Jerry Jones praises RB tandem of Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard
Jerry Jones never shies away from chiming in on the biggest storylines and questions surrounding the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys are coming off an impressive 20-17 road victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, thanks in large part to the running of both starting tailback Ezekiel Elliott and his change-of-pace backup Tony Pollard.
Pollard actually led the way in Dallas’ win in Los Angeles, rushing 13 times for 109 yards for a per-carry average of 8.4 yards, four yards more than the incumbent starter Elliott.
Jones likes both running backs
Though Elliott had more carries than Pollard (16), the Cowboys’ star ball-carrier finished second on the stat line with 71 rushing yards and a touchdown.
When Jones was asked if there are any issues, the Cowboys’ owner didn’t hesitate with a response.
“I see it as a great asset to this team,” Jones said 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 Chargers) defense, you see what getting the ball out quick, getting the ball outside to those backs can do.”
Jones makes a solid point, and just about every team in the NFL uses a dual-back system. It’s easy for people to hone in on Pollard out-performing Elliott, but coming off a dominant offensive showing against a solid defense, why would the Dallas Cowboys want to change anything offensively?
Jerry Jones on Zeke’s contract
As of right now, Elliott (244) has far more carries than Pollard (101), which makes perfect sense. The former Ohio State running back has three Pro Bowls on his resume, and despite having a a bit of a down year in 2020, multiple reports emerged during the offseason alluding to a huge comeback year for Elliott.
Jones said the size of Elliott’s contract – he’s playing on a restructured deal that will count just $6.82 million against the salary cap in 2021, but will jump to more than $18 million in 2022 — has nothing to do with playing time when it comes to the two Cowboys running backs.
“You don’t (weigh the contract) in terms of the ultimate decision,” Jones said. “You do what makes the first down, or you do what makes the most yards. You do what wins the game. The facts are, we have an outstanding situation here,” Jones added. “Pollard gets up on them so fast and can really surprise the defense. He’s stronger than he looks. He’s so sudden, he’s got such a burst. And then Zeke, he’s as powerful, and his burst, he punishes the hell out of those defenders. Both of those (backs) are going to be a real staple for us as we get into the season.”
The Cowboys’ owner is always open with the media, but even if Dallas was secretly scheming a potential Elliott move behind-the-scenes, Jones would keep it close to the vest. Still, with the offense clicking on all cylinders, it seems highly unlikely for any moves to be made.