The running game of the Dallas Cowboys is flourishing in 2021. After gaining just 60 yards on 18 attempts in their season opener, the Cowboys have risen to second in the NFL at 165.8 yards per game.
It’s been a collective effort between Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard. The former is fourth in the NFL with 342 yards while the latter, although he’s a backup, is 14th with 250 yards. This marks the first time in Cowboys history that two running backs have rushed for at least 250 yards in the first four games of a season.
Ezekiel Elliott (342) and Tony Pollard (250) are the first pair of Cowboys running backs with 250+ rushing yards in first four games of a season.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) October 4, 2021
This big-time production got its start against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2. Pollard was the lead horse in this game as his speed and explosiveness racked up 109 yards on just 13 carries. Elliott didn’t quite hit that mark but it was a welcoming sign for all Cowboys fans to see him show the burst and power that made him a household name in his first four seasons. Elliott would finish with 71 yards on 16 carries which included a crucial three-yard run on 3rd and 1 from the Cowboys 35 yard line that led to the game-winning field goal.
When the Philadelphia Eagles came to town a week later, it was Elliott in the driver’s seat.
His physical running style beat the Eagles into submission in a 41-21 rout. Elliott amassed 95 yards on 17 carries which is slightly off of his 98.6 yards per game average against them for his career. Pollard took advantage of his opportunities as well with 60 yards on 11 carries.
As the Cowboys looked to continue their winning streak against the 3-0 Carolina Panthers last Sunday, it was again the running game that lead the way. Pollard only got 10 carries but his 67 yards put him just under seven yards per rush. However, it was like Elliott turned back the hands of time to his rookie campaign in 2016. Elliott gained 143 yards on 20 carries, but one run, in particular, stood out.
About midway through the third quarter with the Cowboys up 20-14, Elliott used a brilliant jump cut to and hit the hole with authority for a 47-yard gain down to the six-yard line. It was Elliott’s longest run since his rookie season and set up a Dak Prescott touchdown pass to Dalton Schultz.
Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott rips off 47-yard carry. Longest rush since rookie year. Against a D that arrived allowing 45 rushing yards per game.pic.twitter.com/QrNH5Ksz4e
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) October 3, 2021
The combination of Elliott’s grinding style with Pollard’s big-play ability every time he touches the ball has been a nightmare for defensive coordinators as the two-time rushing champion recently explained.
“We have different run styles so we’re going to run different runs differently and the defense is going to have to fit those runs differently,” Elliott said. “So if they get used to me pounding them for 10 plays and then TP comes in there, they’re used to fitting the runs that way. But TP is a faster, more shifty back so he might fit a run a little bit different. It keeps a defense guessing.”
Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has found an unbelievable formula to keep both Elliott and Pollard moving the chains. He’s ridden the hot hand and he’s used them methodically in the same series to keep defenses off balance.
Elliott and Pollard are both playing at a high level and they are making a strong case as the best one-two punch at the running back position in the NFL.
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