RB Tony Pollard, TEN (1 Viewer)

[dmac37]

I don't have a dog in this fight but my untrained eyes keep telling me Pollard is electric and Zeke is now just a name, just saying.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Return yardage league definitely did good today. Regular or PPR not so much.

for sure

but dang he looks dynamic & explosive week in week out

 

[GroveDiesel]

Return yardage league definitely did good today. Regular or PPR not so much.

He had 14.8 points in my .5 ppr league. That would be good for 14th in points per game for RBs in that league (so far this season). I easily would take that at my #2 RB spot and wish I had played him over Ty Johnson at this point.

 

[Insein]

He had 14.8 points in my .5 ppr league. That would be good for 14th in points per game for RBs in that league (so far this season). I easily would take that at my #2 RB spot and wish I had played him over Ty Johnson at this point.

He got me 10.8 in my full PPR. Curious how much is yardage worth in your league?

 

[Loipz]

He got me 10.8 in my full PPR. Curious how much is yardage worth in your league?

Probably counts the return TD(mine does)

 

[Insein]

Probably counts the return TD(mine does)

Ah. Yea we don't get the ST score. 

 

[need2know]

Should be the starter

 

[zamboni]

Should be the starter

I think a lot of people will agree with you, although Zeke’s name and contract won’t let that happen. To be fair though, Zeke is really good in pass pro and that can’t be overlooked.

 

[BobbyLayne]

All 22 look at Pollards KR touchdown

Until yesterday, I never knew the line to gain cone is set at the 45 to check for inside kicks going in ten yards

Looks like Side Judge Chad Hill forgot about that

 

[zamboni]

May be some hope for more touches after all if Schefter is on point here:

https://twitter.com/rapsheet/status/1464222892665802758?s=21

 

[zamboni]

So now we have an about face and Jerry is saying that Zeke will carry a heavy load on Thursday.

Anyone still planning on rolling out Pollard despite the conflicting info, and if so, over whom?

 

[need2know]

So now we have an about face and Jerry is saying that Zeke will carry a heavy load on Thursday.

Anyone still planning on rolling out Pollard despite the conflicting info, and if so, over whom?

I am.  I think Jerry is a liar

 

[zamboni]

So now we have an about face and Jerry is saying that Zeke will carry a heavy load on Thursday.

Anyone still planning on rolling out Pollard despite the conflicting info, and if so, over whom?

I am.  I think Jerry is a liar

I don’t disagree, but the problem is he also signs the checks. 

 

[Faust]

Ed Werder @WerderEdESPN

The #Saints  recognize based on tape review that Ezekiel Elliott does not look like the same runner now as he was before his knee injury. They are impressed with Tony Pollard and concerned about his potential impact on the game.

https://twitter.com/werderedespn/status/1466553885221441540?s=21

 

[Insein]

Started him. Thank god. 

 

[BobbyLayne]

Started him. Thank god. 

   
 

my D’Andre replacement 

 

[zamboni]

Ed Werder @WerderEdESPN

The #Saints  recognize based on tape review that Ezekiel Elliott does not look like the same runner now as he was before his knee injury. They are impressed with Tony Pollard and concerned about his potential impact on the game.

Seems like the one thing they got right tonight.

 

[Faust]

Tony Pollard rushed seven times for 71 yards and a touchdown and caught 2-of-4 targets for three yards in the Cowboy's Week 13 win over the Saints.

Pollard had six touches for just nine yards in the first half. He got most of his production in the second half, going 58 yards on an outside run for a touchdown. Pollard had his normal role, playing 40% of snaps, despite talk the Cowboys wanted to rest Ezekiel Elliott. Pollard has a touchdown or 70 total yards in four straight games and has done enough to warrant standalone value. He could see some serious run in what projects as a run-heavy Week 14 game script against Washington.

Dec 3, 2021, 12:20 AM ET

 

[skinsrule05]

This guy could be a playoff winner if zeke ever goes down. Imagine him with 15-20 touches a game. 

 

[zamboni]

With 9 days until the next game, I expect the team to continue feed Zeke, with Pollard maybe not even getting up to 40% of snaps. 

 

[Boston]

With 9 days until the next game, I expect the team to continue feed Zeke, with Pollard maybe not even getting up to 40% of snaps. 

They do seem committed to Zeke...it is pretty obvious he is banged up...with a legit RB like Pollard able to carry the load it would have made a ton of sense to rest Zeke last night and get him squared away for the stretch run and the playoffs, but they didn't so you gotta believe they will continue as is.

 

[Insein]

It reminds me of those KC teams around 2010 where they had Thomas Jones as the lead back but Jamaal Charles would come in and tear it up with less carries every time. 

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Yeah it’s time to make a business decision and let Pollard get the start and give Zeke some rest. 

 

[humpback]

It reminds me of those KC teams around 2010 where they had Thomas Jones as the lead back but Jamaal Charles would come in and tear it up with less carries every time. 

Seems hyperbolic. Charles had almost twice the ypc as Jones and was a legit home run hitter. I like Pollard, but he's no where near as good nor explosive as Charles was, and even a banged up Zeke is better than Jones was at that stage of his career.

In hindsight I'm guessing they wish they sat him last night to give more time to heal up, but you can't take any games for granted in the NFL, especially conference games on the road. Zeke is clearly hobbled, but he still brings a lot to the table besides just ypc (which isn't bad at all, especially when you account for the short yardage work he gets). They're a good compliment, this isn't anything like that scenario IMO.

 

[Quakertown Tom]

They do seem committed to Zeke...it is pretty obvious he is banged up...with a legit RB like Pollard able to carry the load it would have made a ton of sense to rest Zeke last night and get him squared away for the stretch run and the playoffs, but they didn't so you gotta believe they will continue as is.

The paid the guy 90 million dollars. And he's not even the best back on his own team. But Jerry Jones is never going to admit that mistake.  So we will continue to see 60% of the workload to a guy who looks like he's wearing cement shoes, while an electrifying game-changer plays second fiddle. 

 

[Boston]

The paid the guy 90 million dollars. And he's not even the best back on his own team. But Jerry Jones is never going to admit that mistake.  So we will continue to see 60% of the workload to a guy who looks like he's wearing cement shoes, while an electrifying game-changer plays second fiddle. 

That contract is not looking good at all (and that is pretty common with RBs)...even though he is overpaid he can still be an effective back for a team looking to go deep but it's just not gonna happen unless he is healthy.

 

[Quakertown Tom]

That contract is not looking good at all (and that is pretty common with RBs)...even though he is overpaid he can still be an effective back for a team looking to go deep but it's just not gonna happen unless he is healthy.

I think they're stuck for another year after this one, too.  No other team would touch that contract, so Pollard won't be the guy till 2023. 

 

[Boston]

I think they're stuck for another year after this one, too.  No other team would touch that contract, so Pollard won't be the guy till 2023. 

It's not pretty:

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/dallas-cowboys/ezekiel-elliott-18952/

 

[Quakertown Tom]

It's not pretty:

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/dallas-cowboys/ezekiel-elliott-18952/

Yikes.  That's even worse than I thought.  So Dallas has on out after the 2022 season but it will be an $11.8 million cap hit?  Am I reading that right?

 

[Boston]

Yikes.  That's even worse than I thought.  So Dallas has on out after the 2022 season but it will be an $11.8 million cap hit?  Am I reading that right?

That's how I read it...he aint going anywhere after this year with that 30 mil hit.

 

[menobrown]

It reminds me of those KC teams around 2010 where they had Thomas Jones as the lead back but Jamaal Charles would come in and tear it up with less carries every time. 

It actually reminds me of old Barber/Felix Jones Cowboy's teams.

 

[Kiddnets]

Wow thats rough - I dont even see Dallas taking an $11M cap hit in 2023 so they may be stuck with him until 2024....fans have to remember this when they clamor to just "pay the guy!"

 

[menobrown]

Pollard may resign with Dallas but he'll hit FA in 2023 which aligns with when Dallas can realistically get out from the Zeke's contract.

Saying that if the question was which one of these two will be the Cowboys main RB in 2023 my answer would be neither.

 

[Quakertown Tom]

Wow thats rough - I dont even see Dallas taking an $11M cap hit in 2023 so they may be stuck with him until 2024....fans have to remember this when they clamor to just "pay the guy!"

And just imagine how much further Zeke will have fallen by 2023.  That is going to go down as a Bobby Bonilla-level bad contract

 

[zamboni]

Between Zeke, CMC, Henry and Cook (among others), the days of uber-paid RBs may be coming to an end.

A few teams will overpay, but I can see that trend evolving. Of course, what this could mean for fantasy is making more muddled backfields if teams can get multiple talented RBs on the relative cheap.   

 

[Insein]

Between Zeke, CMC, Henry and Cook (among others), the days of uber-paid RBs may be coming to an end.

A few teams will overpay, but I can see that trend evolving. Of course, what this could mean for fantasy is making more muddled backfields if teams can get multiple talented RBs on the relative cheap.   

It ebbs and flows. Before Gurley and Gordon, there hadn't been a RB drafted in the first in 3 years. Then a whole bunch of studs came out and most got paid. It will happen again not because I think it should but because NFL GMs can't help themselves. 

 

[zamboni]

Between Zeke, CMC, Henry and Cook (among others), the days of uber-paid RBs may be coming to an end.

A few teams will overpay, but I can see that trend evolving. Of course, what this could mean for fantasy is making more muddled backfields if teams can get multiple talented RBs on the relative cheap.   

It ebbs and flows. Before Gurley and Gordon, there hadn't been a RB drafted in the first in 3 years. Then a whole bunch of studs came out and most got paid. It will happen again not because I think it should but because NFL GMs can't help themselves. 

Yeah, you're probably right. Some GMs will think that this RB is worth the contract and he will be different. And then it's a rinse and repeat cycle.

 

[Dizzy]

Between Zeke, CMC, Henry and Cook (among others), the days of uber-paid RBs may be coming to an end.

A few teams will overpay, but I can see that trend evolving. Of course, what this could mean for fantasy is making more muddled backfields if teams can get multiple talented RBs on the relative cheap.   

Agreed. Its the worst investment you can make under salary cap restrictions - depending on what your goals are as an owner.

If wanting focus on the business side of; butts in seats, jersey sales, and other monetary returns that come with marketing superstars... then paying a perceived "generational talent" at RB makes sense - as long as he's playing.

If the goal is to win Super Bowls, then the list of champions shows (proves?) that this is a bad idea.

 

[Pipes]

This guy could be a playoff winner if zeke ever goes down. Imagine him with 15-20 touches a game. 

 I hope so but I'm fearing it's going to be more of the same with both cutting into each other's value.  

 

[BobbyLayne]

Dude has been massive the last 2 games - over 40 points in our format. First two times Ive started him & with Swift’s injuries, the timing could hit hav been better. 

Laying aside FF, he’s just so much fun to watch. Probably my second favorite RB to see carrying the ball (Javonte has 1-2 jaw droppers every week.) 

 

[Faust]

ESPN Stats & Info @ESPNStatsInfo

Tony Pollard with a 58-yard rush TD. 

It's his 4th career rush TD of at least 40 yards, the 3rd-most in Cowboys history.

Only Tony Dorsett and Emmitt Smith have more (7 each).

https://twitter.com/espnstatsinfo/status/1466614149593530373?s=21

 

[Faust]

This tweet provides some insight into why Ezekiel Elliott is getting a timeshare in the Cowboys backfield snaps:

Ed Werder @WerderEdESPN

Zeke is far superior to almost any back in the league in blitz pickup. If I was going to throw it often, as I expect the Cowboys shall tonight, I want Elliott in protection rather than Tony Pollard. He’s outstanding if you throw it to him, but Pollard a liability as blocker.

https://twitter.com/werderedespn/status/1466573327548379137?s=21

 

[zamboni]

https://twitter.com/espnstatsinfo/status/1466614149593530373?s=21

That’s crazy considering the limited amount of touches he’s gotten in his career.

 

[BobbyLayne]

That’s crazy considering the limited amount of touches he’s gotten in his career.

On the TD last night, I loved how the Saints defender thought for sure he had the angle. But he wasn’t on an all out sprint to the sideline bc he needed to protect against a cutback to the middle.

Then he realizes, too late, oh #### he’s faster than I thought.

 

[Summer Wheat]

Should be the starter

Well he does look fresher and much more explosive than Zeke.  Zeke has turned into more of a plodder this year.

 

[Faust]

5 Bucks: It's Pollard Time, D-Law's Impact & More

Excerpt:

It is Tony Pollard's time

The drumbeat is certainly building to put No.20 on the field as a bigger part of the Cowboys' offensive game plan. While Ezekiel Elliott should continue to play a role as the No.1 running back in the rotation, it is time to give Pollard more touches to add a different dimension to the offense.

The third-year pro is averaging 6.2 yards per touch (869 scrimmage yards on 138 touches) while flashing the big play potential that changes the momentum of games. Whether it is breaking free on a long run on the perimeter (SEE 58-yard score versus Saints) or his ability to turn short passes into long gains (SEE 32-yard catch-and-run versus Broncos), Pollard is a game changer who needs more opportunities to impact the game. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore should have a special section on his call sheet with a handful of plays that will put the ball directly in the speedster's hands to give him a chance to create on the perimeter.

With Elliott ailing with a knee injury, the Cowboys need to give the rock to Pollard and let him go to work with the division crown on the line. The youngster adds a dimension that the veteran cannot provide and the offense needs more juice to separate from the pack.

 

[Faust]

Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said the team is "hopeful" Tony Pollard (foot) will play in Week 14 against Washington.

Pollard sprained his ankle on his 58-yard touchdown run against the Saints and has been unable to practice since. Even so, the team believes his rehab work puts him "on track" to suit up against Washington. Averaging 10.5 touches per game over the last three weeks with Ezekiel Elliott limited, Pollard would still need to score a long touchdown (as he's accomplished the last two weeks) to provide RB3 value in fantasy.

SOURCE: Michael Gehlken on Twitter

Dec 9, 2021, 11:23 AM ET

 

[Bayhawks]

It's been a week and he still hasn't practiced b/c of the ankle.  He only had 2 carries after the TD run (which is when the ankle sprain supposedly occurred).  

How concerned should we be?

 

[Cobbler1]

It's been a week and he still hasn't practiced b/c of the ankle.  He only had 2 carries after the TD run (which is when the ankle sprain supposedly occurred).  

How concerned should we be?

Concerned. Torn plantar fasciitis per sleeper. Can’t see him playing this week.

 

[Faust]

NBC Sports Edge:

Speaking Thursday, Tony Pollard revealed he has been diagnosed with a torn plantar fascia in his left foot and is a game-time decision for Sunday's game against Washington. 

Pollard said he remains in pain a week after the fact. “They say once you tear it, it actually heals better, and you don’t feel it as much," Pollard said." I’m waiting until I get to that point.” The Cowboys have put a brave face on Pollard's Week 14 status, but we would consider him on the wrong side of questionable with this new information. On the other hand, though extremely painful, this is an issue that players often play through. The rest required to make it better is measured in months, not weeks. It is something Pollard is going to have to get used to. It's just a matter of if that begins in Week 14 or 15. He is probably legitimately a game-time decision. If he goes, he should be regarded as a lower-end FLEX. 

SOURCE: Michael Gehlken on Twitter 

Dec 9, 2021, 2:15 PM ET