For the better part of three years Tony Pollard was forced to play second fiddle to Darrell Henderson during their time with the Memphis Tigers. But, Saturday night in the second week of preseason Pollard emerged from the shadows and proved he’s no longer Henderson’s backup.
Tony Pollard put on an impressive show Saturday night against the Los Angeles Rams. He touched the ball a total of six times and turned it into 51 yards and a touchdown. He rushed for 42 yards on the ground, averaging 8.4 yards per carry, and had one reception for 9 yards. All in all it was an impressive performance and one that arguably outdid his former teammate, Darrell Henderson.
Tony Pollard is starting to look like a real weapon for the Dallas Cowboys. It’s still a small sample size, but in the first two preseason games he’s proven the jump up in competition isn’t too big for him. As a runner he’s been decisive, picking up what yardage is given and not dancing around. He hasn’t been utilized much in the passing game yet, but that time will come.
The Dallas Cowboys couldn’t be happier with the way their rookie RB has performed thus far. He’s everything they’ve said he was, and quite possibly much more. Maybe those Alvin Kamara comparisons weren’t that far off after all.
We all know Ezekiel Elliott will return to the Dallas Cowboys at some point, but for now Tony Pollard doesn’t look completely out of place as their lead back. He still needs to work on his pass protection, but everything else he’s been asked to do he’s excelled at.
I don’t know about you, but I’m excited about seeing what No. 36 can do when these games start to matter in 2019. He will once again have to accept a backup role like he did behind Darrell Henderson in college, but you can bet the Cowboys coaching staff will reward him based on his play so far in preseason.
Pollard’s versatility to be a weapon as both a runner and receiver in the passing game should make him a unique chess piece in the offensive game plan each and every week. He’s been exciting to watch so far and we haven’t even seen him in the return game yet, which was a big part of his game in college. I’m personally expecting big things from him this season. What about you?
