Going into the 2023 NFL season, big things were expected from Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard.
After all, it was going to be Pollard’s first year as the Cowboys’ featured back, as previous backfield fixture Ezekiel Elliott had departed the team via free agency.
However, things have not worked out the way Pollard hoped.
“I thought I would probably have a better year than I am now,” Pollard said, via Nick Harris of the Cowboys’ official team website. “Where we are as far as playoffs and rankings, I couldn’t complain with everything in front of us. I would say just trying to get more at-bats at the plate. Get more repetition for the o-line and get a feel for how the defense is playing things and getting into a rhythm.”
Pollard has rushed for 935 yards and five touchdowns while averaging a pedestrian four yards per carry. He has also caught 53 passes for 295 yards.
Compare that to last season, when Pollard racked up 1,007 yards and nine scores on the ground while logging a robust 5.2 yards per attempt. Additionally, he totaled 39 catches for 371 yards while reaching the end zone three times. He earned a Pro Bowl appearance for his efforts.
The 26-year-old, who played his collegiate football at the University of Memphis, was selected by Dallas in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
He had a very limited role his first couple of seasons, registering 455 yards and two touchdowns as a rusher during his rookie campaign and following that up by finishing with 435 yards and four scores in 2020.
Then, in his third season, Pollard’s role increased. He ended up recording 719 yards and a pair of touchdowns while posting a hefty 5.5 yards per tote. Plus, he hauled in 39 receptions for 337 yards.
Based on his efficiency over the course of his first few NFL campaigns, more was expected from Pollard in 2023, but he has not delivered like many had anticipated.
The Cowboys are 11-5 and can wrap up the NFC East division title with a win over the Washington Commanders this Sunday.
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