RB Tony Pollard, TEN (1 Viewer)

[habsfan]

Cowboys RBs coach Skip Peete believes Tony Pollard maxes out at 30 weekly plays.​

Peete made assertion when waxing poetic about Ezekiel Elliott, the favorite activity for any coach or front office member employed by the Cowboys. "(Pollard) played a total of 30 plays (in Week 8), and I think that's his max — as far as total play count — because then the juice doesn't become the same and he's not as quick, not as fast," Peete claimed. The Cowboys have certainly put their money where there mouth is in that regard. Pollard has never reached 20 touches in a game, and has reached 15 only eight times in four years. Provided Zeke's knee is healthy, we would expect the same old touch delineation when the Cowboys come off bye in Week 10.
SOURCE: dallascowboys.com
Nov 3, 2022, 6:10 PM ET

That’s kind of disappointing and makes sense why Malik Davis was used a bit more than expected last week. Wonder if this assessment weighs into his FA plans next year if another team offers him more of a workhorse role.

How in the world would they know that his efficiency decreases if they’ve never even tried? This organization shows some serious incompetence in deference to their cryptkeeper owner.

It does sound pretty deferential to Jones - can’t imagine any other team disclosing something like that and tipping their offensive tendencies.

you think it's a coincidence that Pollard has an amazing game and then Jones comes out and hails Zeke, props him up as the starter and everyone is like "huh?, what is this guy watching?" Then the next day they march out the RB coach to make justification for his idiocy. Typical narcissist. The last time that Zeke has a game as good or better than Pollard's last game was in 2017, 77 games ago. It's laughable but at least we clearly know why Zeke is still getting the work he does...it's all Jones.

I agree it sounds suspect. Seems like there is more to the story, which may or may not be true.

https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article268190912.html

“[Pollard] played a total of 30 plays, and I think that’s his max — as far as total play count— because then the juice doesn’t become the same and he’s not as quick, not as fast,” Peete said. “When he got that long run on third-and-1, soon as he got to the sideline he said, ‘Coach, I’m done. Done for the game. I’ve got no more.’ “

Well this isn't good. It's one thing to have a perspective on how to optimize your players' effectiveness (and stand by it) but it's another thing to implicate the player as part of the reason for it, complete with an anecdote where they "tapped out" during a game.

 

[Faust]

SHOULD TONY POLLARD START OVER EZEKIEL ELLIOTT IN DALLAS?

 

[Banger]

I don't know that anyone is stating that Pollard should take over all the work and get 20+ carries each game. Give Zeke 10 carries/game, give him the short yardage and pass protection snaps.

 

[tricky92]

I don't know that anyone is stating that Pollard should take over all the work and get 20+ carries each game. Give Zeke 10 carries/game, give him the short yardage and pass protection snaps.

Zeke needs at least 15 carries per week to wear down defenses, which he is very good at...
The Cowboy don't care about fantasy teams.

 

[Faust]

Tony Pollard had 22 rushes for 115 yards and a touchdown in the Cowboys' Week 10 loss to the Packers, adding three receptions for 13 yards.​

Pollard didn't quite have the efficient outing he had in Week 9 against the Bears, but he was still worlds more effective than Ezekiel Elliott has been in recent seasons. Pollard exploded through the line of scrimmage time and again in the second half against Green Bay, slicing his way through the defense for a 14-yard touchdown in the third quarter. He accounted for 22 of the team's 27 running backs rushing attempts. The most elusive back in the NFL, Pollard has been a dream for fantasy managers who drafted him in the middle rounds, but would go back to flex status if Elliott can return from his knee injury in Week 11 against Minnesota.
Nov 13, 2022, 8:17 PM ET

 

[Faust]

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports Tony Pollard is expected to get "a little bit more in terms of touches" than Ezekiel Elliott.​

Pelissero cited Zeke's knee issue as the reason for this possible split. Elliott is still recovering from an LCL injury that has sidelined him for the past two weeks. He will be wearing a knee brace in Week 11. Pollard has been wildly more effective than his backfield counterpart this year. He has 280 more yards from scrimmage on just three more touches. The new backfield split should boost Pollard into the RB2 ranks while tanking Zeke to the backend of the RB3 range.
SOURCE: Tom Pelissero on Twitter
Nov 20, 2022, 10:16 AM ET

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I have him benched for Kenyan Drake in my flex right now
Still thinking about it

 

[JamboTaylor]

Woah

 

[ffmail4me]

I have him benched for Kenyan Drake in my flex right now
Still thinking about it

I hope you thought better

 

[Banger]

I have him benched for Kenyan Drake in my flex right now
Still thinking about it

FBG had Myers ranked over him but I swapped Pollard in at the last minute. Hope you did the same….

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I have him benched for Kenyan Drake in my flex right now
Still thinking about it

I hope you thought better

You do a lot of things at 11:30, 90 minutes prior to 1:00 games
His name was not popular in the Shark Pool this morning
Most of my redrafts I was a winner with Pollard and even a few without him

 

[Faust]

Tony Pollard paces Cowboys' backfield duo in win with 189 yards: 'We've got to keep that going all year'

 

[Payne]

Going forward it looks like Zeke will get the start and early carries. Pollard as a change of pace. Zeke will probably get majority of GL work.

Both could be RB2's going forward. Obviously Zeke will be more TD dependent.

 

[fightingillini]

Going forward it looks like Zeke will get the start and early carries. Pollard as a change of pace. Zeke will probably get majority of GL work.

Both could be RB2's going forward. Obviously Zeke will be more TD dependent.

If DAL uses Pollard like yesterday, Pollard is a strong RB2 with RB1 upside. Zeke is a TD dependent low end RB2/flex.

If DAL is smart, they will continue to use both backs heavily and play good defense.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Going forward it looks like Zeke will get the start and early carries. Pollard as a change of pace. Zeke will probably get majority of GL work.

Both could be RB2's going forward. Obviously Zeke will be more TD dependent.

If DAL uses Pollard like yesterday, Pollard is a strong RB2 with RB1 upside. Zeke is a TD dependent low end RB2/flex.

If DAL is smart, they will continue to use both backs heavily and play good defense.

Moving forward, most FF investors and roster managers would be wise to drown Jerry Jones comments out Mid Week
JJ likes to win games, period!
He is going to make the guy he spends a lot of money on, he's wise to say Zeke is the guy
But it sure seems like the game plan at this point is to have Pollard involved A LOT and these wheel route long TDs he pulled off last night, there's a reason those plays are wide open.
Pollard is that elusive 2nd WR that they need in the passing game.

Dallas just whooped a top Playoff team 40-3 on their opponents home turf
That's gotta be pretty dang satisfying after they blew a 14 pt lead last week in the 4th
196-1 with a 14+ point lead in the 4th Q
They were 195-0 before Green Bay

 

[fightingillini]

Going forward it looks like Zeke will get the start and early carries. Pollard as a change of pace. Zeke will probably get majority of GL work.

Both could be RB2's going forward. Obviously Zeke will be more TD dependent.

If DAL uses Pollard like yesterday, Pollard is a strong RB2 with RB1 upside. Zeke is a TD dependent low end RB2/flex.

If DAL is smart, they will continue to use both backs heavily and play good defense.

Moving forward, most FF investors and roster managers would be wise to drown Jerry Jones comments out Mid Week
JJ likes to win games, period!
He is going to make the guy he spends a lot of money on, he's wise to say Zeke is the guy
But it sure seems like the game plan at this point is to have Pollard involved A LOT and these wheel route long TDs he pulled off last night, there's a reason those plays are wide open.
Pollard is that elusive 2nd WR that they need in the passing game.

Dallas just whooped a top Playoff team 40-3 on their opponents home turf
That's gotta be pretty dang satisfying after they blew a 14 pt lead last week in the 4th
196-1 with a 14+ point lead in the 4th Q
They were 195-0 before Green Bay

I have never understood why DAL didn't use Pollard more on wheel routes or in the passing game in general. A linebacker or safety has no chance against Pollard's speed.

 

[skillz]

I have Pollard in a keeper league. Any chance Dallas cuts Zeke in the offseason and turns the reins over to Pollard to be their main RB next year? Or does the salary cap situation make that not likely and Pollard will have to seek a payday elsewhere once he hits free agency?

 

[Amused to Death]

I have Pollard in a keeper league. Any chance Dallas cuts Zeke in the offseason and turns the reins over to Pollard to be their main RB next year? Or does the salary cap situation make that not likely and Pollard will have to seek a payday elsewhere once he hits free agency?

According to Spotrack, the Cowboys would save $10.9 million in 2023 cap space if they cut Zeke after June 1.

POST-6/1 RELEASE 2023 Dead Cap: $5,820,0002024 Dead Cap: $6,040,0002023 Cap Savings: $10,900,000

 

[Statorama]

I'm no Capologist, but from what I've read, if they don't cut Zeke this offseason they are married to him cap-wise until 2026. I'd love to be Pollard's agent right now.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

As much as I like the above posts, let's not forget the owner's love affair with Zeke. If I was betting on it, Zeke will still be on the team going forward, even if it doesn't make any sense.

 

[Amused to Death]

I'm no Capologist, but from what I've read, if they don't cut Zeke this offseason they are married to him cap-wise until 2026. I'd love to be Pollard's agent right now.

Per the Spotrack link above, he can be cut in the summers of '23, '24, '25, and '26 for substantial cap savings.

 

[Faust]

Fantasy Football Week 11 Wrap: Consider Tony Pollard a top-10 RB moving forward

Excerpt:

Tony Pollard was fantastic, totaling 189 yards from scrimmage with two TD catches while leading Dallas in targets. He finished as the week’s No. 1 fantasy RB despite losing two touchdowns to the returning Ezekiel Elliott, who finished with half as many rushing yards in the same number of carries.

Pollard leads the NFL in YPC, YPC after contact and yards per touch. He's scored six touchdowns over the last three weeks while surpassing 15 carries just once. Pollard saw the highest snap percentage of his career when sharing the field with Elliott, and he’s going to see at least 15 touches moving forward regardless of Zeke’s health.

Given his situation and talent, Pollard should be considered a top-10 fantasy back now. Dallas gets four of its next five games at home, with the other against the Jaguars.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Naturally I traded Pollard the week before the Zeke injury.


That said, I’m on a 6-game win streak and the top scoring 1-seed in that league.

Would still be nice to have him in the fold.

 

[fightingillini]

I have Pollard in a keeper league. Any chance Dallas cuts Zeke in the offseason and turns the reins over to Pollard to be their main RB next year? Or does the salary cap situation make that not likely and Pollard will have to seek a payday elsewhere once he hits free agency?

That could happen, but I would assume DAL would bring in a cheaper version of Zeke, a big bruising back that can get the tough yards when needed. That is definitely not Pollard's strong suit.

 

[Buckna]

Zeke is no longer due any guaranteed money after 2022. They could cut him and designate him a post-June 1st to spread out the dead money remaining. They could also easily tear up his remaining yearly salaries and restructure him into a cheaper cap number.

The bigger question is how much will Pollard want as this will be his only time to cash-in. RB’s don’t command high salaries on the open market so he may be better off resigning. Given Jerry’s love for Zeke, my guess they restructure Zeke and extend Pollard and continue their RBBC for the next season or two.

 

[Faust]

The case for Tony Pollard as one of the NFL's best running backs in 2022

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I have him benched for Kenyan Drake in my flex right now
Still thinking about it

I hope you thought better

He's such an autostart, you just don't hesitate week to week with him I guess

 

[Faust]

Tony Pollard rushed 18 times for 60 yards in the Cowboys' Week 12 win over the Giants.​

Pollard was stuffed a few times in the backfield, which hurt his yards per carry, but he looked explosive when hitting the hole. He also showed power on his run up the middle. Unfortunately, Pollard was not involved as a receiver, seeing just two targets for one reception and one yard. Ezekiel Elliott only saw one target, so there simply wasn't much receiving value in the backfield this week. Pollard's breakaway ability gives him a ceiling even while splitting work with Elliott, who saw 17 touches this week. He'll be a high-end RB2 against the Colts in Week 13.
Nov 24, 2022, 8:11 PM ET

 

[FGITLOTR]

giant D played well and he’s not going to blow up every week. Still a strong RB2 down the stretch

 

[zamboni]

giant D played well and he’s not going to blow up every week. Still a strong RB2 down the stretch

As long as Zeke plays though, to keep that value Pollard has to be used more in the passing game because he won’t get a ton of red zone work and seemingly no goal line love.

 

[rockaction]

because he won’t get a ton of red zone work and seemingly no goal line love.

He's been getting red zone work and goal line love much more than before. I've noticed because I roster Zeke.

 

[zamboni]

because he won’t get a ton of red zone work and seemingly no goal line love.

He's been getting red zone work and goal line love much more than before. I've noticed because I roster Zeke.

Fair point - perhaps I overstated it, but seems like whenever they’re at or near the stripe, they bring in Zeke. Tonight the one time Pollard was in at the stripe, they did some subterfuge and gave it to that goon backup TE.

 

[rockaction]

Tonight the one time Pollard was in at the stripe, they did some subterfuge and gave it to that goon backup TE.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

It had to happen at some point. Zeke came in looking great & Jerruh was on the red courtesy phone to the sidelines to give the word that it was Zeke time.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

the one time Pollard was in at the stripe, they did some subterfuge and gave it to that goon backup TE.

It seems like every team now has one of those no name vultures. Which of course helps none of us.

 

[Deamon]

God I hate Zeke.

 

[Chaka]

the one time Pollard was in at the stripe, they did some subterfuge and gave it to that goon backup TE.

It seems like every team now has one of those no name vultures. Which of course helps none of us.

It helps people who roster Jamaal Williams.

 

[efactor]

It had to happen at some point. Zeke came in looking great & Jerruh was on the red courtesy phone to the sidelines to give the word that it was Zeke time.

Well, Pollard got 18 carries, so not exactly like they ignored him. After Zeke got his TD, Pollard played the entire next two series. Pollard just didn't do anything with his opportunities yesterday. But 18 carries is a good sign. Zeke got 16 but just did more with them.

 

[C-Bound]

the one time Pollard was in at the stripe, they did some subterfuge and gave it to that goon backup TE.

It seems like every team now has one of those no name vultures. Which of course helps none of us.

Played against Pollard this week and feel like I dodged a big bullet based on snaps/usage.

 

[BladeRunner]

the one time Pollard was in at the stripe, they did some subterfuge and gave it to that goon backup TE.

It seems like every team now has one of those no name vultures. Which of course helps none of us.

Played against Pollard this week and feel like I dodged a big bullet based on snaps/usage.

Weird. I read that as "...based on his snausage" the first time.

 

[Faust]

Tony Pollard rushed 12 times for 91 yards and two touchdowns in the Cowboys' Week 13 win over the Colts, adding two catches for 15 yards.​

Pollard scored the first two of four total rushing scores for the Cowboys on a night where even third string, rookie running back Malik Davis got in on the fun, scoring the first touchdown of his NFL career late in the fourth quarter of the blowout win. Pollard returned to a highly efficient back after struggling with efficiency on Thanksgiving, rattling off a robust 7.6 yards per touch on the evening. Pollard will maintain his lofty RB2 status in the top rushing matchup in the league in Week 14 as the Cowboys play host to the reeling Texans in Arlington.
Dec 5, 2022, 12:19 AM ET

 

[Ministry of Pain]

He's a bit TD dependent

33-3 TDs, 14 carries
21
37-2TDs, 15 carries
24-2TDs, 12 carries

4 of his last 5 weeks, and a single digit effort last week but I have to think over the last 4-6 weeks, he's a Top 5-10 RB easily in this offense
8 TDs over that period of time?

 

[FGITLOTR]

He's a bit TD dependent

33-3 TDs, 14 carries
21
37-2TDs, 15 carries
24-2TDs, 12 carries

4 of his last 5 weeks, and a single digit effort last week but I have to think over the last 4-6 weeks, he's a Top 5-10 RB easily in this offense
8 TDs over that period of time?

Still a possible league winner. He’s incredibly talented and the timeshare with Zeke has helped keep him relatively fresh

 

[zamboni]

He's a bit TD dependent

33-3 TDs, 14 carries
21
37-2TDs, 15 carries
24-2TDs, 12 carries

4 of his last 5 weeks, and a single digit effort last week but I have to think over the last 4-6 weeks, he's a Top 5-10 RB easily in this offense
8 TDs over that period of time?

The TDs have definitely elevated his stats, but that’s also because he is so explosive and can score from anywhere on the field. Would rather have his TD dependence than, say, a Jamaal Willams whose value has mainly come inside the 5 yard line.

I can see the Cowboys leaning even more on Pollard down the stretch to keep Zeke healthy for the playoffs.

 

[Mitchie]

Underestimated his value this year with a healthy Zeke

 

[packer_junkie]

One of the most exciting guys to watch in the entire league....

 

[zamboni]

Up to 852 yards rushing on the season (ranked 10th) in a limited role. Not too bad.

 

[TampaMike19]

Of all the years not to own this guy. I guess going forward I will always bet on explosive talent and mediocre situation and hope for the best vs. limited ceiling players. Bleh

 

[JetMaxx]

Do I dare start him vs Hou over Henry or CMC?

 

[zamboni]

Do I dare start him vs Hou over Henry or CMC?

Even in a juicy matchup on paper, I wouldn’t start Pollard as a timeshare back over Henry or CMC. The latter two have their offenses run through them so you know the volume will be there.