ARLINGTON, Texas — After Dallas’ 34-14 rout of Philadelphia in an NFC wild-card game, second-year back Felix Jones talked to Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer and other reporters about his big touchdown run, his prolific rushing night (16 carries for 148 yards) and what it means to be a such a big contributor to the team.
Question: Whether it’s off a handoff or a screen pass, you’re having a lot of success in the open field right now. What’s making that happen?
Felix Jones: You can blame that on the offensive line. They create a lot of big holes for the running backs, and the receivers do a good job of blocking the corners. We execute, and we’re doing things the right way.
Q: Can you go through what happened on your 73-yard touchdown run in the third quarter?
FJ: Once I received the ball from (quarterback Tony) Romo, I kind of looked at the field to see what I had to work with. And I see my guy, big (right guard) Leonard Davis pulling in front of me. I also see (left guard) Kyle Kosier pulling in front of me. Once I saw Leonard Davis make that block outside, and (right tackle) Marc Colombo make a great down block, it just opened up a hole. All I could see then was green–green grass, and I took it.
Q: And how about that final move on the safety?
FJ: I tried to set him up, let him get in front of me. I had seen I had little more space to cut back on him. It was just a great move.
Q: With all the great running backs the Cowboys have had, what does it mean to you to post the third-biggest playoff rushing game in team history?
FJ: I have to thank God for that. I have to thank my teammates for allowing me to go out here and play my game and have fun with these guys. We have to give it up to our coaching staff and all our players for going out here and working hard.
Q: How rewarding was this game for you personally after injuries cut short your rookie season?
FJ: It’s hard to put in words. To come out here and have a successful day today is a payoff.
This story appears in Jan. 10’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.