Twitter: Zeke on how big this year is for his contract situation

[starfan1]

Zeke had the NFL performance and pedigree (ohio state National champ with his huge contribution on his part....75-+ yards and 7-8 TD's against 4 of the very best the NCAA had to offer, including have to win an extra game for the first time in NCAA history)( I know starfan is gonna give me sht for THAT...but it's the facts).
.

Glad to oblige. I hate OSU and zeke is no longer that version. He hasn’t been for sometime . I am not pimping to have pollard be the one but of the 2 he’s the one I’d rather keep. So you and Ronnie can hold on to your love of zeke for another year in terms of his connection to the cowboys. I can’t wait for that mistake to be elsewhere .

n the meantime I’ll root for him as he’s a cowboy

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

Problem is he's paid like a bell cow RB, which is now extinct in the NFL....no way he'll get offered an increase. More like a sizable decrease, and hopefully not by the Cowboys. Need to move on from him and get a more elusive set of RBs ...Pollard if he is signable along with a draftee.

He may remain with the team for another year or two, but my guess is he ends up his last few years as a mercenary on playoff contending teams at a highly reduced pay rate.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

Zeke had the NFL performance and pedigree (ohio state National champ with his huge contribution on his part....75-+ yards and 7-8 TD's against 4 of the very best the NCAA had to offer, including have to win an extra game for the first time in NCAA history)( I know starfan is gonna give me sht for THAT...but it's the facts).

What has Pollard done...but be a very good #2 change of pace back? Not only to make people think he's a sure thing at #1....but deserves a fat contract.

"huge"?....I dunno...but we have a pretty solid history of overpaying 2nd contracts and getting under performance, wouldn't you say?
I suppose you should define "reasonable", and why would he accept "reasonable"...when he could get more from another team...if he's as locked in #1 RB as people say he is.

Again....I like Tony....especially in his role as the surprise back...out in the flats, the slot, pitches....those movement plays he is so good at. Delayed hand-off up the middle that Moore is SO fond of? Between tackles? Blocking for Dak and the o-line?

He is totally unproven in that regard. Some caution should be in order.

What a compelling argument to bring up what Zeke did in college 7-8 years ago.

 

[fivetwos]

I don't see how you move on from guys like Collins/Cooper because they aren't performing up to their contracts then keep Elliott beyond what you have to.

Even if he has a great 2022 and/or takes a paycut it doesn't change the future risk.

The guy has crazy talent, but is physically shot. Can't undo that.

Really, it's just time to move on.

 

[Thomas82]

Were you born in the 90s?

Here are a couple of examples off the top of my head..

John Riggins was released by the Jets and treated as a blocking fullback his first two season with the Ratscums. Until they figured out he could still run it. He then had his two best seasons in the NFL in years 13 and 14.. when he was 34 and 35!!

Our own Emmitt Smith was left for dead after two sub par seasons in '96 and '97... His answer was a 1300 yard season followed by a 1400 (1397) yard season and ending with a 1200 yard season. Not as good as his three best seasons but all three were better than his rookie season by a wide margin.

It's amazing how many people forget about Emmitt's career-altering injuries in 1996, starting with that ankle in the preseason game vs the Broncos.

 

[Thomas82]

I think Zeke put up > 5 ypc and 95 yards in basically three quarters against the Eagles. He played one series in the 4th. And that was with Hargraves and Cox having their way with our line. But on your Murray take.. First of all Murray wasn't some bum.. secondly, I disagree that he put up better numbers.. He had more yards but only because he played one more game and had 70 more carries. Zeke averaged almost a half a yard more per carry (0.4) and scored 2 more TDs (15-13) on 70 fewer carries. You can think Pollard could have done what Zeke has done until the cows come home but neither you nor anyone else has been able to explain how a guy who can't stay healthy playing 25-30% of the snaps is going to stay healthy playing 70-75% ..

I will never agree that the Cowboys made a mistake by rewarding Zeke with a good contract. Their mistake was doing so then deciding not to make him earn it. The day he signed that deal they should have hitched their wagon to his arse and rode him for 25 touches a game until the wheels fell off. If they had no plan to do so then they should not have signed him. Let me say that again since people seem to keep missing this point every time I say it. If the Cowboys were not going to ride Zeke then they absolutely should not have re-signed him. Period. Yes there is more than one good running back in the NFL... In fact there are probably 20-25 of them. And I don't care about the other 24.. I care about the ones on my team. This team has wasted the talents of both Zeke AND Pollard.. Why would I think they wouldn't waste some other running back? If they hadn't given Zeke the money what else were they going to do with it? Sign Aaron Donald? Sign some other receiver?

I see no lies in this post whatsoever, especially in the 2nd part of it.

 

[SteveTheCowboy]

What a compelling argument to bring up what Zeke did in college 7-8 years ago.

Yes.....it is. I am pointing out Zeke's history and accomplishments. Sorry it makes you so furious.

He played at a VERY high level in college, against the VERY BEST NCAA teams....the might bama and favored media darling Ducks. He///DESTORYED THEM made them look silly. . A VERY high level in the pros....pre-new contract. That's why he got a big contract. Too big? Sure. Okay...I don;t disagree.

As compared to Tony Pollard...who has accomplished ...what? Now it's suggested we "negotiate" with Tony....which we well know...leads to...."overpaid" and "underperform". Am I wrong?

If we undercut...Tony takes a bigger contract somewhere else...*if* he is such a lock at #1 zeke haters claim he is.

Let me be clear...I love Tony...and what he brings to our team. I am not saying he can't be a #1 lead RB. He's just never done it before let alone be successful at it...like Zeke has. I think my concern and caution is warranted. Zeke haters don't. It's fine.

 

[SteveTheCowboy]

Glad to oblige. I hate OSU and zeke is no longer that version. He hasn’t been for sometime . I am not pimping to have pollard be the one but of the 2 he’s the one I’d rather keep. So you and Ronnie can hold on to your love of zeke for another year in terms of his connection to the cowboys. I can’t wait for that mistake to be elsewhere .

n the meantime I’ll root for him as he’s a cowboy

I am not convinced you will.

If you truly did root for him...you would admit the other problems this team has that has hampered the run game. You blame it all on zeke...because you..."hate ohio state".
Ronnie is right....we paid the guy then reduced his role...then guys like you complain he isn't living up the the previous results. We made Zeke block with the oline because we are too stupid and incompetent to make a formidable line like 2016 or Emmitt's line.

But it's all zeke fault. Fat...and rich why play hard. Even though we asked him to play hurt....then beech because he's no good. I don't get it.

How many yards would Emmitt have with 12-14 carries a game? These kinds of runners need 20+.....by Kellen Moore isn;t interested in a formidal run game and zewke haters blame zeke for it. I don't get it.

 

[SteveTheCowboy]

Lol you sure do put a lot of thought into that Steve and a lot of assumptions but let’s address them then
1. No one said anything about a large contract for pollard ( so you exaggerate just a bit there )
I have said over and over rbs are a dime a dozen it’s the line that’s the most important part so honestly I don’t necessarily have to have pollard as a number 1
2. Do I hate zeke well I don’t know zeke so no I don’t but he’s over rated by many you especially!
3 . Zekes accomplishments while noteworthy are nothing that couldn’t have been exceeded or equaled by a number of backs again it’s been the line
4. Zeke is long in the tooth in terms of carry’s because early on he’s relied to much on power instead of elusiveness ( which I never saw much of) and his body now shows it he’s nowhere near as quick as pollard

and lastly your approach to zeke has been like this for years this isn’t new we could pull up a number of threads of you over reacting when it comes to him which is you’re right. Just as it is ours to call you on it

this isn’t the same 2014 national championship zeke that you have all postered on your wall give it a rest

my stance is I want to draft a rb to go with pollard . If pollard is too costly let his arse walk as well

I missed this post and will address 1) and 3). The rest of it is drivel.

1)....when someone says "Cowboys should "negotiate""....what does that mean? Does that mean you are HAPPY with the way the Cowboys "negotiate" 2nd contracts?
I call bullshp. There are ENDLESS complaints through the years about Cowboys giving away trucks of money...that should have never happened. You actually thnk we kick guys out rather than pay them? You..are nuts. What would make Pollard any different?

3)...OF COURSE the oline is the driver. Why do you think zeke is still here?. Because he can help cover the silly pathetic oline we do have. A good one like 2016, like Emmitt had. Kellen isn't interested or he's inept. Zeke's accomplishment cannot be accomplished by "any number of backs". They are accomplished by only a few.


Well okay I will adress 2 and 4.

2) Yes...you hate zeke.
4) Zeke will never be 2016...very few are. It's a top 50 in the history of the NFL...very few others by a rookie (if any?) . If we'd stop using him as offensive lineman...maybe he can stay healthier. I say he's not done yet. Fix the o-line...and build a better run scheme. Use Dak run skills. Use our two very good backs more effectively. Stop blaming zeke for that.

 

[starfan1]

I am not convinced you will.

If you truly did root for him...you would admit the other problems this team has that has hampered the run game. You blame it all on zeke...because you..."hate ohio state".
Ronnie is right....we paid the guy then reduced his role...then guys like you complain he isn't living up the the previous results. We made Zeke block with the oline because we are too stupid and incompetent to make a formidable line like 2016 or Emmitt's line.

But it's all zeke fault. Fat...and rich why play hard. Even though we asked him to play hurt....then beech because he's no good. I don't get it.

How many yards would Emmitt have with 12-14 carries a game? These kinds of runners need 20+.....by Kellen Moore isn;t interested in a formidal run game and zewke haters blame zeke for it. I don't get it.

I think you must have been in drama in school cause you constantly project and make stuff up go look up my post and show me proof of all the mumbo jumbo you are typing

and please don’t compare #21 to #22 it’s embarrassing even for you . And I’m not concerned that I haven’t convinced you I root for him it’s ok

just understand that all the players in this team is not liked by everyone it don’t mean they still don’t cheer for them on Sunday

I would like to think that full time haters like mountaineer and pappy at least take sundays off from hating on Dak and root for them to do well because they are cowboys even though they are in here talking smack in game threads

Some of you guys you in particular take it personal we don’t care for zeke or would like pollard featured more

but as I told Ronnie I agree that Moore is part of zekes issue but it’s not all of it

 

[starfan1]

I missed this post and will address 1) and 3). The rest of it is drivel.

1)....when someone says "Cowboys should "negotiate""....what does that mean? Does that mean you are HAPPY with the way the Cowboys "negotiate" 2nd contracts?
I call bullshp. There are ENDLESS complaints through the years about Cowboys giving away trucks of money...that should have never happened. You actually thnk we kick guys out rather than pay them? You..are nuts. What would make Pollard any different?

3)...OF COURSE the oline is the driver. Why do you think zeke is still here?. Because he can help cover the silly pathetic oline we do have. A good one like 2016, like Emmitt had. Kellen isn't interested or he's inept. Zeke's accomplishment cannot be accomplished by "any number of backs". They are accomplished by only a few.


Well okay I will adress 2 and 4.

2) Yes...you hate zeke.
4) Zeke will never be 2016...very few are. It's a top 50 in the history of the NFL...very few others by a rookie (if any?) . If we'd stop using him as offensive lineman...maybe he can stay healthier. I say he's not done yet. Fix the o-line...and build a better run scheme. Use Dak run skills. Use our two very good backs more effectively. Stop blaming zeke for that.

lol I can only laugh at your zeke love. Hopefully he’s not a poster in disguise because he might find your fandom a bit weird

again I don’t care for zeke but I’ve been pretty consistent in sharing the blame. Zekes issues are not solely him but he’s not without fault

now can we move on? You love him I don’t it’s ok. RBs are a dime a dozen he’s just a an extremely over paid one

 

[SteveTheCowboy]

I think you must have been in drama in school cause you constantly project and make stuff up go look up my post and show me proof of all the mumbo jumbo you are typing

and please don’t compare #21 to #22 it’s embarrassing even for you . And I’m not concerned that I haven’t convinced you I root for him it’s ok

just understand that all the players in this team is not liked by everyone it don’t mean they still don’t cheer for them on Sunday

I would like to think that full time haters like mountaineer and pappy at least take sundays off from hating on Dak and root for them to do well because they are cowboys even though they are in here talking smack in game threads

Some of you guys you in particular take it personal we don’t care for zeke or would like pollard featured more

but as I told Ronnie I agree that Moore is part of zekes issue but it’s not all of it

I have said MANY times....I want Pollard more involved. They are both misused.

You pretty much attack me every time I make a comment. What do you expect me to do?

Regarding 21 and 22....I agree stats aren't everything. But...if you look at them....there are statistical similarities. Yes...Emmitt is more "likable" if that's what matters to you. But....Look at their offensive lines when they are most productive. Like at the amount of carries they get when they are most successful. There are several features that make them similar RB's.

I never said Zeke was better...there you go accusing me of it then admonishing *me* for being sensitive and emotional. While you chase me around in every zeke post.

 

[SteveTheCowboy]

lol I can only laugh at your zeke love. Hopefully he’s not a poster in disguise because he might find your fandom a bit weird

again I don’t care for zeke but I’ve been pretty consistent in sharing the blame. Zekes issues are not solely him but he’s not without fault

now can we move on? You love him I don’t it’s ok. RBs are a dime a dozen he’s just a an extremely over paid one

I NEVER said he was without fault. I have told you MANY MANY times.....why do you casually ignore that? It makes you feel better coming after me all the time?

I have said...MANY times...I didn;t like the hold out. Didn't like the huge contract. Didn't like him coming back out of shape. Didn't like the easy tackling.

What do you want from me? To hate him like you do? Not gonna happen. I don't hate anyone on our team like that.

 

[MyFairLady]

Fat boy held out and cashed in. At this point not even cutting him could get him back to what he once was. Dude is clearly wasted.

 

[Calvin2Tony2Emmitt2Julius]

OKAY !!!!! Pollard is a change of pace back that is all. He hasn't done a damn thing to garner the talk about him being a #1 back here or anywhere else.

Every year we get you same mofos poppin off the same ish. 1 st it was Emmitt and Hambrick (Another board I Know) How that work out ?

Then we Totally screwed Tony's chance to get a Super Bowl when we got rid off Demarco Murray for that nut case Randle (Left meat on the Bone)

Now hear we go again with Zeke. Dallas has never won squat without a Runningback, Stauback couldn't do it (Hill , Thomas and Garrison) and Later Tony Dorsett

Aikman couldn't do with out Emmitt. (0-2 during Emmitt's hold out) And Don't get me started on Prescott without Zeke (He'd broke his other leg without Zeke picking up those blitzes)

SO you people and your RB's are a dime a dozen.............................. So are Lombardi's RIGHT!!!!!!

 

[JBond]

So you approve of "negotiating" with pollard? Why? Because you hate Zeke?

You admonish ME for being emotional? I would venture to say you are the one that needs to chill out. You hate zek SO BAD.....it's crazy.....you'd rather give the billion dollar contract to pollard...who's never started in NCAA or nfl...never accomplished even half of what zeke has done.

It's starting to become embarrassing dude....how much zeke ruins your life. You objecting to me objecting to offering tony big contracts...pretty crazy.

I don't hate Tony Pollard. I LOVE having both of these guys on our team. I think our staff has misused both of them. But you will have to excuse me...cut me some slack....for being cautious of handing over #1 duties (with a big "negotiated" contract) to a team like us to a guy who has never been #1.

I had hope you'd offer some reasonable objections to my claims of zeke's accomplishments. But....well....the hate is a bit too strong for any reasonable reply I guess.

Not personal. He just isn't a very good RB anymore. Look at the facts and stop being a fan boy. Look at total production and +20 yard plays. He is cooked. Might be okay as a power fullback but his days of leading anything are far in the past.

 

[SteveTheCowboy]

Not personal. He just isn't a very good RB anymore. Look at the facts and stop being a fan boy. Look at total production and +20 yard plays. He is cooked. Might be okay as a power fullback but his days of leading anything are far in the past.

Listen...I know his production has dropped off. But if you think for one second that's all on him...you are plain nuts. Two years ago he got the virus, then (like everyone else of course) played with stupid protocol. A new coach...and OC "learning on the job". Last year he was on pace for very good season (same as Dak) then got hurt. They asked him to play hurt and it showed. People like you wanna can his azz for it.

You act like it's zeke holding us back from playoff wins. Ridiculous. Fix the o-line, build a run scheme like ya mean it. And watch both Zeke and Tony flourish.

Remember...TOny got hurt playing backup rb. Doesn't bode well for being #1 stud RB. He is totally unproven in that regard nothing you say changes that.

 

[SteveTheCowboy]

OKAY !!!!! Pollard is a change of pace back that is all. He hasn't done a damn thing to garner the talk about him being a #1 back here or anywhere else.

Every year we get you same mofos poppin off the same ish. 1 st it was Emmitt and Hambrick (Another board I Know) How that work out ?

Then we Totally screwed Tony's chance to get a Super Bowl when we got rid off Demarco Murray for that nut case Randle (Left meat on the Bone)

Now hear we go again with Zeke. Dallas has never won squat without a Runningback, Stauback couldn't do it (Hill , Thomas and Garrison) and Later Tony Dorsett

Aikman couldn't do with out Emmitt. (0-2 during Emmitt's hold out) And Don't get me started on Prescott without Zeke (He'd broke his other leg without Zeke picking up those blitzes)

SO you people and your RB's are a dime a dozen.............................. So are Lombardi's RIGHT!!!!!!

These guys act like it's zeke that is holding back this team. We'd be super champs if only Tony starts! YEEHAW!

 

[blueblood70]

Listen...I know his production has dropped off. But if you think for one second that's all on him...you are plain nuts. Two years ago he got the virus, then (like everyone else of course) played with stupid protocol. A new coach...and OC "learning on the job". Last year he was on pace for very good season (same as Dak) then got hurt. They asked him to play hurt and it showed. People like you wanna can his azz for it.

You act like it's zeke holding us back from playoff wins. Ridiculous. Fix the o-line, build a run scheme like ya mean it. And watch both Zeke and Tony flourish.

Remember...TOny got hurt playing backup rb. Doesn't bode well for being #1 stud RB. He is totally unproven in that regard nothing you say changes that.

agree

 

[Flamma]

He knows he’s gone

Remember, Zeke is an 11.8M dead cap whether Dallas keeps him or not. He's a 16.7M cap hit if they keep him. If he has a better than average season they probably keep him. Maybe at a slightly reduced rate. They'd be saving 4.9M in cap space if they release him.