4 bold predictions for the Cowboys vs. Bengals Week 2 game
2. Pollard Steps Into the Slot
The entire offseason, we kept hearing about how the Cowboys were going to give Tony Pollard more to work with, and it did happen a few times against the Buccaneers. That was more of a diversion to get Ezekiel Elliott more space to run, though.
This week, after the poor performance for the Cowboys receivers, it’s time for Pollard to get more reps in the slot and allow him to use that speed in space against linebackers to make plays in the passing game. The linebackers on the Bengals aren’t going to be able to keep up with Pollard when he’s given the opportunity to cut and break on routes in space, so the Cowboys will take advantage of that fact.
More time at slot receiver for RB Tony Pollard is part of the Cowboys’ plan to have Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott on the field at the same time. From camp: https://t.co/sHbhDqA5MF
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) September 7, 2022
This would also help the Cowboys in their pass protection, allowing Elliott (who is the better pass protector of the two) to help give Rush time to find Lamb, Pollard, Noah Brown, and Dalton Schultz.
When you are lacking threats on the field, you need to figure out ways to get the ball in your playmakers’ hands, and outside of Lamb on the outside, Pollard is the next-best speed threat the Cowboys have who can run routes. This week, Kellen Moore will figure out how to make it work.