By: Jake Rajala

The Dallas Cowboys best kept secret might just be RB Tony Pollard. The Cowboys 25-year-old RB earned a bigger piece of the pie in 2021, as he had a career-high 130 rushing attempts and a career-high 39 receptions. He was quite efficient with his rushing workload, as he averaged 5.5 YPC and was fourth in yards after contact. The Cowboys RB2 and kick return warrior finished as the RB30 in fantasy points per game.

Pollard is definitely an ascending RB and he could truly hit a Pro Bowl season if an injury to Zeke occurs, but the question is: what is his long-term outlook with Elliot? The steam for Pollard picked up in 2021 and I honestly believe that Pollard will be at least near a 50-50 slate with Zeke moving forward. He may not garner the same popularity, contract, or bell-cow ability, but I believe his well-rounded ability will rise to become indispensable in the Cowboys offense.

Dave Halprin from Blogging The Boys cites the demise of Zeke and his RYOE (rushing yards over expected) that has declined in each of the past few years and it would make sense if the aging, broken down RB, continues to have a worse RYOE in 2022. Halprin also elaborates that Zeke’s % of touches has declined from 78%, 70%, to 62%. I really believe Pollard will be more involved as a RB and he should be more involved in the Cowboys passing attack that lost Amari Cooper this off-season.

I and the rest of the world expect Pollard to be the team’s starter in 2023. After this upcoming season, Zeke’s contract will be easier to eliminate or restructure and Pollard (who I expect them to re-sign in 2023) could be a stat machine in the Boys offense for a few seasons. I believe Pollard should eventually be the 1A at RB, remain a dynasty sleeper, and enjoy a Pro Bowl season or two in a very explosive Cowboys offense that dropped 50+ points in two of their last contests.

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