'Violent!' Could Dallas Cowboys Move to 'RB by Committee' for Rico Dowdle & Tony Pollard?
Everybody got in on the fun during Week 10’s blowout victory over the New York Giants. The Dallas Cowboys won, 49-17, keeping the offense hot and swiftly taking care of business against a team waving a white flag in the shape of quarterback Tommy DeVito.
A benefit of winning big is the opportunity to rest starters, which Dallas did—perhaps a few drives too late.
While starting running back Tony Pollard once again struggled to do much on the ground, posting an eerily familiar 15 attempts for 55 yards and no touchdowns, it was his backup that impressed the most out of the Cowboys backfield.
And the next thing you know, we might have a "running back controversy'' of sorts. Or, at least, a "running back by committee''?
Dowdle takes a carry during a Cowboys' training camp drill.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Running back Rico Dowdle ran angry on Sunday, and it showed. He broke off a 21-yard run, found the end zone, and looked deserving of more touches.
By the sound of it, owner Jerry Jones agrees. On Wednesday, he spoke about Dowdle’s day on 105.3 The Fan.
“He’s a violent runner,” Jones said. “He runs with great skill. … I’m so proud for him. He’s finally put together the running back he can be.”
The fourth-year back has spent much of his professional time looking for opportunities and touches, but he’s finally carved out a bit of a role in Dallas. His 47 rush attempts on the season are already a career-high. In Week 10, Dowdle had the best game of his career, toting the rock 12 times for 79 yards and a score.
It shouldn’t be surprising to see Dowdle run as hard as he does, and for the Cowboys faithful to rally around him. Sure, it was against the Giants, a team seemingly destined to land a top-two pick in April’s draft. But for players like Dowdle, every rep is a chance to secure a job on next year’s team. Whether it be as depth in Dallas or assisting elsewhere, these reps matter, even if fans turned the television off early.
“He’s outstanding,” Jones said. “It just really gives us a one-two punch in there.”
Pollard fantasy managers beware. The starter has dominated the workload this season, including short-yardage and red-zone work. However, it’s clear something is off. Pollard hasn’t produced the explosives fans saw last season, and hasn’t found the end zone since Week 1. (The rehab from his leg injury sustained last year in the playoffs may figure in here.)
It begged the question of a complementary back being necessary to unlock the Cowboys’ ground game. While head coach Mike McCarthy has been hesitant to diminish Pollard’s responsibilities, Dowdle is making an argument for more touches in the only way he can: producing more than his starter.
That isn’t to say Pollard’s job is in doubt. But keeping his legs fresh by giving Dowdle some run at the goal line and some extra short-yardage situations? It makes sense.
It’s too early to tell what McCarthy will make of his running back room in Week 11, but Dowdle has done what he has needed to earn more carries, and Pollard can benefit from a little more rest.
Against possibly the league’s worst run defense in the Carolina Panthers, Sunday should give Dallas the opportunity to experiment from the jump. ... maybe with more than one running back carrying the load.
