Cowboys Running Game? 'No Concerns!' Coach Insists Dallas Can Bounce-Back at Commanders, in NFL Playoffs
The Dallas Cowboys' run game, or lack thereof this season has been a talking point nearly every week in this 2023 NFL season. Most recently, in a 20-19 win over the Detroit Lions, the rushing attack was bottled up as the Cowboys could only muster 61 yards - their second lowest of the year.
Tony Pollard totaled 49 yards on 16 carries (18 yards came on one run) as several times he was met in the backfield, which resulted in big losses that put Dak Prescott and the offense behind the sticks.
Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer was left lamenting the eight tackles for loss the Detroit defense had on Saturday night. ... while at the same time insisting he has "no concerns'' about what can be accomplished.
"We don't have concerns about our running game," Schottenheimer said. "There are certainly things that we need to clean up, there's no question about that. We're aware of that. Do we have the pieces to be successful? Absolutely. Are there things we need to tighten up? For sure. I think the offensive line when they're all together, Tony's ability to get things going, the receivers doing a really good job blocking ...
"I think we're close.''
The Cowboys rank 14th for rushing yards per game (111.8) and it has been a constant battle all season to get the run game going consistently. Dallas hasn't had 100 yards rushing in three weeks ... but the "get well" card might be on its way in Week 18.
Dec 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) is tackled by Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) and Detroit Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (6) during the second half at AT&T Stadium.
© Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Cowboys face the Washington Commanders who have allowed over 100 rushing yards in all but two games, and in their last three, have conceded totals of 196, 164, and 184.
Timing is everything.
“It's something we're going to work on, we know the importance of it, we certainly have the ability to run the football,” Schottenheimer said. “It will be an emphasis this week. (Washington is) big, physical up front, so another great challenge.
"For us to go where we want to go we know how important the running game is.”
Pollard has 935 yards on the season, as he needs 73 yards to surpass his Pro Bowl total from last year (1,007). A milestone would be nice. And against a Commanders team that can't stop the run, Sunday could be a good time to get him rolling.
If the Cowboys can't get their run game going against the eighth-worst defense against the run (126 yards per game), and the 32nd-ranked defense for points allowed per game (30.0), then getting it established against playoff-caliber defenses seems a tall order.
"No concerns''? Good deal. Dallas needs a win to secure the NFC East title along with the No. 2 seed, so why not get that win thanks to a dominating ground game in the nation's capital?
