Beast

We all wanted to see what Marion Barber could do with a full season's worth of carries as the featured back for the Dallas Cowboys. Fantasy owners were salivating after watching him put up seasons of 16 and 12 TD's as the power back compliment to Julius Jones in 2006 and 2007. His value was through the roof in dynasty leagues prior to the season and the hype machine was in full effect. Maybe the bar was set too high though, because the 2008 season wasn't all that bad for MBIII. One might think 1,300 combined yards, 9 TD's and 52 catches for a young running back leaves room for some serious upside. And that is were the debate begins.

Receiving the most carries he has in his career, Barber also put up his worst yards per carry (3.7) in 2008. He also missed the Cowboys Week 14 game against Pittsburgh with a dislocated toe and played sparingly thereafter, receiving a total of 13 carries in the final three games of the season. Before the injury, though, Barber was going about his business as usual. It wasn't the breakout some were expecting, but it was Top 10 numbers and anyone that complained about that needs to check their expectations. He was especially valuable in PPR leagues, catching 52 balls for 417 yards and 2 TD's.

The additional carries and change in his role may have exposed a few things about him that fantasy owners chose to overlook prior to last season. Barber runs with an extremely aggressive and punishing style which could impact his long term value if ihe is not used properly. Simply put, Marion Barber doesn't need and actually benefits from not getting as many carries. Prior to 2009, he was averaging a TD every 14.1 carries while he was serving a "limited" role. The Cowboys drafted Felix Jones, who was having an impressive rookie season until he got hurt in Week 6 and didn't play again. Another rookie, Tashard Choice, was equally as impressive filling in for Barber at the end of the season.

While it may not seem like it at the moment, but this is all good news Barber owners. Jerry Jones calls him his 4th quarter closer, but don't mistake that as being a hit to his fantasy value. He is going to put up big fantasy points for years as a threat for 100 total yards, 5+ catches and at least 1 TD every game. With Terrell Owens taking his traveling circus to Buffalo, the Cowboys will try to become more reliant on the running game, led by Barber. Plus, he is moving back to a role that he had tremendous fantasy success. The formula works - let Jones and Choice get involved in the offense, take a few carries and keep Barber fresh throughout the season. Marion Barber is still going to get 200 - 250 touches, be a focus point of the offense and most importantly be the beastly goal line back we all knew and loved a few years ago.

Bust

There is no question that Marion "the Barbarian" Barber III is a Beast.  With a studly nickname, a running style similar to a battering ram, and the graceful ability to catch a football, it's quite apparent he is one of the most talented runners in the NFL.  The trouble here, is his hard running style poses a major liability to your fantasy football team.  MBIII first made a name for himself pounding the rock in an RB committee with Julius Jones.  In a limited role as a compliment back, and even more noteably, playing the role as a 4th quarter closer, he managed to elevate his yard per carry average to an impressive 4.8.  His most successful season was 2007 where he totaled 1,257 all-purpose yards and 12 TD's on 248 total touches while serving as the #1 RB in a committe role in Dallas.   

Entering the 2008 season, fantasy owners were excited to see the barbarians potential as an every down back.  Drafted in the 1st round of most 2008 drafts, he quickly dashed the championship dreams of many fantasy owners providing a meager 3.9 ypc average on 209 carries.  Coupled with his lowest TD totals (7) since his rookie season, it quickly became apparent the MBIII may not be suited to fill the every down role.

The Cowboys have indiciated that they will go back to utilizing Barber in the closer role he was so effective in earlier in his career.  This role makes MBIII a little less attractive on your fantasy roster.  Lets take a look:

Closers cannot be counted on to consistently score you fantasy points.  In order to be an effective closer, your team must consistently be ahead in the 4th quarter of football games.  The Cowboys play in one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL and will undoubtedly be playing from behind often in 2009.  Not to mention with T.O. out of town, count on defenses stacking the box more often to stall the run. Secondly, word out of Dallas camp is they would like to utilize a "three-headed" rushing attack in 2009.  An impressive showing by Felix Jones and Tashard Choice in 2008 (they averaged 8.9 and 5.1 ypc, respectively) makes me think they are eager to carve themselves out a more significant role in the Cowboys offense.  Competition for touches is not a good sign for a closer.

Barber is still a great player.  At only 26, he's hugely talented, and potentially the most productive rusher in the league with limited touches.  If you are a MBIII owner, or plan to become one, make sure you have a legit #1 WR on your roster.  He's not the #1 RB we wanted him to be in 08' and without a solid #1 WR to pair him with in your starting lineup, he becomes a major liability on your fantasy roster.  His current contract is designed so the Cowboys can cut ties with him in 2010.  This doesn't change his status as a #2 fantasy RB, and only adds to his uncertainty moving foward.