results from the improved special teams play (58yd return against the seahawks on thanksgiving day). the game against the steelers will send a message to the rest of the nfl if the cowboys are a team to take serious. if the cowboys win in pittsbugh against the best defense in the nfl, the cowboys will be a very serious contender for not only the playoffs but the superbowl as well. winning the month of december for the cowboys will be very important may put tony romo in the run for NFL MVP, if the cowboys goes 4-0 in the month of december.

[Nieuwiefan]

I think it is awesome Barber won't talk to you guys! You don't need to know everything, I mean look what you wrote about Bennett and the Madden video game. You guys love to make players look stupid and you know it. However, I do agree that this game will be all about the O-line and Barber. If the Cowboys can move the ball and not turn the ball over, they will win. I think the defense is dialed in pretty well. Please give Wade some credit for the defense playing well, since you guys rip him for everything that's wrong. Romo should definately be a very strong candidate if the Cowboys go 4-0.

[CoachGary]

The key these days to any running game is to not run from a fullback lead, but to spread the defense out with 3 or 4 wides and a single back. The "jumbo" or fullback run formation is going right to the Steelers strength. If you check the stats, the Steelers, (and everyone else), have problems with runs out of the spread. (This includes the goal line runs!)

By running from the spread it gets rid of the "clog" or "bunching" at the line of scrimmage and allows a back with good skills to pick his holes.

A spread also gets the safties out of the box as well.

If the 'Boys run from the spread, they win, if not it will be a long day.

[CoachGary]

Oh, I forgot to mention that if they overload and try to bring more than we can block, you'll see that the good teams that know what they are doing, audible to a wide receiver screen, which forces them to get out of that blitz.

[CoachGary]

One last point. We must use the shotgun as much as possible.

There is no such thing as a "blindside" blitz when the QB is in the shotgun because he is never backpeddeling and therefore never turns his back.

Also, there isn't a pass rusher in the world that can beat the center snap to the QB in the Shotgun. How many times did you see Aikman get sacked as he was pulling away from center? Too many times!
Can't happen in the shotgun. :)

[regmac]

Maybe Deion or Emmett can get him to open up to the media's delight. But then again he's sooo no TO. I see former LA Kings star AVERY is back in the news. For some reason the Stars always want our SLOPPY 2nds lol's!!!!!!!!