The running game of the Dallas Cowboys is thriving in 2021. After gaining just 60 backyards on 18 efforts in their period opener, the Cowboys have increased to second in the NFL at 165.8 backyards per game.
It's been a cumulative effort between Ezekiel Elliott and also Tony Pollard. The former is 4th in the NFL with 342 lawns while the latter, although he's a backup, is 14th with 250 yards. This marks the first time in Cowboys background that 2 running backs have actually rushed for at least 250 backyards in the initial 4 video games of a period.
Ezekiel Elliott(342) and also Tony Pollard(250)are the very first set of Cowboys running backs with 250+ hurrying yards in first 4 video games of a season.
-- Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt)
This big-time production got its beginning against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2. Pollard was the lead horse in this video game as his rate and also explosiveness acquired 109 yards on simply 13 brings. Elliott didn't fairly hit that mark however it was an inviting indicator for all Cowboys followers to see him reveal the burst as well as power that made him a house name in his first four periods. Elliott would certainly completed with 71 yards on 16 carries which included a critical three-yard run on third and also 1 from the Cowboys 35 backyard line that led to the game-winning basket.
When the Philadelphia Eagles came to town a week later on, it was Elliott in the vehicle driver's seat.
His physical running design defeat the Eagles right into entry in a 41-21 rout. Elliott generated 95 backyards on 17 carries which is somewhat off of his 98.6 yards per video game average against them for his career. Pollard capitalized on his possibilities also with 60 backyards on 11 lugs.
As the Cowboys sought to continue their winning touch against the 3-0 Carolina Panthers last Sunday, it was once again the running video game that lead the way. Pollard only obtained 10 lugs but his 67 lawns put him just under seven backyards per thrill. Nonetheless, it was like Elliott turned back the hands of time to his newbie campaign in 2016. Elliott got 143 lawns on 20 lugs, but one run, specifically, attracted attention.
Concerning midway with the 3rd quarter with the Cowboys up 20-14, Elliott used a great jump cut to and also struck the hole with authority for a 47-yard gain down to the six-yard line. It was Elliott's lengthiest run considering that his rookie period and set up a Dak Prescott touchdown pass to Dalton Schultz.
Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott scams 47-yard lug. Longest rush considering that rookie year. Against a D that arrived allowing 45 rushing lawns per game.
-- Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein)
The mix of Elliott's grinding design with Pollard's big-play capability whenever he touches the round has actually been a problem for protective coordinators as the two-time rushing champ just recently explained.
"We have different run designs so we're going to run different runs differently and the defense is mosting likely to have to fit those runs in different ways," "So if they obtain used to me pounding them for 10 plays and afterwards TP can be found in there, they're made use of to suitable the runs by doing this. Yet TP is a faster, more tricky back so he might fit a run a little different. It keeps a defense guessing."
Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has actually located an astonishing formula to maintain both Elliott and also Pollard relocating the chains. He's ridden the hot hand as well as he's used them methodically in the same series to keep defenses off balance.
Elliott and Pollard are both dipping into a high level as well as they are making a strong instance as the most effective one-two strike at the running back position in the NFL.
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