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5 nightmare scenarios for Cowboys in 2023 season and how to avoid them

By Rucker Haringey

Jan 22, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy before a NFC divisional round game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy before a NFC divisional round game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tony Pollard is going to get more work than ever for the Cowboys in 2023. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Tony Pollard is going to get more work than ever for the Cowboys in 2023. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Tony Pollard gets overworked

Pollard was one of the most effective running backs in the NFL last season. Despite that fact, the Cowboys limited his touches by continuing to feed Ezekiel Elliott touches all year long.

Elliott and his bloated contract are gone which is good news for everyone in Dallas. The one issue with his departure is that the front office didn’t acquire a proven partner for Pollard in the backfield. They spent a sixth-round pick on Deuce Vaughn but it’s unclear whether or not he’s ready to play a meaningful role as a rookie.

Pollard is a big-play running back who pairs his home run ability with effectiveness on a per-carry basis. That makes him a tough guy for offensive coaches to keep off the field. It’s easy to envision a scenario where the Cowboys give him over 300 rushing attempts as they chase regular season wins in 2023.

That could prove disastrous. Pollard missed the end of last year with a significant ankle injury that the team’s medical status needs to be wary of. The coaching staff should consult with team doctors on the ideal workload for Pollard in 2023 and stick to it no matter what.

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