Film room: Why rookie RB Tony Pollard will be a versatile weapon for the Cowboys in 2019
By
John Owning Contact John Owning on Twitter:
@JohnOwning Earlier this week, we discussed why
Jourdan Lewis and
George Iloka will have key roles on the Cowboys' defense despite not starting. Today, it's Tony Pollard's turn, as we detail how and why the rookie running back will be a key reserve in 2019.
To get an idea of how the Cowboys can use Pollard off the bench, we must first look at how the team utilized Lance Dunbar, who sat behind a talented back in DeMarco Murray for most of his career, a few years ago.
For those who don't remember, Dunbar was a diminutive back -- listed at 5-foot-8, 187 pounds -- and an outstanding athlete who was dynamic with the ball in his hands (averaged more than 10 yards per touch in 2015) during his Cowboys career (2012-17). Injuries, however, mostly derailed what could have been an impressive career with the team. He only played a full 16 games once and had three seasons with less than 10 played.
Though their offense has been (rightfully) criticized for being unimaginative during the Dak Prescott era, the Cowboys were actually extremely creative in the ways they utilized Dunbar. They figured out a variety of ways to get him involved in the offense and on special teams. Here are some examples:
In the 10 plays included in the clip above, Dunbar is used a myriad of ways on the ground and through the air from varying alignments. The Cowboys used motion to create mismatches with Dunbar against second-level defenders in the pass game and used him as a traditional running back while also using him as a
return man on special teams.
Possessing receiver-like abilities to go with his proficiency as a running back, the Cowboys would be wise to use Pollard in a similar way by moving him across the formation to create mismatches and get him the ball in space while also using him as a traditional running back. In fact, Pollard should be an even more effective weapon for the Cowboys.
Pollard can essentially be a bigger, more explosive, durable and talented version of Dunbar. During his time in Memphis, Pollard was used as a hybrid RB/WR/Wildcat QB, which allowed him to show off his versatility as a playmaker.
He's
outstanding in space, displaying eye-popping speed and impressive
elusiveness, but also has no qualms running between the tackles, possesses notable vision, patience and toughness as a runner.
He possesses receiver-like skills as well. Though his route-running is rudimentary at this point, Pollard has the speed to run away from coverage to go along with the strong hands and leaping ability to win at the catch point.
Don't be surprised if new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore uses his time as Dunbar's teammate (2015-16) as inspiration to find ways to incorporate Pollard in the offense. Pollard is such a versatile weapon that his impact can only be limited by the imagination and commitment of the Cowboys' staff, which is why the rookie running back will be a key reserve in 2019.
