The Dallas Cowboys faced a pivotal moment two years ago when they made the decision to part ways with Tony Pollard, who had been a valuable asset during his five years in Dallas. While Pollard showcased talent and big-play ability, his final season with the Cowboys left some doubts, especially as he played under the franchise tag and struggled to find his footing in 2023.
After heading home to Tennessee on a contract worth $7.25 million annually, Pollard managed to put together a campaign with 1,079 rushing yards and five touchdowns at an average of 4.2 yards per carry. It’s not a gaudy stat line by any means, and the Titans’ inconsistent passing game certainly didn’t help his cause, often stacking the box against him and limiting his opportunities to break free.
Now, as Pollard gears up for his second season with the Titans, head coach Brian Callahan is looking to manage his workload more effectively. The strategy is clear: by distributing carries among Pollard and his fellow backs, Callahan aims to keep everyone fresh throughout the season. This adjustment almost feels like a validation of the Cowboys’ decision to let Pollard go, especially since they raised concerns about investing heavily in him as a long-term RB1.
Callahan shared some insight into Pollard’s performance, acknowledging that the running back faced significant challenges, especially in the latter part of the season. “He was battling the second half of the year quite a bit,” he noted. The hope is that by lightening the load, Pollard can return to peak form and contribute efficiently alongside up-and-coming talent like Tyjae Spears, who faced injuries early in his rookie season. Callahan’s vision includes utilizing a third back to ensure a balanced attack, which could feature the likes of Julius Chestnut or rookie Kalel Mullings.
This shift toward a running back-by-committee approach is becoming increasingly popular across the league. Given the physical demands placed on running backs, it makes strategic sense to share the workload, allowing starters to maintain their explosiveness as the season rolls on.
However, Callahan’s remarks also highlight why the Cowboys made the right call in their decision-making process regarding Pollard. While he is undoubtedly a playmaker, the thought of paying him over $7 million annually to split carries with a less experienced back would have drawn criticism. The Titans seem committed to involving players like Chestnut and Mullings in the backfield, which might spell a cautious future for Pollard’s role within their offense.
Interestingly, Pollard’s number of touches last season—260 carries—wasn’t overwhelming, ranking eighth among all running backs. Just six other players crossed the 300-carry threshold, and Pollard’s workload was closely shadowed by Rico Dowdle, who ascended to the starting role only mid-season.
The 2023 season served as a case study for the Cowboys, observing Pollard as he shouldered the entire backfield responsibility. His performance yielded a career-low 4.0 yards per carry despite him being active for every game. Facing the facts, it’s become increasingly clear that Dallas was astute to resist the urge to keep Pollard as the focal point of their running game, as it’s evident that he excels more as a dynamic contributor rather than the featured back. The Cowboys’ front office, often under scrutiny, gets a nod for this savvy decision, understanding that Pollard is best positioned in a role that maximizes his explosive skill set without overextending him.
