Jumbo075
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Tony Pollard totaled 1007 rushing yards on 193 carries, and an additional 371 yards on 39 receptions in the 2022 season. This isn't elite level production, but it is much better production than the Cowboys received from the starting RB on the team, who rushed 231 times for 876 yards, and caught 17 passes for 92 yards. Ezekiel Elliott also scored 12 TDs, albeit many of them coming on short yardage dives into the end zone, after other players set him up.
On a per touch breakdown, here is a comparison:
My suggestion for 2023 is that the Cowboys find a way to amicably part ways with Ezekiel Elliott and replace him with a free agent RB named Jamaal Williams who, although he is about 4 months older than Elliott, has a lot less wear and tear on his body - and will be much cheaper on the bottom line than Elliott. Elliott has carried or caught the ball 2186 times in his 7 year NFL career, an average of 312 touches per season. Williams, on the other hand, has carried or caught the ball only 1075 times in his 6 year career with the Packers and Lions - an average of 179 touches per season. This past season, Williams broke Barry Sanders season record for TDs for a Detroit Lion, with 17 rushing touchdowns.
On a per touch breakdown, here is how Williams 2022 season compares to Elliott and Pollard:
At this stage in both their careers, Williams is about the same quality of RB as Elliott. The Cowboys have had a good combination in their running backfield with Elliott and Pollard. But Williams can replace Elliott for a much lower cost, giving the Cowboys the financial option of retaining the services of Pollard at a higher price. A 2023 backfield of Pollard and Williams can likely duplicate the production of the 2022 team, with a net lower overall cost.
It is time to thank Elliott for his contribution to the Cowboys, and move on to other options. Pollard has become one of the key contributors on this offense, along with CeeDee Lamb. Elliott is no longer the straw that stirs the Cowboys' drink. As fans, (and Cowboys management), there is no reason to bash Elliott. He's been a good RB for the team. But it is time to acknowledge the reality that he is no longer an elite RB, and no longer merits the high salary he is paid. Unless he's willing to take a drastic pay cut, the team needs to thank him, and move on. The Cowboys can save $4.8M against the salary cap in 2023 by cutting Elliott, and a total of $52.9M over the next 4 years by letting Elliott walk. That money can be used to sign some of the young defensive stars on the team. Jamaal Williams contract with the Lions was 2 years for $6M - a $3M per year average...for about the same production as Elliott.
On a per touch breakdown, here is a comparison:
Elliott - 3.9 yards per touch (968 yards / 248 touches), 4.84% TD/touch ratio (12 TDs / 248 touches)
Pollard - 5.9 yards per touch (1378 yards / 232 touches), 5.17% TD/touch ratio (12 TD's / 232 touches)
My suggestion for 2023 is that the Cowboys find a way to amicably part ways with Ezekiel Elliott and replace him with a free agent RB named Jamaal Williams who, although he is about 4 months older than Elliott, has a lot less wear and tear on his body - and will be much cheaper on the bottom line than Elliott. Elliott has carried or caught the ball 2186 times in his 7 year NFL career, an average of 312 touches per season. Williams, on the other hand, has carried or caught the ball only 1075 times in his 6 year career with the Packers and Lions - an average of 179 touches per season. This past season, Williams broke Barry Sanders season record for TDs for a Detroit Lion, with 17 rushing touchdowns.
On a per touch breakdown, here is how Williams 2022 season compares to Elliott and Pollard:
Williams: 4.2 yards per touch (1139 yards / 274 touches), 6.2% TD/touch ratio (17 TDs / 274 touches)
At this stage in both their careers, Williams is about the same quality of RB as Elliott. The Cowboys have had a good combination in their running backfield with Elliott and Pollard. But Williams can replace Elliott for a much lower cost, giving the Cowboys the financial option of retaining the services of Pollard at a higher price. A 2023 backfield of Pollard and Williams can likely duplicate the production of the 2022 team, with a net lower overall cost.
It is time to thank Elliott for his contribution to the Cowboys, and move on to other options. Pollard has become one of the key contributors on this offense, along with CeeDee Lamb. Elliott is no longer the straw that stirs the Cowboys' drink. As fans, (and Cowboys management), there is no reason to bash Elliott. He's been a good RB for the team. But it is time to acknowledge the reality that he is no longer an elite RB, and no longer merits the high salary he is paid. Unless he's willing to take a drastic pay cut, the team needs to thank him, and move on. The Cowboys can save $4.8M against the salary cap in 2023 by cutting Elliott, and a total of $52.9M over the next 4 years by letting Elliott walk. That money can be used to sign some of the young defensive stars on the team. Jamaal Williams contract with the Lions was 2 years for $6M - a $3M per year average...for about the same production as Elliott.
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