No Zeke? No problem. The Cowboys run game proved to be the difference maker in this contest.
Over the last few weeks, especially in Dak’s absence it’s no secret that the Cowboys run game is being heavily relied on to establish the pass. Against the Bears, the Cowboys racked up 200 yards rushing despite Ezekiel Elliott being ruled out for this game as the Cowboys cruised to a 49-29 victory.
Cowboys Run Game: Tony Pollard vs Zeke Elliott
Who deserves the credit for the Cowboys run game? Who should lead the backfield? Some will argue after Sunday’s game it should be Pollard. Not only did he get over 100 yards rush; he averaged 9.4 yards per carry and scored not once,
https://twitter.com/Dc_Faithful1/status/1586779219039866882?s=20&t=bBhDuRVzPMscGHFie_62Zw
not twice,
https://twitter.com/BloggingTheBoys/status/1586797720886558721?s=20&t=bBhDuRVzPMscGHFie_62Zw
but three times against the Bears
https://twitter.com/rjochoa/status/1586806619282841601?s=20&t=bBhDuRVzPMscGHFie_62Zw
This is a feat even Zeke has yet to accomplish. Pollard’s explosive plays and home-run hitting ability has had fans pining for him to get the start. All this in mind, I’m the last one to say Pollard deserves to be RB1 at this point and time.
The Bears defense coming into this game was tied for 29th in rush defense (that’s bad); let’s pump the brakes on anointing him RB1. When facing defenses that excel against the run – Pollard comes up short. Of the Cowboys 8 opponents, only Rams and Philly sport a staunch rush defense. While he did manage an 8/86/1 performance against the Rams, the bulk of his yards came from a 57-yard touchdown.
You’re probably saying that’s a good thing though, why the hate? No hate to be found, I simply don’t believe Pollard is a complete back to allow him RB1 status and there’s nothing wrong with this. The Cowboys run game is strong when headed by both Zeke and Pollard. Zeke is the more complete back, but his previous workload has hindered his abilities to be the top 3 back he once was. Pollard adds in a fresh body for the Cowboys run game to utilize.
It’s important to note that, while I understand Zeke’s contract makes Cowboy fans want him to move on from his contract – it’s important to note that Zeke will still carry dead money on him and regardless if the move on, the Cowboys will still have a portion of their money wrapped up in Zeke.
In any case, having a strong 1-2 punch is a game changer to have on any contending team. As we learned from Zeke missing, the Cowboys can easily have someone that can fill right in without having to grow through any bumps in that road as 2017 showed us. While there’s certainly some conversations that are needed to be had by Dallas’ front office, however, for the moment the Cowboys run game should look to keep their duo in-tact.
What’s Ahead?
Cowboys are headed into their bye giving them an extended break. At the moment, the Cowboys sit as the 3rd best team in the NFC behind Philly and Minnesota and 4th best team in the NFL. Currently, the Cowboys are grabbing media attention as they send out inquiries into several trade candidates ahead of November 1st trade deadline. Names such as: Odell Beckham Jr, Brandin Cooks, Chase Claypool and among others have been attached to the Cowboys targets.
Here’s hoping that the Jones’ family opens their wallets ahead of a playoff push, with the Cowboys on bye this allows the potential new name to become more accustom with the system.
The Cowboys have a tough 3 game stretch coming out of their bye:
- @ Green Bay – Nov. 13th
- @ Minnesota – Nov. 20th
- vs NY Giants – Thanksgiving
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Until next time, Go Cowboys!
