Texas’s Frisco – The rushing game is still a problem every week, despite the offense’s sustained success over the previous four to five games.
Since the bye week, Dak Prescott has likely put together his best run of games to him, and his passing game has been excellent. The initial queries regarding the Texas Coast passing game have been answered: reliable productivity, incorporating a variety of weapons, and avoiding turnovers.
However, concerns and uncertainties about the running game remain, as Tony Pollard enters week 12 with fewer receiving, rushing, and yardage per game than when he was the backup back in 2022.
When questioned about Pollard’s lack of output, Mike McCarthy has maintained that increasing volume is the answer. Still, the figures don’t show that.
Week 6: 30 yards on 15 carries
Week 8: 53 yards on 12 carries
Week 9: 51 yards on 12 carries
Week 10: 55 yards on 15 carries
Week 11: 61 yards on 12 carries
The fact that the five starting offensive lineman hadn’t spent much time together consistently was another topic of discussion early on. The productivity in the run game hasn’t changed, despite the fact that camaraderie is beginning to flow up front and is evident in the pass game with back-to-back games without a sack allowed.
Tony Pollard is a competent starting wide receiver. That is exactly what I think. I also think that he can flourish with the Texas Coast system. Pollard will have more room to maneuver thanks to the protection sets, variety, and inventiveness that have been added in recent weeks. Some examples of these include using Hunter Luepke as a lead blocker, launching Pollard into space, and experimenting with new concepts like the Wildcat.
Furthermore, Rico Dowdle has started to show that he is a more formidable and skillful runner out of the backfield than Pollard. Even more variety and volume are possible with more Dowdle carries.
I believe that when everything starts to come together, it’s demonstrating to us how near consistent productivity is in the run game.
In Carolina, we got a taste of what has transpired so far in the season as well as what might occur in the remaining games.
Pollard had 34 yards after three carries when he emerged from the gates. But only six yards were gained on the following eight carries before a muscular 22-yard score to end a mixed day.
That run reminded us of Pollard’s performance from the previous season. After bouncing off several tacklers and finding a narrow path between the tackles, which was made possible by excellent blocking up front, creating a spectacular play in the run game.
Starting it now will be essential because December has a tough stretch of opponents ahead of you. Tony Pollard’s aware of it. Mike McCarthy is aware of this. As Dak Prescott is aware.
Before strong defensive fronts line up opposing the Cowboys, a chance against the Commanders offers one more flexible opportunity to try things in the run game against an inexperienced defensive line.
In other words, if you learn anything, Thursday will be busy. Anticipate some volatility. And anticipate output that has the power to influence future developments.
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