Last season, for the first time since 2016, the Dallas Cowboys opened the year without running back Ezekiel Elliott as the team’s starting rusher. Instead, Dallas turned to longtime backup Tony Pollard after four straight seasons of uber-efficient rushing numbers in relief of Elliott.
Unfortunately for the Cowboys and Pollard, the Memphis product struggled in his new role, averaging a career-worst 4.0 yards per carry across 17 starts. Pollard’s misfortune ended with him signing with the Tennessee Titans this offseason. However, one former Dallas Cowboys star, wide receiver Dez Bryant, believes the Cowboys failed Pollard last season, citing overuse and misuse.
Longtime Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant: Calls Out Team for Tony Pollard Usage
Last season, in his first year as the unquestioned starting running back of the Dallas Cowboys, Tony Pollard posted the worst efficiency numbers of his five-year NFL career. Pollard took on the most extensive workload of his career but posted career lows in yards per reception and carry. Former Cowboys Pro Bowl wide receiver Dez Bryant believes the team’s handling of Pollard in his inaugural starting season led to the down year.
Tony pollard never fell off
he was over used which lead to being misused https://t.co/0hBshUYty3
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) August 21, 2024
“Tony Pollard never fell off. He was overused, which (led) to being misused,” said Bryant via Twitter on Wednesday. Bryant holds firm that Pollard’s skills remained the same, but Dallas’ use of Pollard led to his struggles. He continued in another Tweet, saying, “Usage had everything to do with it… Injury or not… I’m not asking my skillful back to tote the load…it was never (Pollard’s) make-up. Pollard will perform tremendously this year because he has another dog at the RB position.”
Bryant points towards Pollard’s workload with Dallas in 2023 as a significant concern. From 2019 to 2022, Pollard played a rotational role to fellow rusher Ezekiel Elliott but still tallied 2,616 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns on 5.1 yards per carry. He averaged just 4.0 yards per carry in the post-Elliott era last season.
Tony Pollard: Joining Tennessee Titans in 2024
After five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, running back Tony Pollard opted for free agency this offseason, eventually signing a three-year, $21.75 million contract with the Tennessee Titans. Nearly half his new deal is guaranteed, while the 27-year-old received a $6 million signing bonus.
A fourth-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft, Pollard collected 562 scrimmage yards and three total touchdowns as a rookie. More importantly, he averaged a healthy 5.6 yards per touch. After another respectable season in 2020, Pollard registered 1,056 scrimmage yards in 2021 on a career-best 6.2 yards per touch. His best statistical season came in 2022, with the Tennessee native totaling 1,379 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns. He earned Pro Bowl honors. Unfortunately, Pollard struggled in 2023, his final with the Cowboys. He posted a career-worst 4.3 yards per touch.
Dez Bryant: Remains Vocal on Dallas Cowboys
On Wednesday, former Dallas Cowboys leading pass-catcher Dez Bryant was critical of his former team for the use of running back Tony Pollard in 2023. However, it is not the first time this offseason the now-35-year-old has critiqued the Cowboys. Earlier this month, Bryant took aim at team owner Jerry Jones for handling the CeeDee Lamb contract situation.
Bryant is also outspoken about the Cowboys in-season, specifically critical of the team’s offensive playcalling. However, he remains a staunch team supporter, specifically the players.
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