The Dallas Cowboys came off of their bye and played nearly immaculate football. Quarterback Dak Prescott was fantastic, they successfully got receiver CeeDee Lamb into the fold, and despite taking on two star receivers and an offensive genius, the defense showed out.
Sunday’s 43-20 victory was encouraging, exciting, and perhaps the perfect appetizer for a Week 9 date with the Philadelphia Eagles. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t things to improve on. With just hours until the trade deadline, Dallas will have until the buzzer to address this run game.
Once again, running back Tony Pollard had himself an unimpressive day. He ran 12 times for just 53 yards and, aside from a 12-yard rush, failed to replicate the playmaking ability he showcased last season.
In turning Pollard into a workhorse, it seems they have become the very thing they swore to destroy. The Cowboys have made Pollard into last season’s version of running back Ezekiel Elliott. He hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 1.
Additionally, Week 8 was the fourth straight game with fewer than 55 rushing yards, and while that’s certainly an arbitrary mark, there’s been little to be optimistic about.
One can daydream about a potential Elliott reunion—the New England Patriots certainly aren’t winning anything this year—and what it could mean for the Dallas offense.
Part-time rushing relief with success in the red zone and an ability to pass protect? That feels like a fine complement to an explosive back who hasn’t quite acclimated to a full-time role. Or how about a trade for Derrick Henry? Maybe an off-the-couch signing of Leonard Fournette?
CowboysSI.com broke the story of Dallas’ disinterest in Henry. Most other ideas? Don’t expect the Cowboys to entertain such fantasies. Owner Jerry Jones spoke after the win about Tuesday’s trade deadline, specifically about trading for some depth behind Pollard.
“No. I like our running backs,” Jones said. “I don’t want to dismiss anything, but that is not a pointed position of need. At all. Not on the radar.”
Adding a running back isn’t going to make or break this offense, but finding explosives on the ground can help take the weight off Prescott’s shoulders. When things are inevitably imperfect, remaining two-dimensional is importantimportant.
Maybe the late-round picks Jones is apparently keen on keeping will turn into future contributors. But for now, it’s hard not to look at the aggression of Philadelphia’s front office and not wonder if that’s the difference in a tight NFC East race.
A big game from Pollard in Week 9 would do wonders for the long-term confidence of this offense.
