What Tony Pollard’s Numbers Make Clear

LovinItAll

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,658
Reaction score
1,762
Don’t even have to go back that far. This is Felix and Marion all over again. Felix was that I’m high dynamic player who can break one at moment(Pollard) and MBIII was the bruiser, do it all back(Zeke) everybody was clamoring for Felix to be more feature and then the Cowboys let MBIII leave and Felix got all the carries and it was a disaster.

Zeke is overpaid but he’s needed and probabaly IMO much more important than Pollard because his blocking assignment. Dak got on a play already this season which had me holding my breath because Pollard couldn’t pick up a blocking assignment.

Man, it isn't your opinion that Zeke is more important, it's a fact.

I love having Pollard. I was excited/surprised when the Boys drafted him after watching him play 3 years for my Tigers. He's always been fun to watch, especially running back kicks in the college game.

He's a great player, but he ain't Zeke.
 

CATCH17

1st Round Pick
Messages
66,920
Reaction score
84,264
Now you sound like Jerry with his 500 coaches comments. lol

I would venture there are a lot of RB who bust out in this league as well. The position is not just running, to become an all around RB you run, you block and you go out on routs. You grind out tough yards in short yardage situation. We are week 2 and people act as if after 1 game where we used the running game that they have all the answers, I can promise you if this team gets to where they want to be in the end, Zeke will play a big role in getting us there.


It’s professional football.

Not very often do I look around the league and see all these RBs that have blocking as a problem.

The only RBs who can’t block well are the guys right out of college and even the college RBs are working on it more because they know it’s a requirement in the pros.
 

Bobhaze

Staff member
Messages
16,412
Reaction score
62,474
CowboysZone ULTIMATE Fan
No need for the bold Zeke deference throughout your post. Make your post about Pollard and move on. Actually, to continue to start these threads are an inference of your preference.
I just find that too many people only read post headlines and don’t even bother to read the content. Trying to make it easier for them to know the big ideas, lol.
 

quickccc

Well-Known Member
Messages
16,062
Reaction score
13,981
That isn't what I wrote. I simply counted which back ran which way on each play, runs that were decided for them by whoever called the plays.

You think the O line on the left is the same as on the right? Okay. Gotcha.

There are RBs that skill set make it easier for their OL.
the decisive ones,.. the quick hitting ones ..the ones that hit/get in and out of holes
in a blink, they do wonder for their OL blockers cuz they don't have to hold their blocks
as long.

Some backs can adjust on the move and re-direct, bounce it outside to a different and open lane.
While some cannot.

Now zeke's inside middle run to payday TD, that was both in line blocking and Elliott's skill in
feeling the hole openings and squeezing-leg driving into the lane for a TD,
 

Doomsday101

Well-Known Member
Messages
107,762
Reaction score
39,034
It’s professional football.

Not very often do I look around the league and see all these RBs that have blocking as a problem.

The only RBs who can’t block well are the guys right out of college and even the college RBs are working on it more because they know it’s a requirement in the pros.

The evidently you don't look. There are guys who can do some things, not a lot of RB who are all around players capable of doing everything at high level. All OL are taught to block does not mean all NFL OL can block worth a damn. You want to belittle the position be my guest
 

LovinItAll

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,658
Reaction score
1,762
There are RBs that skill set make it easier for their OL.
the decisive ones,.. the quick hitting ones ..the ones that hit/get in and out of holes
in a blink, they do wonder for their OL blockers cuz they don't have to hold their blocks
as long.

Some backs can adjust on the move and re-direct, bounce it outside to a different and open lane.
While some cannot.

Now zeke's inside middle run to payday TD, that was both in line blocking and Elliott's skill in
feeling the hole openings and squeezing-leg driving into the lane for a TD,

Man, you've missed the entire point of my post and I'm not going to explain it to you. Don't try to school me on running styles. You can't.
 

CATCH17

1st Round Pick
Messages
66,920
Reaction score
84,264
The evidently you don't look. There are guys who can do some things, not a lot of RB who are all around players capable of doing everything at high level. All OL are taught to block does not mean all NFL OL can block worth a damn. You want to belittle the position be my guest


Tony Pollards blocking is fine.. Is it better than Zeke’s? No. But Zeke’s blocking hasn’t exactly correlated to wins over the years.

It’s a big play league and Pollard is a big play back.

There is room for both and I like having fresh legs on the field but Tony Pollard is the guy who can crack a game open and make a play for this team.
 

RonnieT24

Well-Known Member
Messages
13,498
Reaction score
21,564
FIRST OF ALL, LET ME SAY THIS OVER THE LOUD SPEAKER: ATTENTION ALL ZEKE SUPER FANS- THIS IS NOT AN ANTI-ZEKE THREAD. THANK YOU.

One of the bright spots that has clearly emerged this season is the development of Tony Pollard into a bonafide offensive weapon. So much so he can no longer just be a “rest opportunity” for Zeke. Pollard has shown that he can be a real asset in multiple situations.

I will go a step further: Tony Pollard is now a weapon that must be a part of every game plan.

Am I saying Zeke is not necessary? Absolutely NOT. Zeke is still a valuable offensive weapon too. Two things have changed. 1. Pollard has developed into a potential big play back. 2. Zeke is not what he was in 2016-18. He still has value. But he is no longer the “bell cow” 25 carries per game back, and he does not seem to have the burst to a big play he once did. Zeke still has value though in several areas including power runs, blocking and some passing routes.

It’s also clear Kellen Moore is recognizing Pollard’s increased value. Compare game one to game to game two regarding Pollard’s work load:
  • Game 1 vs TB- 7 touches. 3 rushes for 14 yards, 4 catches for 29 yards. 43 total yds
  • Game 2 vs LAC- 16 touches- 13 carries for 109 yds, 3 catches for 31 yds. 140 total yds.
Some of the numbers will vary depending on who we play. TB was certainly better than LAC against the run.

Looking at comparisons between Zeke and Pollard and explosive plays of 20 yds plus the last two years, the numbers speak for themselves.
  • Ezekiel Elliott - Number of plays of 20 yds+
    • 2016-2018- 30 plays of 20+ yds
    • 2019-20- 3 plays of 20+ yds
    • Notice the drop off after 2018.
  • Tony Pollard - Number of plays of 20 yds+
    • 2019-20- 8 plays of 20+ yds
    • 2021- already has 2 plays of 20+ yds
    • Last two years, Pollard has 10 plays of 20+ compared to 3 for Zeke.
Once again, not saying Zeke is no good or shouldn’t play. Just saying Pollard is more of a big play threat and needs to get more touches per game. The numbers are clear.


Here are some other numbers for consideration..

Pollard has had at least 8 carries in a game 13 times in his career.. The good news is that he has over 100 yards in 3 of those games.. The bad news is that he's been held under 3 yards per carry in 3 of those and under 4 yards per carry in 6 ... It has been very much feast or famine up until this year. He has looked more consistent this year.. In addition to delivering some big plays he has delivered some chain moving runs staying away from the negative plays as well. If he keeps it up he absolutely earns more touches. His home run quickness contrasted with Zeke's raw power does wonders to keep defenses off balance. It's like a pitcher changing speed on the same pitch to confound hitters. Using both these guys properly is a task Moore should revel in.
 

CalPolyTechnique

Well-Known Member
Messages
27,231
Reaction score
43,940
Here are some other numbers for consideration..

Pollard has had at least 8 carries in a game 13 times in his career.. The good news is that he has over 100 yards in 3 of those games.. The bad news is that he's been held under 3 yards per carry in 3 of those and under 4 yards per carry in 6 ... It has been very much feast or famine up until this year. He has looked more consistent this year.. In addition to delivering some big plays he has delivered some chain moving runs staying away from the negative plays as well. If he keeps it up he absolutely earns more touches. His home run quickness contrasted with Zeke's raw power does wonders to keep defenses off balance. It's like a pitcher changing speed on the same pitch to confound hitters. Using both these guys properly is a task Moore should revel in.

This is ole’ Ronald “sleight of hand” T.

Now post Zeke’s 3 and 4 YPC games.
 

CowboysFaninHouston

CowboysFaninDC
Messages
31,156
Reaction score
17,674
FIRST OF ALL, LET ME SAY THIS OVER THE LOUD SPEAKER: ATTENTION ALL ZEKE SUPER FANS- THIS IS NOT AN ANTI-ZEKE THREAD. THANK YOU.

One of the bright spots that has clearly emerged this season is the development of Tony Pollard into a bonafide offensive weapon. So much so he can no longer just be a “rest opportunity” for Zeke. Pollard has shown that he can be a real asset in multiple situations.

I will go a step further: Tony Pollard is now a weapon that must be a part of every game plan.

Am I saying Zeke is not necessary? Absolutely NOT. Zeke is still a valuable offensive weapon too. Two things have changed. 1. Pollard has developed into a potential big play back. 2. Zeke is not what he was in 2016-18. He still has value. But he is no longer the “bell cow” 25 carries per game back, and he does not seem to have the burst to a big play he once did. Zeke still has value though in several areas including power runs, blocking and some passing routes.

It’s also clear Kellen Moore is recognizing Pollard’s increased value. Compare game one to game to game two regarding Pollard’s work load:
  • Game 1 vs TB- 7 touches. 3 rushes for 14 yards, 4 catches for 29 yards. 43 total yds
  • Game 2 vs LAC- 16 touches- 13 carries for 109 yds, 3 catches for 31 yds. 140 total yds.
Some of the numbers will vary depending on who we play. TB was certainly better than LAC against the run.

Looking at comparisons between Zeke and Pollard and explosive plays of 20 yds plus the last two years, the numbers speak for themselves.
  • Ezekiel Elliott - Number of plays of 20 yds+
    • 2016-2018- 30 plays of 20+ yds
    • 2019-20- 3 plays of 20+ yds
    • Notice the drop off after 2018.
  • Tony Pollard - Number of plays of 20 yds+
    • 2019-20- 8 plays of 20+ yds
    • 2021- already has 2 plays of 20+ yds
    • Last two years, Pollard has 10 plays of 20+ compared to 3 for Zeke.
Once again, not saying Zeke is no good or shouldn’t play. Just saying Pollard is more of a big play threat and needs to get more touches per game. The numbers are clear.
he should get touches. I think splitting the carries and series between them is good for both and good for the cowboys. people tend to project and take a small sample and project a season. if pollard was full time starter, his numbers wouldn't be anywhere close to what he is doing now.....defenses have to prepare for Zeke and Pollard who are different style runners and makes it very difficult for them. keep it as is. lets see on game day who has the hot hand and just go with it.
 

Established1971

fiveandcounting
Messages
5,503
Reaction score
4,107
between Zeke and Barkely, I dont think we are going to see any team draft a RB in the top 5 or even 10 in the next 20 years
 

Established1971

fiveandcounting
Messages
5,503
Reaction score
4,107
Difference is Pollard actually has talent and has been successful without Zeke, and on early downs. Hambrick was an over hyped 3rd down back who used obvious passing situations to inflate his avg.
remember Michael Wiley? His ypc for 2 years as a back up was real high, then he got cut, never played in the nfl again
 
  • Like
Reactions: CWR

RonnieT24

Well-Known Member
Messages
13,498
Reaction score
21,564
This is ole’ Ronald “sleight of hand” T.

Now post Zeke’s 3 and 4 YPC games.

Sure.. in his career Zeke has been held to 3 ypc or less in 10 of 73 games .. By comparison Pollard has been held to 3 ypc or less in 9 of 33 games.. So one guy is held under 3 ypc in 1/7 of his games.. The other guy almost 1/3..

Any questions?
 

RonnieT24

Well-Known Member
Messages
13,498
Reaction score
21,564
Sure.. in his career Zeke has been held to 3 ypc or less in 10 of 73 games .. By comparison Pollard has been held to 3 ypc or less in 9 of 33 games.. So one guy is held under 3 ypc in 1/7 of his games.. The other guy almost 1/3..

Any questions?


Oh sorry you asked for games under 4 as well didn't you..

Zeke has been held to 4 ypc or less in 20 of 73 games.. 27.4%
Pollard has been held to 4 ypc or less in 15 of 33 games.. 45.4%

Clearly Pollard is better.. because ... um.. well.. cause yall say so.. screw what the numbers say..

Mind you this is happening when one guy is the focal point of opposing defenses while the other is an afterthought and a change of pace back.
 

CWR

Well-Known Member
Messages
23,420
Reaction score
34,125
remember Michael Wiley? His ypc for 2 years as a back up was real high, then he got cut, never played in the nfl again

Yes sir there is a whole slew if these guys littered through NFL history. The guys like Priest Holmes and Micheal Turner are more so the exception. I think there is a lot of context that goes into determining a player is simply a good 3rd down back or an actual baller. Pollard to this point has shown he can do it any down and as a starter in a limited sample size.
 

Diehardblues

Well-Known Member
Messages
55,142
Reaction score
36,328
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the only game Pollard has started he had 69 yards and 2 TDs on 12 carries, and caught another 6 passes for 63 yards and all that was with Andy Dalton at QB.

Zeke ain't all that anymore. It's not 2016. Zeke should still get carries, absolutely, but Pollard needs to get his too.
One game starting is hardly proven results.

Pollard is an excellent compliment providing a skill set Elliott doesn’t always provide. But it’s an unknown he’d be as effective as the starting work horse with defenses focusing on stopping him initially.
 

Diehardblues

Well-Known Member
Messages
55,142
Reaction score
36,328
I just find that too many people only read post headlines and don’t even bother to read the content. Trying to make it easier for them to know the big ideas, lol.
True. And we need to try and minimize or streamline the post so more will read its full content.
 

RonnieT24

Well-Known Member
Messages
13,498
Reaction score
21,564
True. And we need to try and minimize or streamline the post so more will read its full content.


Hey man I went to Harvard.. I can't speak in two and three word sentences just so softheads can sorta understand. I try to direct my posts to intelligent people.. Stupid people (or those who pretend to be when it suits them) are none of my concern.
 
Top