DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - The Dallas Cowboys have one of the top backfields in the NFL with Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard leading the way.
Both have their own skill sets that can be utilized in the Cowboys offense, and both will be key parts of the offensive plan going forward.
And according to head coach Mike McCarthy, while Pollard and Elliott are different players, he believes that both of them are capable of being starting-caliber, three-down running backs.
“Oh I think they both hold their own,” McCarthy said. “I look at both of those guys as No. 1 runners, or however you want to categorize it. Tony can play. I think when you look at running backs — I know how I define them — [it’s about] their ability to play on all three downs, and Zeke and Tony both have that ability. Zeke’s done it his whole career. So I think they’re definitely a tandem and that’s obviously a focal point for us.”
While his production has been down the last few seasons, Elliott remains one of the leagues most talented backs, rushing for just 1,981 yards over the last two seasons combined, he has been able to get himself into the endzone a fair amount, scoring 20 total touchdowns over that time.
Pollard on the other hand has seemed like the more explosive back when given the opportunity, averaging 5.3 yards per carry and hauling in 39 catches for 337 yards in 2021.
Ideally the Cowboys will find a way to utilize both players to their strengths, and repeat their stellar rushing production from a season ago in 2022.
If they can do that, and Dak Prescott and the offensive line can stay healthy, the sky is the limit for this year's Cowboys.
