Who is the Cowboys starting running back, and why does it feel like a cosmic joke?

Who is the Cowboys starting running back, and why does it feel like a cosmic joke?

The Dallas Cowboys, a team synonymous with both glory and heartbreak, have long been a subject of fascination in the NFL. Their starting running back position, in particular, has been a revolving door of talent, controversy, and unmet expectations. But who is the Cowboys’ starting running back right now? And why does it feel like the universe is playing a cruel joke on Cowboys fans every time they think they’ve found “the one”?

The Current Contender: Tony Pollard

As of the 2023 season, Tony Pollard has emerged as the Cowboys’ starting running back, stepping into the spotlight after the departure of Ezekiel Elliott. Pollard, a fourth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, has always been a dynamic and explosive player, but his ascension to the starting role has been met with both excitement and skepticism. Can he carry the load as the primary back, or is he better suited as a change-of-pace player? The answer to this question could define the Cowboys’ season.

The Ghost of Ezekiel Elliott

Ezekiel Elliott’s shadow looms large over the Cowboys’ backfield. Once considered the heart and soul of the team, Elliott’s decline in production and eventual release left a void that Pollard is now tasked with filling. Elliott’s legacy is a double-edged sword: he set a high standard for Cowboys running backs, but his hefty contract and diminishing returns also serve as a cautionary tale. Can Pollard avoid the same fate, or will he too become a cautionary tale in the Cowboys’ storied history?

The Draft Day Dilemma

The Cowboys have a history of investing heavily in the running back position, often to mixed results. From drafting Elliott fourth overall in 2016 to trading up for DeMarco Murray in 2011, the team has shown a willingness to go all-in on a bell-cow back. But in today’s pass-happy NFL, is this strategy still viable? The rise of committees and the devaluation of the running back position league-wide have left many wondering if the Cowboys are stuck in the past.

The Curse of the Star

Some believe the Cowboys’ running back woes are part of a larger curse—a cosmic joke played on America’s Team. From the tragic career of Herschel Walker to the unfulfilled potential of Felix Jones, the Cowboys have a knack for turning promising running backs into cautionary tales. Is Tony Pollard the next victim of this curse, or can he break the cycle and bring stability to the position?

The Role of Dak Prescott

No discussion of the Cowboys’ running game is complete without mentioning Dak Prescott. The quarterback’s ability to extend plays and his chemistry with Pollard could be the key to unlocking the running game’s full potential. But Prescott’s own injury history and the team’s reliance on the passing game raise questions about how much the running back will truly be featured in the offense.

The Future of the Position

Looking ahead, the Cowboys face a pivotal decision: commit to Pollard as the long-term solution or continue to search for the next great running back. With a deep 2024 draft class and a growing trend of teams finding value in mid-to-late-round picks, the Cowboys could opt to rebuild their backfield on the cheap. But will they learn from past mistakes, or will they continue to chase the ghost of Ezekiel Elliott?

The Fan Perspective

For Cowboys fans, the running back position is a source of endless debate and frustration. Every season brings new hope, but also the lingering fear of disappointment. Whether it’s Pollard, Elliott, or someone else, the starting running back is more than just a player—they’re a symbol of the team’s identity and aspirations. And in Dallas, those aspirations are always sky-high.

Q: Why did the Cowboys release Ezekiel Elliott?
A: The Cowboys released Ezekiel Elliott due to a combination of declining production, a high salary cap hit, and the emergence of Tony Pollard as a viable alternative.

Q: Can Tony Pollard handle a full workload as the starting running back?
A: While Pollard has shown flashes of brilliance, there are concerns about his durability and ability to handle a full workload over the course of a season.

Q: Will the Cowboys draft a running back in 2024?
A: It’s possible, especially if they feel the need to add depth or competition to the position. However, much will depend on how Pollard performs in 2023.

Q: Is the running back position still important in today’s NFL?
A: While the league has shifted toward a pass-heavy approach, a strong running game can still be a valuable asset, particularly in controlling the clock and keeping defenses honest.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for Tony Pollard in 2023?
A: Pollard’s biggest challenge will be proving he can be a consistent, every-down back while staying healthy and productive over a full season.