3 Cowboys offseason decisions in 2023 that already look like a roaring success

2. Releasing Ezekiel Elliott, trusting young RBs

Any Elliott discourse is not meant as a shot to the former Cowboys star. It was time to move on, but fans had reservations about how the RB room would perform in his wake. Is Tony Pollard a true bell-cow? Can one of Rico Dowdle or Malik Davis be trusted as RB2? These are just some of the questions that were thrown around.

Remember the Bijan Robinson discourse leading up to the draft? Remember the calls for the Cowboys to sign a veteran to deploy behind Pollard?

It's early, but Pollard looks the part of a workhorse, and Dowdle's rigorous rushing style is perfect for short-yardage situations and the second half of games when Dallas wants to control time of possession and wear down defenses.

Additionally, sixth-round pick Deuce Vaughn has 40 scrimmage yards in two games and undrafted free agent Hunter Luepke has delivered some big blocks in the red zone and in 12-man personnel.

Again, none of this is a shot at Elliott, but his Patriots tenure isn't off to the best start, as he's been given 12 carries in two games. We're hoping he gets it turned around, but the Cowboys made out like bandits here.