Tony Pollard and the Dallas Cowboys rushing attack have not had the most successful season. Regarding the Cowboys, there have been recent rumors circulating about whether Rico Dowdle will start ahead of Pollard.
In Week 11 against the Panthers, former Cowboys scout Bryan Broaddus thinks the coaching staff ought to start Dowdle over Pollard. For the past six games, Pollard has not surpassed 55 rushing yards. Is Pollard “freaked out” by taking over as the Cowboys’ lead back? Broaddus wonders.
“They have to sort of figure out three or four running plays that they can kind of hang their hat on,” Broaddus said in a podcast interview for “Love of the Star” on November 16, 2023. For that reason, I wouldn’t mind seeing Rico Dowdle start this game. Proceed and allow Rico to experience some success. Allow the line to slightly relax. Alright, let’s close this down. This might be something. then let Pollard inside.
“I believe that Pollard’s current status as the starting back is causing him anxiety. There don’t seem to be many holes, and I don’t think he’s seeing them. It isn’t just him. However, there are moments when they barricade certain areas, making it impossible for him to enter the hole. It’s obvious that he looks like a different player.”
For 2023, Pollard is using the $10 million franchise tag. Rumors regarding Pollard’s future with the Cowboys are intensifying as the running back enters free agency in 2024.
Cowboys Rumors: There Is a Push for Rico Dowdle to Emerge as the New RB1 Over Tony Pollard
Not only has Pollard had difficulties, but Dowdle is beginning to acquire traction as well. In Week 10, Dowdle had his best game of the year against the Giants, gaining 79 yards on 12 carries and scoring a touchdown. Being the RB1 can present some additional challenges, as Pollard has shown.
Pollard is recovering from a fibula fracture that happened in January. After the injury, Pollard appears to be a different player, according to the veteran Cowboys scout.
Broaddus continues, “We had Brian Baldinger on the radio on Wednesday [November 15], and he even said that.” Additionally, Baldy views the tape once a week. “He’s obviously not the same player,” he remarks. We are all aware of that.
“However, it’s possible that you started Rico and saw some success. You somewhat outclassed the Panthers up front. If you could manage to get a small lead, that would be a nice addition to the game. Since it appears that teams are establishing leads and simply running the ball against these players.”
Before Week 11, questions about Dowdle receiving more carries were posed to Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. While praising Dowdle, McCarthy made clear that Pollard remains “the primary ball carrier.”
“We’ll see how the game goes.” On November 16, McCarthy told reporters, “I’m ecstatic about Rico’s performance, but I also think our ball distribution is really good.
“Let’s see how the game plays out. Yes, that is dictated by the game [carries]. Rico receiving more carries would be fantastic, and I have no issues with it. However, Tony Pollard is the main ball carrier on whom I am also concentrating.”