Cowboys have a top 5 running back as a backup, per PFF

The conversation around the Dallas Cowboys running back situation isn’t a new one. But more and more evidence is showing that Cowboys running back Tony Pollard was a better-performing player than star Ezekiel Elliott was this past season.

Yes, Elliott was dealing with an injury. But that makes the Cowboys’ choice to not use Pollard even more puzzling. Pollard proved that he had the ability and power to be a starting running back for this team, yet Dallas continually gave him fewer snaps than Elliott. The Pollard vs. Elliott debate was one that loomed large throughout the entire season.

Now, PFF is giving us even more proof that the Cowboys seem to be wasting talent. PFF released their list of the top 5 highest-graded running backs. It’s one thing to make that list. It’s an entirely different story to make that list as a backup. 

To be on a list with a running back who was amongst the top candidates for league MVP is an incredible achievement for Pollard. Taylor was given 332 rushing attempts this season. Pollard was given 130. Imagine what the Cowboy could have done with more of a chance to run the ball.

PFF lists Cowboys’ Tony Pollard as a top 5 running back despite being Ezekiel Elliott’s backup

Pollard ended the year below Taylor (87.0), AJ Dillon (86.9), and Damien Harris (86.6). His 86.0 overall grade put him above No. 5 Cordarelle Patterson (82.2). You’d have to hope that Mike McCarthy and Kellen Moore are seeing the stats and implementing a revamped plan for next year. It’s understandable that they’d want to give Elliott the ball given his past success, experience, and humongous contract. But if a player is clearly injured and not playing his best, why would you continue to feed him.

This stat paints the picture about how useful Pollard was: when Pollard had 10 or more carries, the Cowboys were 9-1. When he had less than 10, they were 1-5. In 2021, Pollard had his career-best stats with 719 yards on 130 carries. With 19 fewer targets than Elliott, Pollard still ranked 41st in rushing attempts and 41st in offensive snaps in the league.

Pollard is clearly an elite running back. It will be very interesting to see if the Cowboys shake up their game plan in the offseason to allow Pollard to get more snaps. At the end of the day, you’d hope any organization would put their best players forward, even if that means sitting your stars.