Review: Pollard vs Giants

[xwalker]

There were minimal opportunities for Pollard to gain yards.

His opportunities were not remotely close to what he would have had as a starter.

Almost all of his runs were on plays where the Giants were expecting a run.

He had an 18 yard and a 5 yard run called back on blocking penalties.

He was hit in the backfield on 8 of 13 runs.

1st Quarter

• 1-10-NYG 28 (4:10) T.Pollard right tackle to NYG 23 for 5 yards (T.Davis).
• PENALTY on DAL-Z.Martin, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at NYG 25.
  • Martin got his hand on the outside of the defender.
  • Would have been a nice play by Pollard.

• 1-10-DAL 7 18) T.Pollard up the middle to DAL 9 for 2 yards (D.Lawrence II; B.Hill).
  • Started out standing in the endzone.
  • Got what was available on the inside.

2nd Quarter

• 1-10-DAL 21 (14:23) (No Huddle) T.Pollard right tackle to DAL 23 for 2 yards (G.Haley).
  • Run blitz by #34.
  • Initial contract 2 yards deep in the backfield.

• 1-15-NYG 44 (3:45) (Shotgun) T.Pollard up the middle to NYG 42 for 2 yards (A.Bethea).
  • Run blitz by #41.
  • Initial contract 2 yards deep in the backfield.

4th Quarter

• 1-10-DAL 34 (13:37) T.Pollard left end to DAL 39 for 5 yards (R.McIntosh).
  • Defender 3 yards into the backfield forcing Pollard to cut left.
  • Initial contact 1 yard deep in the backfield.

• 1-10-NYG 49 (12:18) T.Pollard up the middle to NYG 47 for 2 yards (G.Haley).
  • Initial contact 1 yard deep in the backfield.

• 2-8-NYG 47 (11:38) T.Pollard right tackle to NYG 44 for 3 yards (J.Peppers).
  • Pollard's first opportunity without defenders immediately in his face.
  • Outside zone run right.

Zack Martin out of the game at this point. Replaced by Su'a-Filo.

• 1-10-DAL 38 (7:53) T.Pollard right guard to DAL 40 for 2 yards (G.Haley).
  • Run blitz by #34 again.
  • First contact 3 yards deep in the backfield.

• 2-8-DAL 40 (7:15) T.Pollard right end to NYG 42 for 18 yards (A.Bethea).
• PENALTY on DAL-X.Su'a-Filo, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at DAL 40 - No Play.
• Penalty on DAL-T.Pollard, Lowering the Head to Initiate Contact, declined.
  • The penalty on Pollard was declined but it was a lame call anyway.
  • He didn't aim his helmet at the defender.
  • Is he supposed to just stand straight up before the tackle?
  • He was running between the tackler and a defender being blocked.
  • Pollard was putting his shoulder into the defender.
  • The defender was coming across horizontally and lowered his head.
  • Their helmets collided.
  • This is an absurd call even if it didn't involved a Cowboys player.

• 2-18-DAL 30 (6:50) (Shotgun) T.Pollard left end to DAL 27 for -3 yards (R.Connelly).
  • Initial contact 5 yards in the backfield.
  • The timing/spacing of the blocking on this play needs work.
  • They had SF (Su'a-Filo) attempt to block the LG Connelly.
  • The defensive alignment made the SF block impossible.
  • Some run plays fail before the snap based on the exact alignment of defenders.
  • I think a hand-off block from Frederick to SF would be better.
    
  • Frederick could pick up the LB if SF could take the hand-off block.
  • The LB shot the gap between Frederick and CW (Connor Williams).
  • Only other option is for CW to slow down as they move to the outside.

• 3-21-DAL 27 (6:06) (Shotgun) T.Pollard up the middle to DAL 33 for 6 yards (B.Hill).
  • Reverse pivot hand-off by Dak for Draw type play on 3rd and long.
  • Good gain by Pollard despite a defender free in the backfield.

The Cowboys are just running out the clock at this point.

• 1-10-DAL 16 (2:47) T.Pollard left tackle to DAL 17 for 1 yard (T.Davis).
  • Initial contact 1 yard deep in the backfield.
  • Zone run right.
  • Pollard starts outside then cuts back.

• 2-9-DAL 17 (2:40) T.Pollard left guard to DAL 19 for 2 yards (Ja.Jenkins).
  • Pollard evades initial defender 4 yards deep in the backfield.
  • Next contact at 1 yards deep by unblocked defender.

• 3-7-DAL 19 (2:35) T.Pollard right end to DAL 16 for -3 yards (O.Ximines).
  • Initial contact 6 yards deep in the backfield.
  • Failed blocks by Looney and Su'a-Filo.

 

[TwoDeep3]

The Giants were still trying to play the game of stop the run and force Dak to win the game.

I think we will begin to see the last of that defensive game plan as this season wears on. The WR corps is too good for them to rely on that.

But to your point. Pollard is a rookie, and he needs to get up to speed with this game. It's not preseason any longer.

 

[MarcusRock]

Was going to post a thread that said "Welcome to the NFL, Tony Pollard" as this is a long way away from Memphis.

I like how we eased Zeke in there because we need him to stay healthy. Hope to see more of Pollard in the passing game since he's been touted that way but if things keep up like yesterday, there's no extreme urgency so long as Cobb and Austin stay healthy.

 

[nate dizzle]

That's a lot of effort to spend defending the backup RB. Why? Just curious.

 

[Jenky]

That's a lot of effort to spend defending the backup RB. Why? Just curious.

They knew we would run to keep the clock moving so they stopped it. It doesnt really matter. Hes not Elliott who turns a lot of nothing into something - especially with the predictable play calling of the past.

 

[Hennessy_King]

There were minimal opportunities for Pollard to gain yards.

His opportunities were not remotely close to what he would have had as a starter.

Almost all of his runs were on plays where the Giants were expecting a run.

He had an 18 yard and a 5 yard run called back on blocking penalties.

He was hit in the backfield on 8 of 13 runs.

1st Quarter

• 1-10-NYG 28 (4:10) T.Pollard right tackle to NYG 23 for 5 yards (T.Davis).
• PENALTY on DAL-Z.Martin, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at NYG 25.
  • Martin got his hand on the outside of the defender.
  • Would have been a nice play by Pollard.

• 1-10-DAL 7 18) T.Pollard up the middle to DAL 9 for 2 yards (D.Lawrence II; B.Hill).
  • Started out standing in the endzone.
  • Got what was available on the inside.

2nd Quarter

• 1-10-DAL 21 (14:23) (No Huddle) T.Pollard right tackle to DAL 23 for 2 yards (G.Haley).
  • Run blitz by #34.
  • Initial contract 2 yards deep in the backfield.

• 1-15-NYG 44 (3:45) (Shotgun) T.Pollard up the middle to NYG 42 for 2 yards (A.Bethea).
  • Run blitz by #41.
  • Initial contract 2 yards deep in the backfield.

4th Quarter

• 1-10-DAL 34 (13:37) T.Pollard left end to DAL 39 for 5 yards (R.McIntosh).
  • Defender 3 yards into the backfield forcing Pollard to cut left.
  • Initial contact 1 yard deep in the backfield.

• 1-10-NYG 49 (12:18) T.Pollard up the middle to NYG 47 for 2 yards (G.Haley).
  • Initial contact 1 yard deep in the backfield.

• 2-8-NYG 47 (11:38) T.Pollard right tackle to NYG 44 for 3 yards (J.Peppers).
  • Pollard's first opportunity without defenders immediately in his face.
  • Outside zone run right.

Zack Martin out of the game at this point. Replaced by Su'a-Filo.

• 1-10-DAL 38 (7:53) T.Pollard right guard to DAL 40 for 2 yards (G.Haley).
  • Run blitz by #34 again.
  • First contact 3 yards deep in the backfield.

• 2-8-DAL 40 (7:15) T.Pollard right end to NYG 42 for 18 yards (A.Bethea).
• PENALTY on DAL-X.Su'a-Filo, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at DAL 40 - No Play.
• Penalty on DAL-T.Pollard, Lowering the Head to Initiate Contact, declined.
  • The penalty on Pollard was declined but it was a lame call anyway.
  • He didn't aim his helmet at the defender.
  • Is he supposed to just stand straight up before the tackle?
  • He was running between the tackler and a defender being blocked.
  • Pollard was putting his shoulder into the defender.
  • The defender was coming across horizontally and lowered his head.
  • Their helmets collided.
  • This is an absurd call even if it didn't involved a Cowboys player.

• 2-18-DAL 30 (6:50) (Shotgun) T.Pollard left end to DAL 27 for -3 yards (R.Connelly).
  • Initial contact 5 yards in the backfield.
  • The timing/spacing of the blocking on this play needs work.
  • They had SF (Su'a-Filo) attempt to block the LG Connelly.
  • The defensive alignment made the SF block impossible.
  • Some run plays fail before the snap based on the exact alignment of defenders.
  • I think a hand-off block from Frederick to SF would be better.
    
  • Frederick could pick up the LB if SF could take the hand-off block.
  • The LB shot the gap between Frederick and CW (Connor Williams).
  • Only other option is for CW to slow down as they move to the outside.

• 3-21-DAL 27 (6:06) (Shotgun) T.Pollard up the middle to DAL 33 for 6 yards (B.Hill).
  • Reverse pivot hand-off by Dak for Draw type play on 3rd and long.
  • Good gain by Pollard despite a defender free in the backfield.

The Cowboys are just running out the clock at this point.

• 1-10-DAL 16 (2:47) T.Pollard left tackle to DAL 17 for 1 yard (T.Davis).
  • Initial contact 1 yard deep in the backfield.
  • Zone run right.
  • Pollard starts outside then cuts back.

• 2-9-DAL 17 (2:40) T.Pollard left guard to DAL 19 for 2 yards (Ja.Jenkins).
  • Pollard evades initial defender 4 yards deep in the backfield.
  • Next contact at 1 yards deep by unblocked defender.

• 3-7-DAL 19 (2:35) T.Pollard right end to DAL 16 for -3 yards (O.Ximines).
  • Initial contact 6 yards deep in the backfield.
  • Failed blocks by Looney and Su'a-Filo.

Yo do a review of the cornerback play

 

[kskboys]

I thought Pollard had a nice game for a rook. I was sorta impressed.

 

[cern]

after 5 consecutive scores, you would think the giant's dc might have adjusted his game plan.

 

[OmerV]

That's a lot of effort to spend defending the backup RB. Why? Just curious.

He put in more effort than I would have, but I think his basic point is worthwhile. Pollard really was stuck playing mostly when we were just trying to run the clock and not make big mistakes that could help the Giants get in the game. I expect he would have looked much different if playing with the full offense in attack mode.

 

[Cowboyz88]

I think he'll be more effective lining up next to Zeke in a 2-back set.

Hopefully, that'll open up the field a little bit for him.

 

[cern]

I think he'll be more effective lining up next to Zeke in a 2-back set.

Hopefully, that'll open up the field a little bit for him.

I think that's the ultimate plan. in that way his receiving skill can be showcased. something that was totally absent yesterday. probably on purpose.

 

[johneric8]

Pollard honestly was one of the players that I was most excited to see and his production was disappointing, but I honestly don't blame him as much as I do lack of room to maneuver and play calling. I still believe he is going to end up being greatness for our cowboys, but for this one game it didn't show.

 

[windjc]

His 18 yard run was impressive. He drug trackers with him.

 

[xwalker]

That's a lot of effort to spend defending the backup RB. Why? Just curious.

https://cowboyszone.com/posts/9349310/

https://cowboyszone.com/posts/9193323/

 

[garyo1954]

Don't read much into first game stats. Tony Dorsett's first game was 4 carries for 11 yards (2.8 avg.). He had 4 games his rookie season where he averaged less than 3.0 yards per carry. By the end of the year, he tallied 1007 yards on 208 carries (4.8 per tote).

Not to say Pollard could be a Dorsett. But first game stats, even one game stats, can be misleading. Who figured Ekeler to go off for 154 yards and 3 TDs (Ekeler is the first undrafted player since Dan Reeves in 1967 to have at least 150 scrimmage yards, two receiving TDs and a rushing touchdown in a game).

 

[Ranching]

Yo do a review of the cornerback play

How did the Waterboys do??

 

[garyo1954]

How did the Waterboys do??

They watered like always.

 

[Future]

Pollard was fine but with the situation and blocking - or lack thereof - it's hard to really make any judgements.

 

[irishline]

His 18 yard run was impressive. He drug trackers with him.

I honestly thought that said drug traffickers the first time I read it.

Teach me to read too fast.

 

[irishline]

There were minimal opportunities for Pollard to gain yards.

His opportunities were not remotely close to what he would have had as a starter.

1st Quarter

• 1-10-NYG 28 (4:10) T.Pollard right tackle to NYG 23 for 5 yards (T.Davis).
• PENALTY on DAL-Z.Martin, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at NYG 25.
  • Martin got his hand on the outside of the defender.
  • Would have been a nice play by Pollard.

• 1-10-DAL 7 18) T.Pollard up the middle to DAL 9 for 2 yards (D.Lawrence II; B.Hill).
  • Started out standing in the endzone.
  • Got what was available on the inside.

2nd Quarter

• 1-10-DAL 21 (14:23) (No Huddle) T.Pollard right tackle to DAL 23 for 2 yards (G.Haley).
  • Run blitz by #34.
  • Initial contract 2 yards deep in the backfield.

• 1-15-NYG 44 (3:45) (Shotgun) T.Pollard up the middle to NYG 42 for 2 yards (A.Bethea).
  • Run blitz by #41.
  • Initial contract 2 yards deep in the backfield

He ran the ball 4 times on first down in the first half (which would have been what a starter would have had). Even if I leave in the 5 yard run that was cancelled out, he had 4 carries for 11 yards (2.75ypc). Without it he had 3 carries for 6 yards. I agree with what happened in the 2nd half.

Many of us said that Zeke looked slow/bad in the first half but even so he had 7 carries for 26 yards (3.72 ypc) and that does not include the 15 yard carry he had called back.

Not saying he won't improve, but he had chances in the first half and played like most 4th round rookies would given the circumstances. He definitely showed some flashes. Nothing wrong with that.

All that said, thanks for taking the time to do the recap. Nothing wrong with a little perspective.