Dallas Cowboys roster: Tony Pollard is a monster, per PFF

Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard has been explosive this season. He is currently the No. 1 running back in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Dallas Cowboys are having so much success on offense this year because their running game is one of the best in the league.

They rank second in the NFL in rushing yards per game, averaging 164.3 yards. Dallas would probably be ranked first if not for the Cleveland Browns playing seven games versus the Cowboys’ six, yet that still points out just how effective Dallas has been on the ground this season.

Still, the one-two punch of running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard has been giving defensive coordinators nightmares.

The Dallas Cowboys’ depth chart officially lists Elliott as the starter, but according to Pro Football Focus, Pollard is not only the No. 1 running back in Dallas but the best in the league through seven weeks:

Pollard is the top dog in a league with All-Pro running backs like Derrick Henry and Christian McCaffrey, along with Pro Bowlers including Nick Chubb, Saquon Barkley, and Alvin Kamara.

It is a credit to offensive coordinator Kellen Moore for realizing his potential, but Pollard has been putting in the work since his rookie year. Coming out of Memphis, his style of play was comparable to McCaffrey because he can split out wide and run routes like a receiver.

As electric as Pollard is as a running back, he also has excellent kick/punt return ability like he displayed in college.

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Above all of that, the reason why the Cowboys should love the former Memphis Tiger is because of his balance and the ability to make defenders miss. Elliott is the “pound it down your throat” kind of runner, but Pollard is electric and a great change of pace for the offense.

That is why, according to the stats at ESPN, he leads all running backs with 6 rushing yards per attempt with a minimum of 60 carries.

Pollard is a player Owner Jerry Jones should offer an extension when his contract is up in 2022. No one knows how much longer Elliott can take a beating being the downhill runner he is. He did change his body type this offseason to extend his career, but the life of an NFL running back is not long anyway.

When it comes to age, Pollard is younger. When it comes to money, Pollard is cheaper. When it comes to electric plays, Pollard is the guy this year. Dallas shouldn’t trade or cut Elliott in the offseason, of course, but if his PFF numbers are any indicator, Pollard is a special player.

Let’s end with a favorite Pollard highlight on Sunday Night Football his rookie season in 2019: