Tony Pollard vs. Ezekiel Elliott Prediction: Who Will Lead Cowboys Backfield in Week 3?
By Peter Dewey
Ezekiel Elliot is the Dallas Cowboys' $90 million man, but he hasn’t gotten off to a great start in the 2021 season even with Dak Prescott at quarterback.
Instead, backup Tony Pollard has run for more yards than Elliott through the Cowboys’ first two games, and he may have earned an even bigger role in Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
"I see it as a great asset to this team,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said of the team’s two running backs during his weekly radio interview at 105.3 The Fan. “You don't have an issue. We can have more carries or more touches by the running back, and in my opinion, will. Because both the players are outstanding out of the backfield as receivers, and quite a threat. When you see (Kellen) Moore, our coordinator, doing the job he did to neutralize (the Los Angeles Chargers) defense, you see what getting the ball out quick, getting the ball outside to those backs can do."
Pollard finished with 140 yards and a score in Week 2 against the Chargers while Elliott had 97 yards and a score of his own. However, Pollard touched the ball nearly every time he was on the field in Week 2, which may lead to Dallas putting him in the game more often, especially if he keeps up this production.
When Cowboys RB Tony Pollard was on the field Sunday, he probably was touching the football. He played only 21 of offense’s 62 snaps but touched football 16 times (76.2% of his snaps) for 140 yards. RB Ezekiel Elliott had 18 touches on 44 offensive snaps (41%). Both scored.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) September 20, 2021
Ezekiel Elliott vs. Tony Pollard Stats Comparison
Opportunities (Carries and Targets):
- Elliott: 31
- Pollard: 23
Rushing Yards:
- Elliott: 104 (3.9 yards per carry)
- Pollard:123 (7.7 yards per carry)
Receiving Yards:
- Elliott: 32
- Pollard: 60
Snap Percentage:
- Elliott: 78.08%
- Pollard: 28.08%
Elliott is going to be on the field more for Dallas, but it is very interesting that Pollard has put up much better numbers in fewer opportunities.
The Cowboys can’t justify paying Elliott his entire contract to sit behind Pollard completely, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this moves more and more towards a timeshare in terms of actual touches and not snap counts.
Pollard has been much more explosive this season, and with Dallas playing a key divisional matchup on Monday Night Football in Week 3, he should be heavily involved in the game plan.
The Cowboys are four-point favorites at home against the Eagles in Week 3 at WynnBET Sportsbook. The total for the game is 52.0.
Can Pollard and Zeke lead the Cowboys to a 2-1 start? Get in the action on the WynnBET app.