RB Snaps - Game 9 - New York

As anybody who has ever played in any sport at any level will tell you, a coaching change is not good for everyone. The new coach will have his own thoughts on playing time and who fits in his plans and who does not. I am not suggesting that Tashard Choice could be victim of a coach who doesn't feel that he is the answer to what ails them, but he had no more offensive snaps Sunday in Garrett's first game than you did.

We may never know why the Cowboys shifted before their 4th Game to get more and more from Felix Jones (some suggest that missive came straight from the owner's box with Chris Johnson in town - re: 2008 NFL Draft), but it is clear from the first 9 games that Marion Barber plays the first possession or two, then is the primary 3rd Down back for the rest of the game. If there is a 4-minute drill to end the game, then Barber is brought back on like he was in both wins to kill off the game.

Other than that, it is a chance for Felix Jones to either grab the job or not for 2011 and beyond. He passed the 300 snap barrier in Game #9, so there is no doubt who is getting the majority of the work load. But, just 87 carries (almost 10 per game) and 114 touches is hardly enough to feel good, bad, or indifferent about the data. His 4.1 yards per carry put him well ahead of Barber (3.3) and Choice (2.7), but it is hardly enough to write home about.

But, the possible revival of the Offensive Line is worth noting as we wonder if the running game will emerge under Jason Garrett to give us a better read of what we have to work with.

TOTAL SNAPS FOR RBs vs New York (50 plays)

Half	24-Barber	28-Jones	23-Choice
1st	4	17	0
2nd	11	14	0
Total	15	31	0

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TOTAL SNAPS FOR RBs SEASON TO DATE (558 Total Plays)

Half	24-Barber	28-Jones	23-Choice
WK 1	28	28	13
Wk 2	31	33	7
Wk 3	30	17	10
Wk 4	23	51	1
Wk 5	24	33	0
Wk 6	13	42	0
Wk 7	22	38	8
Wk 8	9	27	13
Wk 9	15	31	0
Total	195	300	52

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In case this is your first time to check these numbers, this is all about snaps on the field - not touches or run plays. This is merely intended to see who is on the field and who is on the sideline for the Cowboys offense.

Bob Sturm is host of BaD Radio on The Ticket 1310 AM Mondays through Fridays at 12-3 p.m. He also hosts The Ticket's Cowboys pregame show. Follow Bob on Twitter at www.twitter.com/bobanddan Bob offers his exclusive analysis after games on SportsDayDFW.com

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