The Cowboys Miss Ezekiel Elliott
Does Ezekiel Elliott deserve more respect? Sure, he’s not prime Zeke anymore. We know that. With that said, isn’t it pretty obvious that the Cowboys miss him right now?
A: Tony Pollard isn’t nearly as good as he was a year ago. He’s far less efficient and just hasn’t handled the lead-back role well. Pollard is averaging 4.0 yards per carry in 2023-24 on 219 total attempts through 15 games. A year ago the former Memphis product was at 5.2 and 5.5 the year prior.
B: Dallas doesn’t have a red zone back right now. Pollard has been given the workhorse role but can’t find the end zone. Pollard only has five rushing touchdowns on the season. Zeke had 12 last year. If you watch the games, you know this has been a problem. Too many times Dallas has failed in short-yardage situations. Several plays where you can go back and know Zeke would have scored on the goal line. Just like this past week against Miami when the fullback fumbled on the goal line. Dallas is missing that element from a year ago.
Maybe that’s why they’re not as good on the road. No one to pick up the dirty yards in close games. It matters.
Say whatever you want about Zeke. The guy doesn’t have the same burst anymore. Still, the guy can pass protect his face off, and can win when you need to execute in short yardage. He’s actually been a pleasant surprise in New England in that role.
Memo to the Cowboys. You better draft a running back next year. Maybe even two.
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