Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard hasn’t been the electric playmaker he was a year ago, but he’s confident a huge game is on the horizon
The Dallas Cowboys will play their most important game of the regular season (so far) on Sunday. Visiting the Philadelphia Eagles means entering enemy territory with a chance to bring the division race down to just a half-game in the win column.
Anything less than firing on all cylinders could very well result in a race-ending loss, cementing Dallas’ fate as a Wild Card team. Quarterback Dak Prescott and the new-and-improved post-bye passing offense likely won’t win this game on its own. Running back Tony Pollard and Dallas’ rushing attack must look the part.
The Cowboys have struggled to create explosives on the ground this season, highlighted by Pollard’s underwhelming production. He has 108 carries for 423 yards on the season and hasn’t scored since the season opener against the New York Giants.
Pollard spoke about what needs to happen in order for the run game to find success.
“Just trying to find opportunities,” Pollard began. “Find weak points in the defense where it’s a good look for us to run, and getting a little more at-bats at the plate.”
Like any running back, Pollard wants the rock. For a handful of reasons, Pollard hasn’t seen 20 carries in a contest since Week 3. Perhaps more opportunities will lend itself to more variance and some positive regression. It certainly worked for receiver CeeDee Lamb, who exploded in Week 8 after seeing a season-high in targets (14). His 12-catch, 158-yard day.
“I was so happy for him, I told him he deserved it,” Pollard said. “Obviously been a slow start for the season, but that comes with it. Some games you’ll be hot, some games you won’t. It’s just the ebbs and flows of the season.”
As for Pollard, there’s still some work to do. Despite Philadelphia’s incredible talent up front, Dallas has the horses to compete in the trenches. Rekindling his 2022 self could create chunk gains that have largely eluded the offense and perhaps give head coach Mike McCarthy a little more confidence in his ability to burn the clock, should the game call for it.
The Cowboys leaned all the way into the Pollard experience when they cut New England Patriots ‘back Ezekiel Elliott and made little effort to replace him. This is Pollard’s backfield, for better or worse. Both Dallas and Pollard remain confident in the results being just around the corner.
“Most definitely! Yeah, it’s coming,” Pollard said, regarding a breakout performance. “I just know it is. Speak it into existence.”
He didn’t specify when that game would come, but Sunday’s Week 9 matchup would be optimal. Whether it comes about through adjustments, good fortune, or the powers of Pollard’s manifestation, Dallas would be grateful for its star running back to show up when it matters most.
The Cowboys’ best chance to win comes from adequately shutting down the Eagles’ vaunted rushing attack. Jumping out to a big enough lead and forcing Philadelphia to play one-dimensional football could have a snowball effect that ultimately wins Dallas the game.
However, it’s hard to imagine that coming to fruition without significant contributions from Pollard. The need for a strong showing shouldn’t be understated on Sunday.
