One of the big areas of concern for Dallas Cowboys fans when Ezekiel Elliott was moved on was could Tony Pollard be the “power back” that Elliott was.
While Zeke’s production declined steadily year on year, his efforts in short-yardage situations were still supremely effective, as his 12 rushing touchdowns last season are evidence of.
But now, with Elliott a member of the New England Patriots, that mantle now shifts to Pollard as the lead back.
But with his smaller frame and lightning-quick feet, can Pollard be used in a similar way to Zeke? Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer is definitive in his response.
“Can Tony be a really good short-yardage, goal-line runner? Absolutely,” Schottenheimer said. “There’s a part of that that’s heart and desire as well. It’s not just him doing it himself, it’s the offensive line. There are certainly things that we can structure from a play type, game plan, and things like that. I have no question that he can be efficient in that role for us.
“His explosiveness, his speed, his finishing skills, I think will make him a very good short-yardage runner.”
Pollard – who by the way is 6-0 and 209, much bigger than most think – flashed onto the scene last year and formed a nice combination with Elliott that CowboysSI.com termed “Dine and Dash.” The 225-pound Elliott was the brutal, physical runner, while Pollard was the quick, elusive, home-run guy.
There’s no “dine and dash” anymore … unless Pollard can actually do both. If Schottenheimer is right in his confidence that Pollard can take all that is on his plate as the lead back, then the Cowboys will … “Feed Pollard.”
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