Cowboys must make big change in order to win big

Tony Pollard ran crazy in the Dallas Cowboys' three-touchdown win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday. He took full advantage of the lead role in the backfield, rushing for three touchdowns in the victory. Despite the success that Pollard enjoyed, it does not appear that the Cowboys are ready to make a change at the […]

Cole Patterson
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Dallas Cowboys
Oct 30, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Dak Prescott (4) celebrate a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Pollard ran crazy in the Dallas Cowboys' three-touchdown win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday. He took full advantage of the lead role in the backfield, rushing for three touchdowns in the victory.

Despite the success that Pollard enjoyed, it does not appear that the Cowboys are ready to make a change at the starting running back position. Jerry Jones stated after the win that Dallas will continue to go as Ezekiel Elliott goes. That puts a bit of a damper on the upide of Pollard moving forward.

"We go as Zeke goes," Jones told the media. "He’s as important as he was before the game.”

Elliott still holds important value for the Cowboys, for sure. He has largely played very well this season, can pick up the tough yards, and is among the best protecting the passer at the position in the NFL.

Still, it is becoming more and more clear that the Dallas Cowboys need to hand the keys to Tony Pollard and let the dynamic playmaker loose. Sunday's win over the Chicago Bears was the biggest evidence of that.

Pollard Time

Dallas Cowboys
Oct 23, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) runs the ball in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Pollard has consistently flashed his talent in spurts throughout his career. He absolutely flourished as the RB1 while taking over for Ezekiel Elliott.

Pollard rushed for 131 yards and three scores versus the Bears. Adding in a 16-yard reception, he averaged just under 10 yards per touch on 15 total touches in week eight. He had his way with Chicago and thrived in the lead back role for the Cowboys.

Pollard makes the Dallas Cowboys much more dynamic on offense. His ability to explode through an opening and outrun angles is fun to watch. He has the versatility to run up the middle, get to the corner, and be impactful as a receiver.

Furthermore, he leads the NFL in yards after contact per attempt and has scored the most 40+ yard rushing touchdowns in the league since 2020. Additionally, the below tweet is pretty glaring:

The one criticism that many have about Pollard is his ability to pass protect. He has struggled at times in those situations. Elliott, on the other hand, is a huge plus there.

Yet, the numbers are actually pretty similar in that category. Which makes the argument to increase Pollard's workload even greater.

Tony Pollard adds another dimension to the Dallas Cowboys. His ability to get into the open field, make explosive plays, and be an all-around playmaker is exactly what the Cowboys need more of. Especially down the stretch and into the postseason.

This isn't to say to stop playing Ezekiel Elliott. Elliott still needs a role in the offense and has proven to be effective. Dallas will need to use both to wear down defenses each and every week.

It is clear, though. Tony Pollard is a threat that puts a ton of stress on defenses. The Dallas Cowboys need to fully unleash him for the remainder of the NFL season.

Featured image via Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

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