With or Without Zeke

[jday]

For a little bit over a month we Cowboys fans have not been able to visit any of our normal haunts without finding a collection of conversations devoted to contracts and how to fit them in that infamous pie we all know and love, the NFL Salary Cap. The big three (Dak, Coop, Zeke) - will they sign before the season? Will Zeke be back in time for the first game? Who will swerve first, Zeke or the Front Office?


Lines have been drawn, sides have been chosen and for the better part of training camp, a war has choked the life out of Dallas Cowboys associated social media. The finest minds in sports reporting have been devoted to the play-by-play of negotiations, when their services could have been better served on practice breakdowns complete with game/practice tape gifs. But alas! It was not to be in this here 2019 training camp.


And so we wait and wait and wait.

Of what has come out, it seems very apparent that Zeke’s resolve is partly wanting to be recognized as the best in his field, but he has also been outspoken about his belief that RB’s are woefully underpaid, and my guess is he feels he owes it to every professional Running Back present and future, to get every penny he believes he is owed, hometown discount be-damned.


On the opposite end of that spectrum is a front office that believes running backs are being overpaid and is attempting to ignore the market-setting contract Todd Gurley signed last year. The Joneses appear to be dug-in, as well, arguing from two fronts: 1. Zeke has 2 years left on his contract and if he wants an advance on his pay-raise, he will have to make concessions to match the Cowboys show of good faith alla Jaylon Smith. 2. The Cowboys are doubling-down on their newly minted #36, suggesting the Cowboys can win with Pollard, if Zeke forces their hand, potentially removing what leverage Zeke has, which would be the threat of a losing season.


Zeke’s best argument is the fact that RB’s as compared to other positions, simply do not have a good shelf-life in the league and the second contract is typically their one and only big one. The inevitable decline of the typical running back generally begins somewhere in the second contract, and very few see the end of that contract, which is why the guaranteed money might be the most important aspect of this conversation, that Zeke and his agent are looking at.


So while I completely understand Zeke’s stance, my hope is the Cowboys are able to further solidify what leverage they have by opening the season on a winning streak. The question is how do the Cowboys do that without arguably their best offensive weapon?


To be perfectly honest, that question both intrigues and terrifies me, for a multitude of reasons. Let’s start with the rookie that has captured the hearts and imagination of Cowboys Nation: Tony Pollard.


Within about 2 hours of the Cowboys drafting Tony in the fourth round of this year’s draft, I was ridiculously excited about the prospects of moving this kid all over the formation, as well as, his special teams’ contributions as a returner, considering he tied the NCAA record with 7 Touchdowns over his 3 year career. While at Memphis, he was used as a backup RB to their main guy Darrell Henderson, as a receiver, and all-over Special Teams (return and coverage units).


Perhaps the central concern regarding Tony potentially starting in Zeke’s stead (should the holdout continue) is that Tony has never truly been used as a Bellcow / 3-down running back that can run in any situations and pass protect / blitz pickup. Can he physically hold-up to the beating all that entails?


I really can’t answer that question and if Tony himself answered the question in the affirmative, I still wouldn’t believe it until I saw it. Furthermore, I think this is really the wrong question. That question suggest the Cowboys should use Pollard as if he is Zeke and in my opinion that would be a very bad idea.


Pollard is not a scat back in the traditional sense, (he possesses scat back ability with the ball in space) however, he’s not built like a Bellcow either. He is somewhere in between. So, while you could possibly convince me that Pollard would be fine for a game or two used in that capacity, subjected to an entire season of that treatment would likely end with Pollard on IR.


If the coaches / front office is expecting a protracted holdout from Zeke, Kellen Moore’s entire mindset of how to approach this offense will need to change. Think – The Greatest Show on Turf. Marshall Faulk (5’10” 211 lbs) is actually a decent comp for Pollard (6’0” 209 lbs). In Faulk’s first year with the St. Louis Rams (1999), he put up a total of 2,429 yards from scrimmage with 1,381 running yards (5.5 yards-per-carry) 1,048 receiving yards, and scoring 12 touchdowns. Faulk joined Roger Craig as the only men to total 1,000 + yards receiving and running in a season.


I am not trying to convince you that Pollard is the next Faulk, but I do think Pollard could be used in a similar way. After all, for a running back, he also runs very crisp routes, has excellent hands and reportedly has a very good head on his shoulders, picking up things very quickly for a rookie. I think Pollard would be up to the task.


Let’s review:


· The Cowboys may have to enter the season without the All-Pro service of Zeke Elliott.

· The Cowboys have in his place a multifaceted talent in Tony Pollard, who is capable of both running between the tackles and running routes like a receiver.

· In consideration of the different type of player Pollard is, Kellen Moore will need to adjust the offense to accommodate his style of play.

· What better way to do that then with the Coryel-style offense implemented by Mike Martz at the turn of the century.

· The Cowboys are already running an offense heavily inspired by Don Coryell, the predominant difference being the run to pass ratio and specifically how the running back is used in both running and passing concepts.


So why did Garrett invite Mike Martz of all people? Did he come to the same conclusion that I have? If the Cowboys have to go into the season and figure out a way to win without Zeke, Jason has to know they can’t use Pollard the same way they would Zeke. Is it possible that Jason sees potential for a rebirth of an aggressive offensive attack that took the league by storm at the turn of the century?

Thoughts?

 

[Ranched]

Thoughts?

How's that little fur ball you adopted?

 

[jday]

How's that little fur ball you adopted?

Funny you should mention it...I have been working on and off on an update to that story...still waiting for a good tie-in.

But to answer your question, she's doing great! You can see a picture of her on my twitter page:

https://twitter.com/Jonatha72053277

She's the one with her eyes open.

 

[waldoputty]

For a little bit over a month we Cowboys fans have not been able to visit any of our normal haunts without finding a collection of conversations devoted to contracts and how to fit them in that infamous pie we all know and love, the NFL Salary Cap. The big three (Dak, Coop, Zeke) - will they sign before the season? Will Zeke be back in time for the first game? Who will swerve first, Zeke or the Front Office?


Lines have been drawn, sides have been chosen and for the better part of training camp, a war has choked the life out of Dallas Cowboys associated social media. The finest minds in sports reporting have been devoted to the play-by-play of negotiations, when their services could have been better served on practice breakdowns complete with game/practice tape gifs. But alas! It was not to be in this here 2019 training camp.


And so we wait and wait and wait.

Of what has come out, it seems very apparent that Zeke’s resolve is partly wanting to be recognized as the best in his field, but he has also been outspoken about his belief that RB’s are woefully underpaid, and my guess is he feels he owes it to every professional Running Back present and future, to get every penny he believes he is owed, hometown discount be-damned.


On the opposite end of that spectrum is a front office that believes running backs are being overpaid and is attempting to ignore the market-setting contract Todd Gurley signed last year. The Joneses appear to be dug-in, as well, arguing from two fronts: 1. Zeke has 2 years left on his contract and if he wants an advance on his pay-raise, he will have to make concessions to match the Cowboys show of good faith alla Jaylon Smith. 2. The Cowboys are doubling-down on their newly minted #36, suggesting the Cowboys can win with Pollard, if Zeke forces their hand, potentially removing what leverage Zeke has, which would be the threat of a losing season.


Zeke’s best argument is the fact that RB’s as compared to other positions, simply do not have a good shelf-life in the league and the second contract is typically their one and only big one. The inevitable decline of the typical running back generally begins somewhere in the second contract, and very few see the end of that contract, which is why the guaranteed money might be the most important aspect of this conversation, that Zeke and his agent are looking at.


So while I completely understand Zeke’s stance, my hope is the Cowboys are able to further solidify what leverage they have by opening the season on a winning streak. The question is how do the Cowboys do that without arguably their best offensive weapon?


To be perfectly honest, that question both intrigues and terrifies me, for a multitude of reasons. Let’s start with the rookie that has captured the hearts and imagination of Cowboys Nation: Tony Pollard.


Within about 2 hours of the Cowboys drafting Tony in the fourth round of this year’s draft, I was ridiculously excited about the prospects of moving this kid all over the formation, as well as, his special teams’ contributions as a returner, considering he tied the NCAA record with 7 Touchdowns over his 3 year career. While at Memphis, he was used as a backup RB to their main guy Darrell Henderson, as a receiver, and all-over Special Teams (return and coverage units).


Perhaps the central concern regarding Tony potentially starting in Zeke’s stead (should the holdout continue) is that Tony has never truly been used as a Bellcow / 3-down running back that can run in any situations and pass protect / blitz pickup. Can he physically hold-up to the beating all that entails?


I really can’t answer that question and if Tony himself answered the question in the affirmative, I still wouldn’t believe it until I saw it. Furthermore, I think this is really the wrong question. That question suggest the Cowboys should use Pollard as if he is Zeke and in my opinion that would be a very bad idea.


Pollard is not a scat back in the traditional sense, (he possesses scat back ability with the ball in space) however, he’s not built like a Bellcow either. He is somewhere in between. So, while you could possibly convince me that Pollard would be fine for a game or two used in that capacity, subjected to an entire season of that treatment would likely end with Pollard on IR.


If the coaches / front office is expecting a protracted holdout from Zeke, Kellen Moore’s entire mindset of how to approach this offense will need to change. Think – The Greatest Show on Turf. Marshall Faulk (5’10” 211 lbs) is actually a decent comp for Pollard (6’0” 209 lbs). In Faulk’s first year with the St. Louis Rams (1999), he put up a total of 2,429 yards from scrimmage with 1,381 running yards (5.5 yards-per-carry) 1,048 receiving yards, and scoring 12 touchdowns. Faulk joined Roger Craig as the only men to total 1,000 + yards receiving and running in a season.


I am not trying to convince you that Pollard is the next Faulk, but I do think Pollard could be used in a similar way. After all, for a running back, he also runs very crisp routes, has excellent hands and reportedly has a very good head on his shoulders, picking up things very quickly for a rookie. I think Pollard would be up to the task.


Let’s review:


· The Cowboys may have to enter the season without the All-Pro service of Zeke Elliott.

· The Cowboys have in his place a multifaceted talent in Tony Pollard, who is capable of both running between the tackles and running routes like a receiver.

· In consideration of the different type of player Pollard is, Kellen Moore will need to adjust the offense to accommodate his style of play.

· What better way to do that then with the Coryel-style offense implemented by Mike Martz at the turn of the century.

· The Cowboys are already running an offense heavily inspired by Don Coryell, the predominant difference being the run to pass ratio and specifically how the running back is used in both running and passing concepts.


So why did Garrett invite Mike Martz of all people? Did he come to the same conclusion that I have? If the Cowboys have to go into the season and figure out a way to win without Zeke, Jason has to know they can’t use Pollard the same way they would Zeke. Is it possible that Jason sees potential for a rebirth of an aggressive offensive attack that took the league by storm at the turn of the century?

Thoughts?

zeke who?

 

[Whyjerry]

For a little bit over a month we Cowboys fans have not been able to visit any of our normal haunts without finding a collection of conversations devoted to contracts and how to fit them in that infamous pie we all know and love, the NFL Salary Cap. The big three (Dak, Coop, Zeke) - will they sign before the season? Will Zeke be back in time for the first game? Who will swerve first, Zeke or the Front Office?


Lines have been drawn, sides have been chosen and for the better part of training camp, a war has choked the life out of Dallas Cowboys associated social media. The finest minds in sports reporting have been devoted to the play-by-play of negotiations, when their services could have been better served on practice breakdowns complete with game/practice tape gifs. But alas! It was not to be in this here 2019 training camp.


And so we wait and wait and wait.

Of what has come out, it seems very apparent that Zeke’s resolve is partly wanting to be recognized as the best in his field, but he has also been outspoken about his belief that RB’s are woefully underpaid, and my guess is he feels he owes it to every professional Running Back present and future, to get every penny he believes he is owed, hometown discount be-damned.


On the opposite end of that spectrum is a front office that believes running backs are being overpaid and is attempting to ignore the market-setting contract Todd Gurley signed last year. The Joneses appear to be dug-in, as well, arguing from two fronts: 1. Zeke has 2 years left on his contract and if he wants an advance on his pay-raise, he will have to make concessions to match the Cowboys show of good faith alla Jaylon Smith. 2. The Cowboys are doubling-down on their newly minted #36, suggesting the Cowboys can win with Pollard, if Zeke forces their hand, potentially removing what leverage Zeke has, which would be the threat of a losing season.


Zeke’s best argument is the fact that RB’s as compared to other positions, simply do not have a good shelf-life in the league and the second contract is typically their one and only big one. The inevitable decline of the typical running back generally begins somewhere in the second contract, and very few see the end of that contract, which is why the guaranteed money might be the most important aspect of this conversation, that Zeke and his agent are looking at.


So while I completely understand Zeke’s stance, my hope is the Cowboys are able to further solidify what leverage they have by opening the season on a winning streak. The question is how do the Cowboys do that without arguably their best offensive weapon?


To be perfectly honest, that question both intrigues and terrifies me, for a multitude of reasons. Let’s start with the rookie that has captured the hearts and imagination of Cowboys Nation: Tony Pollard.


Within about 2 hours of the Cowboys drafting Tony in the fourth round of this year’s draft, I was ridiculously excited about the prospects of moving this kid all over the formation, as well as, his special teams’ contributions as a returner, considering he tied the NCAA record with 7 Touchdowns over his 3 year career. While at Memphis, he was used as a backup RB to their main guy Darrell Henderson, as a receiver, and all-over Special Teams (return and coverage units).


Perhaps the central concern regarding Tony potentially starting in Zeke’s stead (should the holdout continue) is that Tony has never truly been used as a Bellcow / 3-down running back that can run in any situations and pass protect / blitz pickup. Can he physically hold-up to the beating all that entails?


I really can’t answer that question and if Tony himself answered the question in the affirmative, I still wouldn’t believe it until I saw it. Furthermore, I think this is really the wrong question. That question suggest the Cowboys should use Pollard as if he is Zeke and in my opinion that would be a very bad idea.


Pollard is not a scat back in the traditional sense, (he possesses scat back ability with the ball in space) however, he’s not built like a Bellcow either. He is somewhere in between. So, while you could possibly convince me that Pollard would be fine for a game or two used in that capacity, subjected to an entire season of that treatment would likely end with Pollard on IR.


If the coaches / front office is expecting a protracted holdout from Zeke, Kellen Moore’s entire mindset of how to approach this offense will need to change. Think – The Greatest Show on Turf. Marshall Faulk (5’10” 211 lbs) is actually a decent comp for Pollard (6’0” 209 lbs). In Faulk’s first year with the St. Louis Rams (1999), he put up a total of 2,429 yards from scrimmage with 1,381 running yards (5.5 yards-per-carry) 1,048 receiving yards, and scoring 12 touchdowns. Faulk joined Roger Craig as the only men to total 1,000 + yards receiving and running in a season.


I am not trying to convince you that Pollard is the next Faulk, but I do think Pollard could be used in a similar way. After all, for a running back, he also runs very crisp routes, has excellent hands and reportedly has a very good head on his shoulders, picking up things very quickly for a rookie. I think Pollard would be up to the task.


Let’s review:


· The Cowboys may have to enter the season without the All-Pro service of Zeke Elliott.

· The Cowboys have in his place a multifaceted talent in Tony Pollard, who is capable of both running between the tackles and running routes like a receiver.

· In consideration of the different type of player Pollard is, Kellen Moore will need to adjust the offense to accommodate his style of play.

· What better way to do that then with the Coryel-style offense implemented by Mike Martz at the turn of the century.

· The Cowboys are already running an offense heavily inspired by Don Coryell, the predominant difference being the run to pass ratio and specifically how the running back is used in both running and passing concepts.


So why did Garrett invite Mike Martz of all people? Did he come to the same conclusion that I have? If the Cowboys have to go into the season and figure out a way to win without Zeke, Jason has to know they can’t use Pollard the same way they would Zeke. Is it possible that Jason sees potential for a rebirth of an aggressive offensive attack that took the league by storm at the turn of the century?

Thoughts?

U2s With or Without You is a good song.

It doesn’t make me think about Zeke. In fact I don’t think about him at all. My least favorite player on the team. He is an embarrassment.

 

[jday]

U2s With or Without You is a good song.

It doesn’t make me think about Zeke. In fact I don’t think about him at all. My least favorite player on the team. He is an embarrassment.

It is one of my all time favorite songs...

The title of this could probably use work, but I was rushing to get the idea out.

 

[waldoputty]

How's that little fur ball you adopted?

be careful, @Ranching is going to be jealous

 

[Corso]

For a little bit over a month we Cowboys fans have not been able to visit any of our normal haunts without finding a collection of conversations devoted to contracts and how to fit them in that infamous pie we all know and love, the NFL Salary Cap. The big three (Dak, Coop, Zeke) - will they sign before the season? Will Zeke be back in time for the first game? Who will swerve first, Zeke or the Front Office?


Lines have been drawn, sides have been chosen and for the better part of training camp, a war has choked the life out of Dallas Cowboys associated social media. The finest minds in sports reporting have been devoted to the play-by-play of negotiations, when their services could have been better served on practice breakdowns complete with game/practice tape gifs. But alas! It was not to be in this here 2019 training camp.


And so we wait and wait and wait.

Of what has come out, it seems very apparent that Zeke’s resolve is partly wanting to be recognized as the best in his field, but he has also been outspoken about his belief that RB’s are woefully underpaid, and my guess is he feels he owes it to every professional Running Back present and future, to get every penny he believes he is owed, hometown discount be-damned.


On the opposite end of that spectrum is a front office that believes running backs are being overpaid and is attempting to ignore the market-setting contract Todd Gurley signed last year. The Joneses appear to be dug-in, as well, arguing from two fronts: 1. Zeke has 2 years left on his contract and if he wants an advance on his pay-raise, he will have to make concessions to match the Cowboys show of good faith alla Jaylon Smith. 2. The Cowboys are doubling-down on their newly minted #36, suggesting the Cowboys can win with Pollard, if Zeke forces their hand, potentially removing what leverage Zeke has, which would be the threat of a losing season.


Zeke’s best argument is the fact that RB’s as compared to other positions, simply do not have a good shelf-life in the league and the second contract is typically their one and only big one. The inevitable decline of the typical running back generally begins somewhere in the second contract, and very few see the end of that contract, which is why the guaranteed money might be the most important aspect of this conversation, that Zeke and his agent are looking at.


So while I completely understand Zeke’s stance, my hope is the Cowboys are able to further solidify what leverage they have by opening the season on a winning streak. The question is how do the Cowboys do that without arguably their best offensive weapon?


To be perfectly honest, that question both intrigues and terrifies me, for a multitude of reasons. Let’s start with the rookie that has captured the hearts and imagination of Cowboys Nation: Tony Pollard.


Within about 2 hours of the Cowboys drafting Tony in the fourth round of this year’s draft, I was ridiculously excited about the prospects of moving this kid all over the formation, as well as, his special teams’ contributions as a returner, considering he tied the NCAA record with 7 Touchdowns over his 3 year career. While at Memphis, he was used as a backup RB to their main guy Darrell Henderson, as a receiver, and all-over Special Teams (return and coverage units).


Perhaps the central concern regarding Tony potentially starting in Zeke’s stead (should the holdout continue) is that Tony has never truly been used as a Bellcow / 3-down running back that can run in any situations and pass protect / blitz pickup. Can he physically hold-up to the beating all that entails?


I really can’t answer that question and if Tony himself answered the question in the affirmative, I still wouldn’t believe it until I saw it. Furthermore, I think this is really the wrong question. That question suggest the Cowboys should use Pollard as if he is Zeke and in my opinion that would be a very bad idea.


Pollard is not a scat back in the traditional sense, (he possesses scat back ability with the ball in space) however, he’s not built like a Bellcow either. He is somewhere in between. So, while you could possibly convince me that Pollard would be fine for a game or two used in that capacity, subjected to an entire season of that treatment would likely end with Pollard on IR.


If the coaches / front office is expecting a protracted holdout from Zeke, Kellen Moore’s entire mindset of how to approach this offense will need to change. Think – The Greatest Show on Turf. Marshall Faulk (5’10” 211 lbs) is actually a decent comp for Pollard (6’0” 209 lbs). In Faulk’s first year with the St. Louis Rams (1999), he put up a total of 2,429 yards from scrimmage with 1,381 running yards (5.5 yards-per-carry) 1,048 receiving yards, and scoring 12 touchdowns. Faulk joined Roger Craig as the only men to total 1,000 + yards receiving and running in a season.


I am not trying to convince you that Pollard is the next Faulk, but I do think Pollard could be used in a similar way. After all, for a running back, he also runs very crisp routes, has excellent hands and reportedly has a very good head on his shoulders, picking up things very quickly for a rookie. I think Pollard would be up to the task.


Let’s review:


· The Cowboys may have to enter the season without the All-Pro service of Zeke Elliott.

· The Cowboys have in his place a multifaceted talent in Tony Pollard, who is capable of both running between the tackles and running routes like a receiver.

· In consideration of the different type of player Pollard is, Kellen Moore will need to adjust the offense to accommodate his style of play.

· What better way to do that then with the Coryel-style offense implemented by Mike Martz at the turn of the century.

· The Cowboys are already running an offense heavily inspired by Don Coryell, the predominant difference being the run to pass ratio and specifically how the running back is used in both running and passing concepts.


So why did Garrett invite Mike Martz of all people? Did he come to the same conclusion that I have? If the Cowboys have to go into the season and figure out a way to win without Zeke, Jason has to know they can’t use Pollard the same way they would Zeke. Is it possible that Jason sees potential for a rebirth of an aggressive offensive attack that took the league by storm at the turn of the century?

Thoughts?

Someone is gearing up and I like it!
And anytime you can show that wonderful actress is a boon to humanity.

 

[Diehardblues]

The clock doesn’t start ticking until the season opener.

 

[Whyjerry]

It is one of my all time favorite songs...

The title of this could probably use work, but I was rushing to get the idea out.

Brother you are pure entertainment. I love your stream of consciousness missives.

 

[408Cowboy]

Someone is gearing up and I like it!
And anytime you can show that wonderful actress is a boon to humanity.

And he capped it off with a picture of crazy. I can always appreciate that.

 

[Hadenough]

I think you hit some good points! They will need to change the offense. I like Pollard but he is a rookie and its doubtful he has the ability to be that bell cow.
He needs to be used more like Kamara. 12- 15 Carrie's a game and maybe 6- or 7 catches. Even that is still a lot for him.
I dont see this team airing it out like those Rams teams. They have to play to Daks strength which is the shorter passes.
I think the team will be good but I think overall this team is much better with Zeke AND Pollard.

 

[ItzKelz]

I'm not gonna lie. I kinda want to see how we look without Zeke. Of course I don't want to see it at the expense of losing games but it would be nice to disprove the myth of Dak needing Zeke to be a even good QB. Sure we saw it a couple of seasons ago when Zeke was suspended but I feel Dak is a much more seasoned and polished QB going into this season.

 

[Vinnie2u]

It is one of my all time favorite songs...

The title of this could probably use work, but I was rushing to get the idea out.

Joshua Tree. The whole album is good. Zeke Still Hasn’t Found What He’s Looking For.

 

[Ranching]

For a little bit over a month we Cowboys fans have not been able to visit any of our normal haunts without finding a collection of conversations devoted to contracts and how to fit them in that infamous pie we all know and love, the NFL Salary Cap. The big three (Dak, Coop, Zeke) - will they sign before the season? Will Zeke be back in time for the first game? Who will swerve first, Zeke or the Front Office?


Lines have been drawn, sides have been chosen and for the better part of training camp, a war has choked the life out of Dallas Cowboys associated social media. The finest minds in sports reporting have been devoted to the play-by-play of negotiations, when their services could have been better served on practice breakdowns complete with game/practice tape gifs. But alas! It was not to be in this here 2019 training camp.


And so we wait and wait and wait.

Of what has come out, it seems very apparent that Zeke’s resolve is partly wanting to be recognized as the best in his field, but he has also been outspoken about his belief that RB’s are woefully underpaid, and my guess is he feels he owes it to every professional Running Back present and future, to get every penny he believes he is owed, hometown discount be-damned.


On the opposite end of that spectrum is a front office that believes running backs are being overpaid and is attempting to ignore the market-setting contract Todd Gurley signed last year. The Joneses appear to be dug-in, as well, arguing from two fronts: 1. Zeke has 2 years left on his contract and if he wants an advance on his pay-raise, he will have to make concessions to match the Cowboys show of good faith alla Jaylon Smith. 2. The Cowboys are doubling-down on their newly minted #36, suggesting the Cowboys can win with Pollard, if Zeke forces their hand, potentially removing what leverage Zeke has, which would be the threat of a losing season.


Zeke’s best argument is the fact that RB’s as compared to other positions, simply do not have a good shelf-life in the league and the second contract is typically their one and only big one. The inevitable decline of the typical running back generally begins somewhere in the second contract, and very few see the end of that contract, which is why the guaranteed money might be the most important aspect of this conversation, that Zeke and his agent are looking at.


So while I completely understand Zeke’s stance, my hope is the Cowboys are able to further solidify what leverage they have by opening the season on a winning streak. The question is how do the Cowboys do that without arguably their best offensive weapon?


To be perfectly honest, that question both intrigues and terrifies me, for a multitude of reasons. Let’s start with the rookie that has captured the hearts and imagination of Cowboys Nation: Tony Pollard.


Within about 2 hours of the Cowboys drafting Tony in the fourth round of this year’s draft, I was ridiculously excited about the prospects of moving this kid all over the formation, as well as, his special teams’ contributions as a returner, considering he tied the NCAA record with 7 Touchdowns over his 3 year career. While at Memphis, he was used as a backup RB to their main guy Darrell Henderson, as a receiver, and all-over Special Teams (return and coverage units).


Perhaps the central concern regarding Tony potentially starting in Zeke’s stead (should the holdout continue) is that Tony has never truly been used as a Bellcow / 3-down running back that can run in any situations and pass protect / blitz pickup. Can he physically hold-up to the beating all that entails?


I really can’t answer that question and if Tony himself answered the question in the affirmative, I still wouldn’t believe it until I saw it. Furthermore, I think this is really the wrong question. That question suggest the Cowboys should use Pollard as if he is Zeke and in my opinion that would be a very bad idea.


Pollard is not a scat back in the traditional sense, (he possesses scat back ability with the ball in space) however, he’s not built like a Bellcow either. He is somewhere in between. So, while you could possibly convince me that Pollard would be fine for a game or two used in that capacity, subjected to an entire season of that treatment would likely end with Pollard on IR.


If the coaches / front office is expecting a protracted holdout from Zeke, Kellen Moore’s entire mindset of how to approach this offense will need to change. Think – The Greatest Show on Turf. Marshall Faulk (5’10” 211 lbs) is actually a decent comp for Pollard (6’0” 209 lbs). In Faulk’s first year with the St. Louis Rams (1999), he put up a total of 2,429 yards from scrimmage with 1,381 running yards (5.5 yards-per-carry) 1,048 receiving yards, and scoring 12 touchdowns. Faulk joined Roger Craig as the only men to total 1,000 + yards receiving and running in a season.


I am not trying to convince you that Pollard is the next Faulk, but I do think Pollard could be used in a similar way. After all, for a running back, he also runs very crisp routes, has excellent hands and reportedly has a very good head on his shoulders, picking up things very quickly for a rookie. I think Pollard would be up to the task.


Let’s review:


· The Cowboys may have to enter the season without the All-Pro service of Zeke Elliott.

· The Cowboys have in his place a multifaceted talent in Tony Pollard, who is capable of both running between the tackles and running routes like a receiver.

· In consideration of the different type of player Pollard is, Kellen Moore will need to adjust the offense to accommodate his style of play.

· What better way to do that then with the Coryel-style offense implemented by Mike Martz at the turn of the century.

· The Cowboys are already running an offense heavily inspired by Don Coryell, the predominant difference being the run to pass ratio and specifically how the running back is used in both running and passing concepts.


So why did Garrett invite Mike Martz of all people? Did he come to the same conclusion that I have? If the Cowboys have to go into the season and figure out a way to win without Zeke, Jason has to know they can’t use Pollard the same way they would Zeke. Is it possible that Jason sees potential for a rebirth of an aggressive offensive attack that took the league by storm at the turn of the century?

Thoughts?

I like Zeke, I want Zeke on the team. A lot of these character guys that hate him are hypocrites. There may be one or two perfect humans on here that have never made a mistake, not me! Go Zeke, get your cash and run it up their caboose!!!

 

[Legend]

Zeke had 304 carries and 77 receptions last regular season.

That is a lot of production to replace.

Also, it is a major risk to place hopes on an unproven and unheralded OC and rookie RB; for an organization that has struggled for 23 years straight.

 

[iceberg]

ok - zeke really needs to come back now. in (2) drafts so far i wound up with him as my starting RB.

 

[Bullflop]

I'm thinking that Pollard won't be leaned upon as strongly as Zeke was, although, he'll probably be used as a receiver more than he was. He'll likely be sent into short routes and allowed to speed through the open spaces for long gains. Along with Witten, he'll be a handy check down receiver to rely on.

At the same time, Dak will be called upon more frequently to spread the ball around to his excellently chosen cadre of receivers. Cedric Wilson and Devin Smith should eventually prove to be highy useful tools to have at hand, along with the fine stalwarts already available.

Hopefully, we'll see a renewal of the good old days when the Cowboys' offense was an effectively dynamic weapon that opposing defenses dreaded having to cope with. Let's hope that the case, anyway! We should manage quite well 'til Zeke returns.

 

[Bobhaze]

For a little bit over a month we Cowboys fans have not been able to visit any of our normal haunts without finding a collection of conversations devoted to contracts and how to fit them in that infamous pie we all know and love, the NFL Salary Cap. The big three (Dak, Coop, Zeke) - will they sign before the season? Will Zeke be back in time for the first game? Who will swerve first, Zeke or the Front Office?


Lines have been drawn, sides have been chosen and for the better part of training camp, a war has choked the life out of Dallas Cowboys associated social media. The finest minds in sports reporting have been devoted to the play-by-play of negotiations, when their services could have been better served on practice breakdowns complete with game/practice tape gifs. But alas! It was not to be in this here 2019 training camp.


And so we wait and wait and wait.

Of what has come out, it seems very apparent that Zeke’s resolve is partly wanting to be recognized as the best in his field, but he has also been outspoken about his belief that RB’s are woefully underpaid, and my guess is he feels he owes it to every professional Running Back present and future, to get every penny he believes he is owed, hometown discount be-damned.


On the opposite end of that spectrum is a front office that believes running backs are being overpaid and is attempting to ignore the market-setting contract Todd Gurley signed last year. The Joneses appear to be dug-in, as well, arguing from two fronts: 1. Zeke has 2 years left on his contract and if he wants an advance on his pay-raise, he will have to make concessions to match the Cowboys show of good faith alla Jaylon Smith. 2. The Cowboys are doubling-down on their newly minted #36, suggesting the Cowboys can win with Pollard, if Zeke forces their hand, potentially removing what leverage Zeke has, which would be the threat of a losing season.


Zeke’s best argument is the fact that RB’s as compared to other positions, simply do not have a good shelf-life in the league and the second contract is typically their one and only big one. The inevitable decline of the typical running back generally begins somewhere in the second contract, and very few see the end of that contract, which is why the guaranteed money might be the most important aspect of this conversation, that Zeke and his agent are looking at.


So while I completely understand Zeke’s stance, my hope is the Cowboys are able to further solidify what leverage they have by opening the season on a winning streak. The question is how do the Cowboys do that without arguably their best offensive weapon?


To be perfectly honest, that question both intrigues and terrifies me, for a multitude of reasons. Let’s start with the rookie that has captured the hearts and imagination of Cowboys Nation: Tony Pollard.


Within about 2 hours of the Cowboys drafting Tony in the fourth round of this year’s draft, I was ridiculously excited about the prospects of moving this kid all over the formation, as well as, his special teams’ contributions as a returner, considering he tied the NCAA record with 7 Touchdowns over his 3 year career. While at Memphis, he was used as a backup RB to their main guy Darrell Henderson, as a receiver, and all-over Special Teams (return and coverage units).


Perhaps the central concern regarding Tony potentially starting in Zeke’s stead (should the holdout continue) is that Tony has never truly been used as a Bellcow / 3-down running back that can run in any situations and pass protect / blitz pickup. Can he physically hold-up to the beating all that entails?


I really can’t answer that question and if Tony himself answered the question in the affirmative, I still wouldn’t believe it until I saw it. Furthermore, I think this is really the wrong question. That question suggest the Cowboys should use Pollard as if he is Zeke and in my opinion that would be a very bad idea.


Pollard is not a scat back in the traditional sense, (he possesses scat back ability with the ball in space) however, he’s not built like a Bellcow either. He is somewhere in between. So, while you could possibly convince me that Pollard would be fine for a game or two used in that capacity, subjected to an entire season of that treatment would likely end with Pollard on IR.


If the coaches / front office is expecting a protracted holdout from Zeke, Kellen Moore’s entire mindset of how to approach this offense will need to change. Think – The Greatest Show on Turf. Marshall Faulk (5’10” 211 lbs) is actually a decent comp for Pollard (6’0” 209 lbs). In Faulk’s first year with the St. Louis Rams (1999), he put up a total of 2,429 yards from scrimmage with 1,381 running yards (5.5 yards-per-carry) 1,048 receiving yards, and scoring 12 touchdowns. Faulk joined Roger Craig as the only men to total 1,000 + yards receiving and running in a season.


I am not trying to convince you that Pollard is the next Faulk, but I do think Pollard could be used in a similar way. After all, for a running back, he also runs very crisp routes, has excellent hands and reportedly has a very good head on his shoulders, picking up things very quickly for a rookie. I think Pollard would be up to the task.


Let’s review:


· The Cowboys may have to enter the season without the All-Pro service of Zeke Elliott.

· The Cowboys have in his place a multifaceted talent in Tony Pollard, who is capable of both running between the tackles and running routes like a receiver.

· In consideration of the different type of player Pollard is, Kellen Moore will need to adjust the offense to accommodate his style of play.

· What better way to do that then with the Coryel-style offense implemented by Mike Martz at the turn of the century.

· The Cowboys are already running an offense heavily inspired by Don Coryell, the predominant difference being the run to pass ratio and specifically how the running back is used in both running and passing concepts.


So why did Garrett invite Mike Martz of all people? Did he come to the same conclusion that I have? If the Cowboys have to go into the season and figure out a way to win without Zeke, Jason has to know they can’t use Pollard the same way they would Zeke. Is it possible that Jason sees potential for a rebirth of an aggressive offensive attack that took the league by storm at the turn of the century?

Thoughts?

Good to see you posting again JDay!

I hope I’m wrong, but I think this holdout lasts a while. How many games, who knows? But I see Zeke not being here at least 4 games. If the Cowboys get off to a 3-0 start, their leverage peaks. On the other hand, if we get off to a 2-1 start or worse, that could quickly thaw.

The sad thing is, I don’t think the two sides are that far apart in money. If Jerry really wanted this done, it could get done very quickly.

 

[jday]

I think you hit some good points! They will need to change the offense. I like Pollard but he is a rookie and its doubtful he has the ability to be that bell cow.
He needs to be used more like Kamara. 12- 15 Carrie's a game and maybe 6- or 7 catches. Even that is still a lot for him.
I dont see this team airing it out like those Rams teams. They have to play to Daks strength which is the shorter passes.
I think the team will be good but I think overall this team is much better with Zeke AND Pollard.

Without question, the ideal scenario would be to have a Zipplebackfield (2 headed dragon, Zeke/Pollard). But if Zeke isn't here, we can both agree the Cowboys are going to get it done attempting to use Pollard like he is Zeke.

I probably should have elaborated on this next bit in the OP: I also don't want to see the offense show their hand and bring in certain rb's for certain looks/situations. So, that leaves us with an offense that uses the pass to setup the run versus what we've been doing, using the run to setup the pass.

I understand your doubts regarding Dak's ability to pass more, but I think he's an ascending talent. If you have taken a close look at his college years, you would see a guy that gradually morphed from a Wildcat QB, that was more of a runner than a passer, to a decent pass first quarterback.

I point that out, because clearly he is still growing as a passer...and I don't think that process has stopped.

So, given that necessity is the mother of invention, the absence of Zeke could actually be the catalyst to an offensive explosion....or that could just be wishful thinking. We will see.