Cowboys: Tony Pollard inadvertently ignites war between friends
The Dallas Cowboys have one of the best running back duos in the NFL right now and it isn't exactly creating peace in the world. Fans, media analysts, and former players are talking about who should be RB1 for America's Team and it's become such an intense debate that some are ready to throw hands. At least […]
The Dallas Cowboys have one of the best running back duos in the NFL right now and it isn't exactly creating peace in the world.
Fans, media analysts, and former players are talking about who should be RB1 for America's Team and it's become such an intense debate that some are ready to throw hands.
At least that was the case for former NFL running backs LenDale White and Chris Johnson on a recent podcast for Bleav Network.
Johnson argued that Pollard has been better every step of the way while White explained Zeke has not been favored by play calls and the looks he's been getting.
The debate on who's been better for the Cowboys got so hilariously heated that at one point White just pointed to "CJ2K" and said, "Hey, bro, don't do that sh*t."
You can check out the full exchange below.
"I also know how that is," said White. "I know because I have been that guy […] Stop giving me power. Stop giving me nine in the box. Spread (the defenders) out and let me get the ball like that, too."
Johnson countered that Elliott couldn't get to the edge for the Cowboys as Pollard does.
"I think if TP was a full-time running back he would fold," punctuated White.
The clip is especially funny because of how relatable it is. 1) Everyone in Cowboys Nation is having this debate. 2) We've all gotten heated like that with a close friend talking sports.
I like to imagine that's Pollard and Elliott talking, to be honest.
But on a more serious note, let's dive into the running back conversation really quickly here.
The idea that Pollard faces light boxes only is utterly fanciful. In fact, he faces the 12th most plays with 8+ defenders in the box in the NFL, per Next Gen Stats. Zeke ranks 34th in that category.
Pollard also leads the league in rush yards over expected per attempt, which means based on the situations he's facing, he's still getting more done for Dallas. Let's seek illustration, shall we? Just last week, 116 of his 131 rushing yards came after contact.
To throw more wood into the fire, Pollard ranks #3 in the NFL in success rate while Elliott is 27th.
While I believe the Cowboys are getting a fantastic season out of both guys, it's getting harder and harder to disagree with the notion that Pollard is clearly RB1 material.
Featured image via @BleavNetwork
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