The Dallas Cowboys picked up a much needed Week 15 win. They defeated the Los Angeles Rams in blowout fashion to get back to .500 and remain atop the NFC East. Dallas had one of their rookies, Tony Pollard, show promise during the win.

Pollard was drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Born in Memphis, Pollard elected to play his college ball for his hometown Tigers. Memphis is a fast-paced offensive team who can score points at a high rate. Pollard was a big piece of their offense during his time there. The Cowboys decided to take a chance on him in the draft.

With one of the best backs in the league in Ezekiel Elliott on the roster, Pollard knew that he would be playing in a backup role. He was given 30 carries over the first three games of the season but his workload took a significant hit following Week 3. From Week 5 to Week 13, Pollard had just 28 carries. He did not see action in a 31-24 loss to the Chicago Bears but was given a chance against the Rams.

Pollard Shows Potential in Win over LA

Tony Pollard, Cowboys
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The Cowboys led the Rams 31-7 after the third quarter. Elliott finished with 24 carries for 117 yards and two touchdowns. This was a great chance for Dallas to see what they have in Pollard and they should be pleased.

Pollard led all rushers in the game for 131 yards on 12 carries. This includes a 44-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Elliott and Pollard became the first duo of Cowboys' running backs to rush for 100 yards or more in the same game twice in one season.

This will allow Dallas to open up their offense a little more. Elliott will continue to get the bulk of the carries since he is the best pure runner in the league. Pollard features a different style. Elliott likes to run between the tackles and can bully defenders while Pollard can use his speed to breakaway in the open field and is also a capable receiver. After this performance, Pollard should see an increase in snaps down the stretch of the season.

The Cowboys are a run-first team. During their recent three-game losing streak, they fell behind early and were unable to establish the run. This does not bode well for their team. Getting Elliott, and now Pollard, going early will work in their favor heading towards postseason time.