Dallas News   Oct 29, 2009  

Bill Nichols

Having three talented running backs has helped the Cowboys through injuries. It also has created competition, not friction, with Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice.

Dallas ranks fourth in rushing among NFL teams, averaging 153.3 yards per game.

``They've all shared time,'' running backs coach Skip Peete said.``If everybody gets an opportunity to play, you better shine when you're in there.''

Barber has 344 yards and three TDs on 72 carries; Jones has rushed 29 times for 249 yards, and Choice has 44 carries for 225 yards and two TDs. Having runners with different styles helps keep opponents guessing.

Peete said he's more inclined to go smashmouth early to establish ``an attitude, setting how youre going to attack this team. It might not be big yards on the first couple of runs, but it's the attitude you're presenting to the opposing teams. You can pick and choose like that, you kind of want to hit the big guy first and then you hit em with your fastball.''