Fact or Fiction: Tony Pollard has consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons

[CCBoy]

Fact or Fiction: Tony Pollard has consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons​

I look back to the 2021 season when Cowboys Nation realized Tony Pollard was better at running back than Ezekiel Elliott.

2022 Pollard proved that point by rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring nine touchdowns. He looked more efficient and a better fit for the offense last year.

In 2023, even with added talent at receiver, head coach Mike McCarthy made it clear to reporters back in March that he wanted to “run the damn ball.”

Now that Pollard is the lead back and will get his first full season in this role, I think it’s safe to say that the coaching staff wants to unleash number 20 more than ever, especially since he could leave after next season. This makes me believe he will hit the 1,000-yard mark again this season.

Fact

https://thelandryhat.com/posts/2023-dallas-cowboys-offense-fact-fiction-prescott-lamb-pollard/2

 

[Carson]

Fact

More opportunities and will be given more early touches

 

[5Stars]

Well, we will soon find out, but suffering a leg injury is always mental after coming back...

 

[Hagman]

In a 17 game season, he'd need to average just under 59 yards a game to reach 1,000.
So yea, he will do it if healthy.
A thousand yards for a RB isn't the benchmark that it used to be.

 

[Vtwin]

In a 17 games season it will be a huge disappointment if he doesn't get 1000 yards. Barring injury of course.

 

[Vtwin]

In a 17 game season, he'd need to average just under 59 yards a game to reach 1,000.
So yea, he will do it if healthy.
A thousand yards for a RB isn't the benchmark that it used to be.

Beat me by a millisecond. lol

 

[Hagman]

Beat me by a millisecond. lol

And I didn't mean that as a criticism of Pollard. It's just that stats like that don't mean what they did in the '60s and 70's when the seasons were 14 games long.

 

[CowboyRoy]

In a 17 game season, he'd need to average just under 59 yards a game to reach 1,000.
So yea, he will do it if healthy.
A thousand yards for a RB isn't the benchmark that it used to be.

Its one more game. Zeke had trouble getting there even with 17 games.

Some backs need less carries to do their damage.

 

[Whirlwin]

Without someone bainging in the ball like Elliot did . I don’t think Tony would last .
It’s all about playcalling play design.

 

[Whirlwin]

Its one more game. Zeke had trouble getting there even with 17 games.

Some backs need less carries to do their damage.

Who brought you a thinking cap?

 

[AmericasTeam81]

Probably fiction

 

[StarChamber_33]

If he's healthy the sky is the limit.. That is a FACT.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

I think he gets closer to 1500 yards.....if he stays haelthy

 

[SteveTheCowboy]

If he's healthy the sky is the limit.. That is a FACT.

He may easily get his 1k.

But...it's NOT fact he can withstand the hardcore pounding and abuse the #1 lead RB has to deal with. He's NEVER done it before so it is NOT a fact.

Especially if we ask him to cover for a porous O-line like we demanded of Zeke.

If we fix the o-line blocking, and make real run holes, and make Dak be a threat again.....Tony will THRIVE. 1500 easy.

Otherwise we ruin yet another good NFL RB like we did Zeke.

 

[CCBoy]

Bold Prediction: Tyler Smith plays the entire season at left guard. The "bold" part of this is more about the tackle position being solidified enough with Tyron, Terence Steele and maybe Waletzko to keep Tyler Smith inside.

Biggest Challenge: The pieces are in place with Zack Martin, Tyler Biadasz and perhaps Tyler Smith. The challenge is going to be finding the continuity in the group. Tyler Smith needs to be able to practice there all of camp and if they can keep those three together for most of the practices and games, it should be a formidable group.

Key Stat: The Cowboys ranked first in the NFL last year in "red-zone" scoring, finding the end zone 71.4 percent of the time. They were third in "goal-to-go" situations, with a touchdown 84.5 percent of their trips. That usually begins and ends with the strength of the interior of the line.

https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/battle-lines-still-open-competition-at-left-guard

 

[big dog cowboy]

Fact.

That was an easy one.

 

[boysfanperiod]

On the fence: He's one of those chunk yard RBs so it's possible. I would have been on the "fact" side if he wasn't coming back from an injury and had previously been the number 1 back.

 

[GMO415]

I'm banking on he'll get injured eventually. Doesn't seem the solid type.

Less

 

[CCBoy]

The best part of this potential pairing is that it mutually benefits the team and Fournette. Since departing from Jacksonville, Fournette has worked as part of a backfield tandem in Tampa Bay and isn’t as worn down as some would think. he has only surpassed the 200-carry threshold twice in his career and still has tread left on the tire. Considering how cool Fournette’s market has been, the cost should be a reasonable discount. The former top pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars is only 28 years old, with much to offer.

Think of picking up Fournette as the same type of safety policy as when the team had Alfred Morris. When signed, Morris was a terrific runner that wasn’t what he used to be but was sufficient as part of an ensemble to spell the lead runner. When Elliott was absent in 2017 for an extended period, Morris handled the starting duties and did very well in Elliott’s stead. Should something happen to Pollard, there’s no reason to believe Fournette couldn’t have some success if needed.

Simply speculating on cost, Fournette shouldn’t be very expensive. Since being released, there hasn’t been any significant news of him latching on with another club. Ideally, you’d think he would sign a contract for one year, gambling on himself to hit the market if he plays a pivotal role this year. However, like Morris and several other veterans, the Cowboys likely would offer Fournette a two-year contract in this scenario, something like two years, $6.75M, with incentives to earn more.

https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/202...oys-should-add-leonard-fournette-just-in-case

 

[RobZ]

Actually, I wish they would find a replacement for Pollard and let him heal...maybe the whole season. I'm afraid that they and he will rush him too early into action possibly causing him to never regain his form. I'd rather wait on completely healed even if that is 2024.