What's the plan for the run game?

Jfconrow · May 5, 2022

So they drafted Tyler Smith and the plan looks to be he’ll backup LT and start at LG. They also got Matt Waletzko who looks to be only a OT because he’s like 6 foot 7.

The team didn’t draft a RB, but they signed two UDFAs and just cut a FB. Zeke has the knee injury from last year, which I don’t know if that gets better. Also Pollard had the foot ligament tear that also scares me, but I think he recovers. My thoughts are they need a third RB. So does that mean the running game is on the back of UDFAs or is Zeke heathy again. I don’t know if Pollard can go 17 games with 20 carries. Then you have 3 more playoff games where you really want to have the best RB getting 25 carries a game. So the 3rd RB is pretty important with the longer season.

What’s the plan? Just go as long as the can with Zeke, Pollard, 3rd RB? Also what about Tyler it seams he’s a better fit at LG. Why wouldn’t they have Waletzko as the backup or swing OT?

Oz-of-Cowboy-Country · May 5, 2022

Jfconrow said:
So they drafted Tyler Smith and the plan looks to be he’ll backup LT and start at LG. They also got Matt Waletzko who looks to be only a OT because he’s like 6 foot 7.

The team didn’t draft a RB, but they signed two UDFAs and just cut a FB. Zeke has the knee injury from last year, which I don’t know if that gets better. Also Pollard had the foot ligament tear that also scares me, but I think he recovers. My thoughts are they need a third RB. So does that mean the running game is on the back of UDFAs or is Zeke heathy again. I don’t know if Pollard can go 17 games with 20 carries. Then you have 3 more playoff games where you really want to have the best RB getting 25 carries a game. So the 3rd RB is pretty important with the longer season.

What’s the plan? Just go as long as the can with Zeke, Pollard, 3rd RB? Also what about Tyler it seams he’s a better fit at LG. Why wouldn’t they have Waletzko as the backup or swing OT?

So you're saying put Tyler at LG and leave him there even if Tyron goes down. I'm OK with that. But as far as the RB's go...Zeke played through his knee thing, so I think he'll be 100% healthy. The same goes with Pollard. Dowdle and Hardy are our 3rd and 4th RB's. Both of them seem very capable to me, so I have no worries about our rushing attack. If the OL stays healthy, we should be good.

Bobhaze · May 5, 2022

Having a better OL and running game is one of the big off-season questions this offense faces. Without both, this offense will be more of what we saw the last half of last year.

IMO, Zeke is still here now only because of that contract. I have low expectations for his performance. Pollard MUST be given more touches and we may even need another back to help as well. Will be interesting.

john van brocklin · May 5, 2022

Jfconrow said:
So they drafted Tyler Smith and the plan looks to be he’ll backup LT and start at LG. They also got Matt Waletzko who looks to be only a OT because he’s like 6 foot 7.

The team didn’t draft a RB, but they signed two UDFAs and just cut a FB. Zeke has the knee injury from last year, which I don’t know if that gets better. Also Pollard had the foot ligament tear that also scares me, but I think he recovers. My thoughts are they need a third RB. So does that mean the running game is on the back of UDFAs or is Zeke heathy again. I don’t know if Pollard can go 17 games with 20 carries. Then you have 3 more playoff games where you really want to have the best RB getting 25 carries a game. So the 3rd RB is pretty important with the longer season.

What’s the plan? Just go as long as the can with Zeke, Pollard, 3rd RB? Also what about Tyler it seams he’s a better fit at LG. Why wouldn’t they have Waletzko as the backup or swing OT?

Are Cowboys allowed to run the ball?
I thought that was off limits..

john van brocklin · May 5, 2022

Bobhaze said:
Having a better OL and running game is one of the big off-season questions this offense faces. Without both, this offense will be more of what we saw the last half of last year.

IMO, Zeke is still here now only because of that contract. I have low expectations for his performance. Pollard MUST be given more touches and we may even need another back to help as well. Will be interesting.

This is Zeke's last year, maybe Pollard's too.
2023 RB situation should be interesting.

nightrain · May 5, 2022

My plan? Early and often.
Cowboys plan? Duck and chuck....often.

CWR · May 5, 2022

Jfconrow said:
So they drafted Tyler Smith and the plan looks to be he’ll backup LT and start at LG. They also got Matt Waletzko who looks to be only a OT because he’s like 6 foot 7.

The team didn’t draft a RB, but they signed two UDFAs and just cut a FB. Zeke has the knee injury from last year, which I don’t know if that gets better. Also Pollard had the foot ligament tear that also scares me, but I think he recovers. My thoughts are they need a third RB. So does that mean the running game is on the back of UDFAs or is Zeke heathy again. I don’t know if Pollard can go 17 games with 20 carries. Then you have 3 more playoff games where you really want to have the best RB getting 25 carries a game. So the 3rd RB is pretty important with the longer season.

What’s the plan? Just go as long as the can with Zeke, Pollard, 3rd RB? Also what about Tyler it seams he’s a better fit at LG. Why wouldn’t they have Waletzko as the backup or swing OT?

Waletzko may be inactive. He has to add strength. Supposedly he has some elite traits, but his frame could easily hold another 30lbs of muscle. If all goes well he will get a red shirt year in an NFL strength and conditioning program.

I agree we should've gotten a mid round rb. I guess they didn't see anyone they liked more than Goggles.

KJJ · May 5, 2022

No one knows what the plan is until we get to training camp and see what we have. Obviously we have to get better up front and hope Tyler Smith improves the situation.

Redline360 · May 5, 2022

People act like this OL is trash level especially when it comes to the run game however in reality cowboys finished the last season with a top 10 OL on every major analytic website. Going into the season they're still slated to be a top 10 OL. Did they struggle with run block late in the season? Yes but so did the majority of teams.

No reason with zeke and Pollard we shouldn't have on of the top combos in the league and dominate on the ground. I honestly believe KM is the MAJOR factor behind the struggle. He's just clueless with bland I can see a run coming a mile away play calling.

Dak is not the answer to winning games. Stat chasers love the gaudy stats he will put up throwing 30 / 40 time a game though.

Pollard needs WAY more touches.

Ozone22 · May 5, 2022

john van brocklin said:
Are Cowboys allowed to run the ball?
I thought that was off limits..

They're only allowed to run the ball when it is 3rd down and long.

CWR · May 5, 2022

john van brocklin said:
Are Cowboys allowed to run the ball?
I thought that was off limits..

We are allowed to run, but only inside the tackles per KM.

CATCH17 · May 5, 2022

Don’t expect a better team than last year.. We should see a drastic step back this season but results will be similar because our division stinks.

KJJ · May 5, 2022

CATCH17 said:
Don’t expect a better team than last year.. We should see a drastic step back this season but results will be similar because our division stinks.

Can’t always count on the division stinking and assume it will continue. We’re not likely to be better which will bring teams back to us. Philly appears to have improved themselves it’s all going to come down to Jalen Hurts. This will likely be a make or break season for him. Some are picking Philly to win the NFC East. Many have jumped off the Cowboys bandwagon. I believe we’ll struggle to win 9-10 games.

AyeAtey · May 5, 2022

I think Pollard's injury is worse than Zeke's. Do those heal? That's part of the question. Top 2 running backs coming off injuries.

IMO Zeke is a head case, injury or not, got the big contract, got soft and complacent. Pollard got some spunk and spark.

No help in the draft, any potential or surprises on the current roster?

Yup, good question.

Hoping for Zeke and Tony to heal, more ways than 1 and...huge improvement from the Oline.

CowboyRoy · May 5, 2022

Jfconrow said:
So they drafted Tyler Smith and the plan looks to be he’ll backup LT and start at LG. They also got Matt Waletzko who looks to be only a OT because he’s like 6 foot 7.

The team didn’t draft a RB, but they signed two UDFAs and just cut a FB. Zeke has the knee injury from last year, which I don’t know if that gets better. Also Pollard had the foot ligament tear that also scares me, but I think he recovers. My thoughts are they need a third RB. So does that mean the running game is on the back of UDFAs or is Zeke heathy again. I don’t know if Pollard can go 17 games with 20 carries. Then you have 3 more playoff games where you really want to have the best RB getting 25 carries a game. So the 3rd RB is pretty important with the longer season.

What’s the plan? Just go as long as the can with Zeke, Pollard, 3rd RB? Also what about Tyler it seams he’s a better fit at LG. Why wouldn’t they have Waletzko as the backup or swing OT?

Same lame plan as last few years. Feature zeke. Pathetic.

jazzcat22 · May 5, 2022

Jfconrow said:
So they drafted Tyler Smith and the plan looks to be he’ll backup LT and start at LG. They also got Matt Waletzko who looks to be only a OT because he’s like 6 foot 7.

The team didn’t draft a RB, but they signed two UDFAs and just cut a FB. Zeke has the knee injury from last year, which I don’t know if that gets better. Also Pollard had the foot ligament tear that also scares me, but I think he recovers. My thoughts are they need a third RB. So does that mean the running game is on the back of UDFAs or is Zeke heathy again. I don’t know if Pollard can go 17 games with 20 carries. Then you have 3 more playoff games where you really want to have the best RB getting 25 carries a game. So the 3rd RB is pretty important with the longer season.

What’s the plan? Just go as long as the can with Zeke, Pollard, 3rd RB? Also what about Tyler it seams he’s a better fit at LG. Why wouldn’t they have Waletzko as the backup or swing OT?

Kick Moore's butt until he learns how to call plays better.
Zeke's mild MCL tear, I think it was an MCL, will heal much faster than Pollard's heel issue. As that is a hard injury to recover from. Unless you get a lot of rest from it. But with all the off-season both will heal just fine. Neither needed surgery that we know of.

I think they like Dowdle as the 3rd RB, as he looked decent until his injury. Hardy should improve as well. I don't know much about the RB's they signed as UDFA's.

It will be interesting to see how the OL shapes up and the competition at Swing Tackle, as ell, possibly C.

Only FB now is Ralston and he was used very sparingly last year, as they used Mcgovern in that role more. Maybe Nall is used as a RB & FB, as well, one of the TE's.

fivetwos · May 5, 2022

CowboyRoy said:
Same lame plan as last few years. Feature zeke. Pathetic.

Exactly what I was about to say. Beat me to it by a minute lol.

Feature highly paid jersey seller Ezekiel Elliott. For the first six games, he looks like he wants to remain in Dallas, then he is too beat up to be effective, and thats not even a knock on him. He makes hard contact on nearly every play, and he is physically shot.

Can they adjust? Will they? Remains to be seen but I very much doubt the staff is allowed to bench an ineffective #21 if they find that to be the right move.

Jerry knows best though right?

fivetwos · May 5, 2022

I should add that I'm high on Malik Dixon, and maybe he can add that 3rd down back type dimension that we haven't had since Dunbar.

I think this offense is missing that and it would be a nice shot in the arm to add.

Other than that I expect the running game to be remarkably similar to that of 2021.

jazzcat22 · May 5, 2022

Bobhaze said:
Having a better OL and running game is one of the big off-season questions this offense faces. Without both, this offense will be more of what we saw the last half of last year.

IMO, Zeke is still here now only because of that contract. I have low expectations for his performance. Pollard MUST be given more touches and we may even need another back to help as well. Will be interesting.

It is not so much Pollard needs more touches, well a little bit more. It is idiot Moore needs to use Pollard and Zeke as he did the 1st 5 or 6 games. Not as he did the latter half of the season.
He went away from what worked as usual.

I think Zeke has a bounce back year. And Pollard is a great compliment at RB, but needs to be used more in the receiving game. As he is so quick and fast once he is in open space.
Of course as you said, fix the OL for all around success for the run game and passing game.

CowboyRoy · May 5, 2022

fivetwos said:
Exactly what I was about to say. Beat me to it by a minute lol.

Feature highly paid jersey seller Ezekiel Elliott. For the first six games, he looks like he wants to remain in Dallas, then he is too beat up to be effective, and thats not even a knock on him. He makes hard contact on nearly every play, and he is physically shot.

Can they adjust? Will they? Remains to be seen but I very much doubt the staff is allowed to bench an ineffective #21 if they find that to be the right move.

Jerry knows best though right?

they are gonna trot out zeke and plod his slow butt up the middle. Pollard will be under used.

teams will continue to play a two deep until the line starts opening big holes which is the only way zeke goes anywhere.

What's the plan for the run game?

Jfconrow

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Oz-of-Cowboy-Country

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Bobhaze

john van brocklin

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john van brocklin

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nightrain

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CWR

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KJJ

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Redline360

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Ozone22

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CWR

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CATCH17

1st Round Pick

KJJ

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AyeAtey

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CowboyRoy

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fivetwos

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fivetwos

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