The Case For Tony Pollard: A Cowboys Vision
By Tres Valenzuela
Is it time for a re-think in the Dallas backfield? Tres Valenzuela makes the argument that Tony Pollard is deserving of a bigger role in the Cowboys offense, and Zeke’s time wearing the famous star may well be running out:
Production Doesn't Match The Payslip
After a tough loss on opening night, Cowboys fans should be coming to the realization that they overpaid Ezekiel Elliott.
For those who are unfamiliar, prior to the 2020 season Zeke signed a massive six-year, $90 million contract. Despite the hefty price, Zeke’s play through his first four seasons made the contract justifiable, to an extent. He rushed for over 5,000 yards, gradually improved as a pass catcher, and missed less than 10 games.
Unfortunately for the Cowboys and Zeke, he had the worst year of his career in 2020, posting his lowest total in yards and YPC. As if that wasn’t bad enough, Zeke also lost five fumbles, more than any running back in the league. With so much of the spotlight on Elliott, it seems that backup running back Tony Pollard’s play has not gotten the praise it has deserved. Pollard was selected in the 4th round in 2019 out of Memphis and has quietly been one of the most effective players on the offense during his time in Dallas.
Tony Pollard at this point is a better option than Zeke for a variety of reasons, the most vital being that he has outperformed Elliott. Pollard, despite fewer opportunities, posted over 400 yards each of his first two seasons, a higher YPC than Zeke, and is arguably a bigger threat as a pass catcher. According to PFF, Pollard has also posted a higher overall grade than Zeke in his first two seasons. All that being said, Pollard will make just over $1 million annually over the next two seasons.
Better Allocation Of Resources?
The NFL has undergone a major transformation over the last decade, going from a run first league to a pass first league. This has translated to teams being hesitant to draft running backs in early rounds or offering large extensions to successful backs. While not every team has adopted this philosophy, the Cowboys included, it is hard to argue with the numbers. According to CBS, since 2009 the highest annual salary for the starting running back of Super Bowl champs has been $2 million. Ezekiel Elliott has a guaranteed salary of over $12 million in 2021.
If that stat and Pollard’s play weren’t convincing enough, the Cowboys defense should be considered as well. Last season, the Cowboys had the second worst run defense and fifth worst scoring defense, allowing over 150 yards per game and just under 30 points. Despite an elite offense when Dak is healthy, there is no denying that a defense of that caliber does not make the Cowboys realistic Super Bowl contenders.
Had the Cowboys not given Zeke the new contract, they would have had an opportunity to bring in elite defensive players in free agency. Looking at last year’s free agency signings, it would have been possible for the Cowboys to sign Cornerback Mike Hilton, Defensive Tackle Tyson Alualu and Safety John Johnson for the same price of Zeke’s current deal. All three players would have filled large voids in a submissive defense that already looked vulnerable at all three levels against Tampa Bay.
Contemplating Life After Zeke
While I understand the sentiment that Cowboy’s fans hold toward Zeke, there comes a time when there needs to be a realistic conversation about the type of player he currently is and what type of player he will be moving forward. Zeke has undoubtedly been the best back in Dallas since the great Emmitt Smith and has provided fans some great memories, but with each week it becomes more apparent Zeke is not the player he was in years past.
There are arguments that the Bucs had the best run defense last season and contributed to Zeke’s slow start or that the offensive line dealt with major injury issues last season, but the reality is that he was nowhere near making an impact against Tampa, and Pollard was more efficient with that same O-Line.
One play last week that exemplified Zeke’s decline was an option in the redzone; Dak pitched the ball to Elliott who got to the edge and set himself up for a 1v1 to punch it in. Not only did he come short, but he hardly looked like an NFL-caliber back. He looked foolish against safety Andrew Adams, who was undrafted and has been cut five times in a six- year career, not exactly a ringing endorsement for a $90 million man.
Not too long ago, Zeke would have scored on that play without question and would have had an impact against any team, regardless of who he lined up against. Now it appears far too many variables need to be in his favour for him to replicate that type of output.
Pollard’s swift, yet powerful running style compliments offensive coordinator Kellen Moore’s play calling/scheme, and given the chance to be the every-down back, it is hard not to envision Tony P turning into the next big superstar. The odds of that happening are slim to none given what Dallas has invested in Elliott, but it does lead one to imagine what kind of future Dallas would have should they make such a change.
TRES VALENZUELA
NFL ANALYST
A former collegiate wide receiver and current Texan, Tres is the newest
member of The Touchdown. In addition to writing for The Touchdown, Tres also works
as an NCAA analyst for Pro Football Focus.