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.
