- Messages
- 5,432
- Reaction score
- 0
Tashard Choice earns bigger role in Cowboys' offense
Posted Tuesday, Dec. 07, 2010 By Clarence E. Hill Jr.
chill@star-telegram.com
IRVING -- Running back Marion Barber is still day-to-day with a calf strain. But no matter Barber's status, interim coach Jason Garrett indicated Monday that Tashard Choice has earned a bigger role in the Dallas Cowboys' offense with his effort against the Colts.
Choice rushed 19 times for 100 yards and a touchdown on Sunday, giving the Cowboys only their second 100-yard performance by a running back this season. Felix Jones had 109 yards Oct. 10 against the Titans. Barber's best game was 55 yards against the Texans.
Last week, Choice was labeled as the No. 3 back in the Cowboys' offense behind Jones and Barber. He'll get more touches going forward.
"We want to get him the ball. There's no question about that," Garrett said.
Lee up for two awards
Linebacker Sean Lee has been nominated for two weekly awards after his two-interception performance in leading the Cowboys to a 38-35 overtime victory over the Colts.
Lee was nominated for the Pepsi Rookie of the Week and the GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week.
Lee returned his first interception 31 yards for a touchdown, and his second led to the winning field goal in OT.
He is one of five players up for the rookie of the week award. Fans have until 11 a.m. Friday to vote at www.nfl.com/rookies and www.nfl.com/gmc.
Injured Bryant will stay on special teams
That rookie sensation Dez Bryant was injured on a kickoff return only renews the debate of whether the Cowboys should risk such a valuable player by using him on special teams.
The rookie receiver is out for the season after suffering a fractured fibula in the fourth quarter at Indianapolis. He underwent surgery on Monday and will require three to four months of rehab.
It's a prime example why many star players are not used on returns. Jason Garrett understands that, but he says Bryant is too valuable on returns not to use him there. It's also one of the reasons he was drafted in the first round.
"Dez has a unique ability as a returner," Garrett said. "We want to take full advantage of that. You never want to put guys in precarious positions, but that's a part of what he does."
Bryant ranked third in the NFL with a punt return average of 14.3 yards. He is one of only two players to return two punts for touchdowns this season. He averaged 24.4 yards on 12 kickoff returns.
Miller has his time
Sean Lee had two interceptions, and David Buehler made the game-winning field goal.
But the single biggest play in the game, according to coach Jason Garrett, was a fumble recovery by running back Lonyae Miller with 21 seconds left in the fourth quarter. If not for Miller, the Colts would have had a chance to win the game in regulation.
On the kickoff following the Colts' final touchdown, Bryan McCann fumbled and Miller, playing in his first career game after being called up from the practice squad, recovered at Dallas' 24-yard line.
"I can't think of a more significant play in the game, to be honest with you," Garrett said. "Lonyae got his first opportunity to be an active player this past week and he took advantage of it."
Clarence E. Hill Jr. 817-390-7760
Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/12/07/2687490/tashard-choice-earns-bigger-role.html#ixzz17WGm1lFT
Posted Tuesday, Dec. 07, 2010 By Clarence E. Hill Jr.
chill@star-telegram.com
IRVING -- Running back Marion Barber is still day-to-day with a calf strain. But no matter Barber's status, interim coach Jason Garrett indicated Monday that Tashard Choice has earned a bigger role in the Dallas Cowboys' offense with his effort against the Colts.
Choice rushed 19 times for 100 yards and a touchdown on Sunday, giving the Cowboys only their second 100-yard performance by a running back this season. Felix Jones had 109 yards Oct. 10 against the Titans. Barber's best game was 55 yards against the Texans.
Last week, Choice was labeled as the No. 3 back in the Cowboys' offense behind Jones and Barber. He'll get more touches going forward.
"We want to get him the ball. There's no question about that," Garrett said.
Lee up for two awards
Linebacker Sean Lee has been nominated for two weekly awards after his two-interception performance in leading the Cowboys to a 38-35 overtime victory over the Colts.
Lee was nominated for the Pepsi Rookie of the Week and the GMC Never Say Never Moment of the Week.
Lee returned his first interception 31 yards for a touchdown, and his second led to the winning field goal in OT.
He is one of five players up for the rookie of the week award. Fans have until 11 a.m. Friday to vote at www.nfl.com/rookies and www.nfl.com/gmc.
Injured Bryant will stay on special teams
That rookie sensation Dez Bryant was injured on a kickoff return only renews the debate of whether the Cowboys should risk such a valuable player by using him on special teams.
The rookie receiver is out for the season after suffering a fractured fibula in the fourth quarter at Indianapolis. He underwent surgery on Monday and will require three to four months of rehab.
It's a prime example why many star players are not used on returns. Jason Garrett understands that, but he says Bryant is too valuable on returns not to use him there. It's also one of the reasons he was drafted in the first round.
"Dez has a unique ability as a returner," Garrett said. "We want to take full advantage of that. You never want to put guys in precarious positions, but that's a part of what he does."
Bryant ranked third in the NFL with a punt return average of 14.3 yards. He is one of only two players to return two punts for touchdowns this season. He averaged 24.4 yards on 12 kickoff returns.
Miller has his time
Sean Lee had two interceptions, and David Buehler made the game-winning field goal.
But the single biggest play in the game, according to coach Jason Garrett, was a fumble recovery by running back Lonyae Miller with 21 seconds left in the fourth quarter. If not for Miller, the Colts would have had a chance to win the game in regulation.
On the kickoff following the Colts' final touchdown, Bryan McCann fumbled and Miller, playing in his first career game after being called up from the practice squad, recovered at Dallas' 24-yard line.
"I can't think of a more significant play in the game, to be honest with you," Garrett said. "Lonyae got his first opportunity to be an active player this past week and he took advantage of it."
Clarence E. Hill Jr. 817-390-7760
Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/12/07/2687490/tashard-choice-earns-bigger-role.html#ixzz17WGm1lFT