The running game has been a staple for the Dallas Cowboys since their existence.
Don Perkins, Calvin Hill, Robert Newhouse, Tony Dorsett, and Emmitt Smith have laid a solid foundation for this franchise.
While there have been others, Ezekiel Elliott carried the torch proudly for seven years, making the run game the face of the team.
Over the offseason, he passed that torch mentioned above to backfield mate Tony Pollard. It has been a rocky road, to say the least, for the new lead dog in the backfield.
He is averaging a tick over 3.9 yards per carry, a full-yard difference from his career average 4.9.
So, what has been the issue? We can point to a lot of areas. I will narrow it down to three reasons, but there could be many more.
REASON 1: Has Mike McCarthy ever had a sustainable running game?
Since Mike McCarthy has been a head coach in the NFL, the running game for his squads has been hit or miss.
Last year, Elliott and Pollard made a formidable tandem. We’ll talk more about that in a minute.
Before that, Eddie Lacy and Ryan Grant had some positive years with McCarthy. Beyond that, it has been duct tape and elbow grease.
Ahman Green was his primary back in his first season in Lambeau (2006). Granted, he eclipsed 1000 yards on the ground, but can you guess what his per-yard average was?
You guessed it – 3.9. Granted, we’re talking about a 29-year-old player, and it was closer to 4 yards.
Nevertheless, McCarthy’s run game was performing around the same level as Pollard is now.
Emmitt Smith blamed Mike McCarthy for Tony Pollard’s struggles https://t.co/6qPoXe9xOy
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) November 3, 2023
That same year, they averaged 26 rushing attempts versus 38 passing attempts. It’s not horrible by any means, but on par with where Dallas is now with 28 rushing attempts.
We’ve watched the games. It’s not all Mike, but at the same time, we can at least agree that they don’t run the ball enough.
Is he putting Tony in the best position to succeed? Seventy-five gap runs versus 42 zone runs tells me otherwise.
Getting him to the perimeter would be a good start.
Reason 2: Being part of a tandem made a huge difference for Tony Pollard
I believe that there is something to this.
I can point back to when Julius Jones was the starter from Notre Dame, and Marion Barber was the understudy.
2005 was their first year together. Jones had 257 rushing attempts to Barber’s 138. It went on like that for those first two seasons until the flip in roles in 2007.
But it wasn’t until 2008 when Julius went to Seattle, and Marion had the backfield. He got the carries, but he also took on the weight of the running game. His average per carry dropped from 4.8 to 3.7.
I get it. Running backs are looking to get paid. The way to payday is toting the rock.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy on if there are any benefits to getting Rico Dowdle more involved, taking some work off Tony Pollard’s plate: “I’m comfortable with our playtime right now.” pic.twitter.com/nAIdisXzpE
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) November 6, 2023
Unfortunately, when you don’t have a partner in crime to take on some of that wear, it all falls on you, and that’s tough.
Tony Pollard is experiencing that now.
He needs a backfield mate. I know you’ll point to Rico Dowdle, but we need one they’ll allow to play.
REASON 3: Is it tony or the offensive line?
This reasoning is the toughest pill to swallow, especially for me.
I believe that Tony Pollard is an exceptional athlete. However, I am wondering if that’s where the buck stops.
In his last three games, he has averaged 13 carries per contest. Not all three of those teams had Philadelphia’s defensive front.
He’s had two games with 20+ carries. McCarthy could save him for the latter part of the season into the postseason. Or he could be executing the game plan based on the defense presented to him.
Or it could be that Pollard isn’t the same after that horrible lower leg injury.
It’s not apples to apples, but if you point out the guys on Dallas’ team (Michael Gallup, Terence Steele, and Jourdan Lewis) that has had leg/knee injuries and objectively evaluate how they are playing, you will give all of them a failing grade.
I think it’s time to talk about Tony Pollard.
I understand that the OL hasn’t been what they should in the run blocking department.
But..
Tony’s vision and burst also doesn’t seem to be there this year. IMO, the backfield should be a near even split with Dowdle going forward. pic.twitter.com/DGYu3bjsnI
— Outl✭w (@OutlawCowboyNFL) November 7, 2023
There is an excellent chance that Tony will fall into that category with him. He shows tentativeness and minimal bursts going to the hole.
The other part of the equation is the offensive line. The offensive line has been a solid unit, especially at the guard positions.
But what about in the run game?
The left side has been good. According to PFF, Tyron Smith has a run-blocking grade of 70, and Tyler Smith has an 89.8. I can’t say the same for the right side.
We know the struggles of Steele in both phases. It’s beginning to bleed over into Zack Martin as well.
The youngest player on the offensive line, who is preparing for an All-Pro nomination, stepped out like a leader and took the burden of the running game on their shoulders.
Tyler Smith say the #DallasCowboys offensive line takes responsibility for Tony Pollard and the run game's lack of production lately:
"We have more that we can do for him so that he can showcase to people what he can do. That’s on us, we take that personally." pic.twitter.com/h6hj8xm9ks
— Jeff Kolb (@JeffKolbFOX4) November 9, 2023
It’s admirable that he would come out and say that.
That’s the sign of a true leader, and Dallas has themselves a future star on that line.
However, the reality becomes that it is a combination of these reasons that the running game has stalled for the Dallas Cowboys.
They have nine games left in the season to right the ship. Tony has to be the guy with help because no one else is walking in the door.
3 key reasons?? Offensive line offensive line offensive line!! There it is
Victor Salazar you forgot McCarthy’s Pop Warner offense play design
Offensive line talent is lacking.
Jerry Jones doesn’t recognize talent.
Mike McCarthy isn’t helping.
Marco Mendoza are you joking?? Guy has drafted multiple HOF’s on the OL. Tyron, Zack Martin, Travis Frederick was well on his way before his sudden retirement. Tyler Smith is following in their footsteps.
Dan Ford Ok. True, about those guys. So…..how many guys did you mention? How many guys has he drafted over the years? We’re all of those great picks by his choice? Let’s be specific Let’s talk about how many guys who went on to great careers with other teams that he told that he was going to draft but didn’t. I stand by my statement. 28 years of mediocrity backs up my statement. Congratulations. You are the first Dallas Cowboys fan to believe in Jerry Jones.
Marco Mendoza so the Beard, Tyron and Tyler Smith, Martin and even Bliadz are bad picks along with Diggs, Parsons, Pollard, Dak and Lamb? Plus fool Jerry doesn’t make picks sitting by himself. that’s why McClay is VP of player personnel and the coaches have a huge impact on draft.
Wrong. Jerry does make the picks . He has the final say. When you get down to it this owner, this “general manager” is where the buck stops. He’s responsible for the success and failure of this team. He may be listening to other people more but he makes the decisions. 28 years of mediocrity. You can believe in Jerry Jones all you want. He knows business not football.
The Cowboys just aren’t good.
forget nfl grades on oline. Dak barely has time to see his receivers, little running game and three sacks in a row to end a game (i don’t care who the defense was) means blocking is breaking down too quick.
The running backs, the blocking and the play calling.
Darryl Hinkle you got 2 out 3 right and as MeatLoaf that ain’t bad
The oline is the problem but y’all need to look at Terrence Steele as he was beaten like a drum and several times his guy got to Dak untouched meaning he totally whiffed on him. I seen it right off the bat in the game. Then the experts were talking about it all week and it’s been going on all year just not as bad as against a guy that had what 17 sacks last year in H. Reddick. He got paid but he is atrociously slow getting offf the ball this year and if you look I honestly believe he has around 20-35 pounds right around his midsection that wasn’t there last year! Not like it is now and it’s cost him massively on his footwork speed and getting set and getting off the ball. I know he had the injury but he has like a 40.00 pass blocking grade and it puts him almost dead last as far as tackles in the NFL. That’s including teams backups so he’s like ranked 75 out of 80. That’s unbelievable considering how well he played prior to this season. And he got paid before the season I believe. Look up the advanced stats in just the Eagles game and you will be shocked at how many QB Pressures, sacks and QB hits he gave up just himself. I hate to say it because I think he’s a gray team mate and a fine man but he’s been atrocious and he’s killed them this season because Zack hasn’t been Zack but he’s been good just not great but remember the guard and tackle on the same side of oline work together a lot, point being is if one of the two is struggling especially mightily it will affect the other one significantly, and he’s definitely affecting zacks play somewhat also!
Gregg Wright you are totally correct about McCarthy and the line but according to PFF Pollard has broken 15 tackles the MOST in the NFL sounds like and everydown back
as a Cowboys fan, I can give you one good reason why the running game was garbage after Ezekiel Elliott was let go now Tony Pollard is the number# 1 running back Jerry Jones and all the sports media groups though Tony Pollard was this great running back but bot found out the hard way they was both wrong