2011 NFL Predictions: Is Marion Barber’s Career Already Over?
Published by Chad Smith on August 11, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Over the past decade, the NFL has transformed from a one-back league to a system where every team really needs to have two good running backs.
It’s no longer feasible for a team to rely on one guy to carry the load in the backfield. The wear and tear that mounts on a player is evident, as many players have come and gone in the blink of an eye.
Just saying the names Terrell Davis, Larry Johnson, Edgerrin James and Shaun Alexander bring back some great memories, but honestly, not that many of them. Those guys were dominant for a few years in the NFL, but they quickly broke down and fell off the map.
Even though the NFL is more of a passing league now, there are still running backs out there that could be headed for an early exit.
While leaving early is never fun (see Barry Sanders) for the player or the fans, sometimes it is in the best interest of the athlete and and his family.
Tiki Barber left the Giants early, just before they went on to win the Super Bowl. After being out of the league since that time, he now wants back in, and will probably find a home at some point this season.
Marion Barber was one of the toughest hard-nosed runners in the NFL in Dallas. In his first couple of years, he would deal punishing blows to defenders and bounce right off of them, his legs still churning.
Those vicious hits seemed to take a toll on him, as he saw his role diminish last season. The Dallas Cowboys had an awful year last year, and he was released as soon as the team was able to cut players.
Barber signed a deal that has him now playing for the Chicago Bears, where he will be behind Matt Forte on the depth chart. The Bears will probably run the ball more than Dallas did, so he will fit in nicely.
The problem is, his number of carries will be far less than it was during his tenure with the Cowboys. Forte is their best back, and Barber will still see the field, but the physical player everyone was so excited to see in Dallas is long gone.
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