Tony Pollard Finishes Strong, Hits Milestone as Cowboys Prep For Packers in NFL Playoffs
For much of the year, the run game has been an issue for the Dallas Cowboys. The blame can be spread throughout the offensive line, the play calls, running back Tony Pollard, and a lack of a true complementary back, but the sentiment remains – it’s been a struggle.
Thus, it was nice to see the run game have one of its best games of the season at the cusp of the playoffs. With the Cowboys’ 38-10 road win over the Washington Commanders, they clinched the NFC East and secured the conference’s second seed.
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Basically everyone played well, especially in the second half, but Pollard’s performance was as strong as it was memorable.
He rushed 17 times for 70 yards and a score, while also adding two catches for 12 yards. It matched his fourth-highest rushing total of the year and was just his fifth game with a touchdown coming on the ground.
More importantly, Pollard’s game put him over the 1,000-yard mark on the season. He’s now one of six running backs to do so in back-to-back years for Dallas. The others? Calvin Hill, Tony Dorsett, Emmitt Smith, DeMarco Murray, and the back he usurped, Ezekiel Elliott.
Such an accomplishment in a tumultuous season is a mark of confidence heading into postseason play where the margins get smaller and the importance of the ground game increases.
On the season, Pollard finished with 252 attempts for 1,005 yards and six touchdowns. Through the air, he hauled in 55 passes for 307 yards and an additional five scores.
Finishing the regular season on the right foot is a nice launching pad for a playoff run that starts at home against the Green Bay Packers, who rank 23rd against the run by expected points added per play.
Whether it be setting the passing offense up for success on early downs or burning clock late in games, Pollard will be asked to step up next weekend. If Sunday was any indication, Dallas should be in good shape.
The Cowboys will host the Packers at 3:30 CT next Sunday.
