The Dallas Cowboys finished ninth last season in rushing yards per game, so the run game is hardly an issue, right? Well, what if I told you, it could get even better?
With the recent departure of star wide receiver Amari Cooper, the Dallas Cowboys are now missing a big-time playmaker for their offense. There may be a solution to making not just the run game, but the passing game out of the backfield even better than last season. Second-string running back Tony Pollard has clearly shown why he should be the first-string running back next season.
Current starting running back Ezekiel Elliott is doing a fine job as a bell cow, but that leaves much to be desired when it comes to explosive plays in the run game. Pollard is ready to become a bigger part of this offense.
Here are 3 reasons why Cowboys RB Tony Pollard deserves to start over Ezekiel Elliott
3. Explosiveness
Pollard is well known for his ability to breakout for large gains at almost any point. The numbers show that is no lie. Last season, Pollard averaged a whopping 5.5 yards per carry compared to Elliott’s 4.2. This is largely supported by the fact that Pollard averaged a 10+ yard run every 7.6 carries, while Elliott averaged one every 9.8 carries.
Pollard is also a force to be reckoned with in the passing game. Tony averaged 8.6 yards per catch while Elliott averaged 6.1. Pollard also outpaced Elliott in reception percentage by almost 14%. This shows not just the ability to gain a first down almost every play, but also reliability as Pollard is one of the most sure-handed and fastest running backs in the league.
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When it comes to rushes over 15 yards, Pollard had nine such rushes, while Elliott had six. Pollard managed to do this in over 100 fewer carries. 31% of Pollard’s yards came from explosive runs over 15 yards, while Elliott’s explosive runs accounted for just 14.7%.
One thing Elliott lacks is explosiveness and speed. It’s quite clear on film he doesn’t have that burst that he used to. This isn’t a knock on Elliott because he has still shown he is a capable running back, but explosive plays are key in today’s game.
2. Ability to Break Tackles
This may come as a surprise to some as Elliott was always known as a guy who would not go down without a fight. However, last season, that was not the case. Elliott broke a mere 19 tackles all season, while Pollard broke 27 in over 100 fewer carries. Elliott didn’t show the speed and elusiveness last season to make defenders miss, while it was seen as one of Pollard’s greatest strengths.
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Yards after contact is also a great way of telling a running back’s story. Elliott averaged about 2.7 yards after contact per carry last season. Pollard averaged almost a whole yard more at 3.6 yards after contact per carry. While this may not seem like much, it adds up. Just the one-yard per carry difference over the course of 100 carries is a whole football field’s worth.
While Elliott has a stronger and bulkier frame than Pollard, Elliott tends to go down at the first defender. Pollard has the speed and elusiveness to make defenders miss and breakaway in between blocks. He isn’t the strongest guy, but he still shows the fight and grittiness to fight for every yard, which is very valuable in a game where every yard counts.
1. He Can Do It All
Pollard gets involved more within the offense. With Cooper gone, it may be time to experiment with Pollard more in the passing game. This is not something you can do with Elliott; however, this doesn’t mean you have to take Elliott off the field. In his senior year of college at Memphis, Pollard was primarily used in the slot. He flourished at the position, which helped improve his stock and got him picked where he did.
Since college, Pollard has less than 100 snaps in the slot, including just 22 snaps last season. This is the chance to not just utilize Pollard more, but keep Elliott involved. Pollard’s versatility is a chance to open up the playbook and use him in a way similar to that of San Francisco 49ers star player Deebo Samuel, whom the Cowboys struggled to maintain in the playoffs.
The Cowboys need to stop wasting Pollard’s talents. He needs to be used more. The RB2 has proven himself to be a sparkplug in this offense, and they should not let it go to waste. Whether its getting him more snaps, or even sliding him into the starting lineup, Pollard is a guy to look out for in the 2022-23 season.