Here’s why Tony Pollard leading the NFL in this category is a bad thing

If the Cowboys want to maintain Tony Pollard’s effectiveness later into the season, they need to significantly change his usage rates. | From @ReidDHanson

When the Cowboys decided to part ways with their longtime bell cow, Ezekeil Elliott, over the offseason, they likely did so with excitement and a little trepidation. For seven years Elliott served as a workhorse for Dallas at the running back position. His effectiveness had dwindled in later years, giving way to up-and-comer Tony Pollard, but Elliott was steady and reliable year after year for the Cowboys.

Outside of his suspension in 2017, Elliott never missed more than two games in a season. He offered a level of durability rare for a RB in today’s NFL. So, when the Cowboys moved on from Elliott and made Pollard their true RB1 in 2023, they probably weren’t concerned about Pollard’s effectiveness. It was the durability that was the question. Has the club thrown caution to the wind? They have been letting him touch the rock at an alarming rate through three games.

Even dating back to his college days at Memphis, it’s been a shared workload for Pollard. He’d never eclipsed 200 carries in a single season or ever approached the levels of usage common for a lead back in the NFL.

Pollard’s 193 carries in 2022 marked a career high, but they only ranked the 6-foot-1, 209-pound RB, 23rd the NFL. It was clear he’d have to pick up the slack left by Elliott in 2023, but unreasonable to think he could take on the entire workload.

Pollard was effective because he was explosive and efficient. Bogging him down with a heavy workload would threaten to diminish his best qualities. Some degree of workload management was expected for Pollard in his first season as the undisputed RB1.

Yet, just three weeks into the new season and Pollard is already leading the entire league in rushing attempts and overall touches. The 26-year-old, who’s never even held a full-time gig at RB, is now carrying the heaviest workload in the NFL.

It’s safe to say there’s concern regarding Pollard’s usage. If trends continue, he’ll finish the season with 351 carries and 68 receptions. Those are numbers Elliott in his absolute prime never touched. They’re gluttonous and frankly, unsustainable.

Repercussions may not be seen immediately, but if things continue, they are almost unavoidable down the road. The Cowboys have to find opportunities for other players. They cannot continue down the road they’re traveling because it’s shortsighted and potentially disastrous for both player and team.

Growing the passing game will help. The Texas Coast offense is designed to take shots downfield but also live on a steady diet of short, high-percentage passes. Mike McCarthy doesn’t need to put it all on his RB depth to relieve Pollard, he can use his various pass-catchers to help as well.

If the Cowboys want their RB1 to be effective late in the season and into the postseason, they need to change the way they’re using Pollard.

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