The Dallas Cowboys are gushing over a four-time Pro Bowl running who became available in Week 18. The 11-5 Cowboys have had a disappointing season from their backfield. Tony Pollard is averaging four yards per carry in 2023, but the franchise-tagged Pollard has 1,000 yards rushing and only has five rushing touchdowns this season.
According to Jon Machota with The Athletic, Pollard said Wednesday he has underperformed for the Cowboys this season:
“Cowboys RB Tony Pollard: “I thought I would probably have a better year than I am now. But where we are as far as playoffs and rankings, I couldn’t complain. Everything is in front of us.”
He said it’s been an “OK year” for him. “I hold myself to a higher standard. I try to be my hardest critique and my hardest judge before anybody else can. I’m always hard on myself.” Why not more big plays? “I’m not sure. But the season isn’t over. We’ve got a lot of games left to play. We’ll see.”
Cowboys RB Tony Pollard: “I thought I would probably have a better year than I am now. But where we are as far as playoffs and rankings, I couldn’t complain. Everything is in front of us.”
He said it’s been an “OK year” for him. “I hold myself to a higher standard. I try to be… pic.twitter.com/aLYxdD2ml1
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) January 3, 2024
Pollard might be feeling some heat in the locker room before the Cowboys make a playoff appearance next weekend. This postseason is pivotal for head coach Mike McCarthy, Dak Prescott, Dan Quinn, and Pollard, as they have a big offseason looming based on their results over the next month.
The Dallas Cowboys have their eyes on Dalvin Cook
McCarthy could be looking to improve their backfield for the playoffs. According to Josina Anderson with CBS Sports, the Cowboys are expected to consider signing Dalvin Cook this week. After giving him no touches in Week 17, the Jets parted ways with Cook and is set to hit waivers Thursday.
Fast Update: My understanding is that the Dallas #Cowboys will also consider potentially adding Dalvin Cook. Still evaluating.
We’ll see where other interest could also develop… https://t.co/0VQ0iFPs83
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 3, 2024
The star running back would immediately improve the Cowboys’ backfield. Per Machota, McCarthy said Wednesday he has enormous respect for Cook:
“Those are questions you are always visiting with and so forth. Obviously I have a tremendous amount of respect for him, played a number of games against (him) when Dalvin was in Minnesota. I have great respect for him.”
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy when asked about any potential interest in veteran RB Dalvin Cook: "Those are questions you are always visiting with and so forth. Obviously I have a tremendous amount of respect for him, played a number of games against (him) when Dalvin was in…
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) January 3, 2024
It’ll be interesting to see if the Cowboys are aggressive in going after Cook while he’s on waivers or if they’ll wait to try and sign him after they’re free from having to pay part of the salary the Jets signed Cook to. Cook is expected to have several suitors from playoff teams needing an extra spark in January.
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