The Dallas Cowboys season ended a couple of weeks ago in the Wildcard round at the hands of the Green Bay Packers.
It was a shocking loss that still has most of us in a state of disbelief.
Dallas hasn’t advanced past the Divisional round of the playoffs since 1995, and we will have to wait at least one more season to change that.
Earlier this week I debuted my next series of articles where I will grade each of the team’s position groups for the 2023 season.
The first article graded Dak Prescott’s season, and you can read that one here.
Today we move on to the running back room.
All grades and stats courtesy of Pro Football Focus.
Running Backs
The Cowboys rostered two main running backs this season.
Tony Pollard
PFF Overall Grade (NFL Rank): 77.5 (18th among qualified running backs)
PFF Rushing Grade (NFL Rank): 84.7 (12th among qualified running backs)
PFF Receiving Grade (NFL Rank): 51.4 (59th among qualified running backs)
Tony Pollard came into the season with questions about whether or not he could be the lead back in the Cowboys’ offense.
Ezekiel Elliott signed with the New England Patriots in free agency, and the Cowboys failed to address the running back position outside of a 6th round pick in the NFL draft.
Pollard was given the franchise tag for a one-year prove it deal, and he was not able to prove the Cowboys’ faith in him.
There are many factors that affect a running back’s performance, but I think we can all agree Pollard didn’t look his explosive self.
Perhaps it was the scheme, or perhaps it was that he wasn’t fully recovered from his broken leg suffered last January in San Francisco.
Pollard graded out as the 18th ranked running back overall, and 12th when it comes to rushing only.
He was able to eclipse the 1,000 yard rushing threshold for the second year in a row, but it took all 17 games and nearly 60 more carries than last season.
Pollard was once regarded one of the most explosive backs in football, and the Cowboys relied on him for big plays.
This past season, Pollard only managed 22 runs of 10+ yards, ranking 21st among qualified backs.
He was tied with Miami rookie De’Von Achane, who accomplished those runs on 159 less attempts.
Grade: B-
Pollard did not meet expectations this season.
Whether we blame most of it on him or on the offensive line instead, things need to improve for the Cowboys’ running game.
I didn’t even mention Pollard ranking 59th as a receiver out of the backfield.
He caught 55 passes, but averaged just a hair above four yards per touch.
Rico Dowdle
PFF Overall Grade (NFL Rank): 66.6 (50th among qualified running backs)
PFF Rushing Grade (NFL Rank): 69.4 (54th among qualified running backs)
PFF Receiving Grade (NFL Rank): 59.6 (71st among qualified running backs)
Rico Dowdle, finally healthy to contribute to the offense, had a subpar performance this season.
It’s not surprising considering the troubles of the overall rushing attack, but Dowdle did have some memorable splash plays when given the opportunity.
As a relief back, I don’t put too much stock into the PFF grades themselves simply based on lack of opportunity.
Dowdle did bring some physicality to the offense, but overall I don’t believe he met the standard of previous relief backs the Cowboys have rostered.
Names like Felix Jones, Tashard Choice, and Marion Barber III come to mind.
Grade: C+
I don’t mean to be so harsh, but these grades are just the reality.
The Cowboys’ running back room did not meet expectations this season, and I believe that ultimately contributed to the playoff loss versus Green Bay.
It was apparent that Mike McCarthy tried to establish the run early in the game, but the inability to do so led to a deficit.
Coupled with the poorest defensive performance of the season, the Cowboys could not recover.
It’s unknown if Pollard will return next season, but Dowdle, rookie Deuce Vaughn, and Hunter Luepke should be back.
It remains to be seen if the Cowboys will address running back with a free agent or through the draft.
Whatever they decide, one thing remains clear: the rush offense needs improvement.