Jerry Jones has already set up Cowboys for disappointment

While some fans are clamoring for Tony Pollard to lead the backfield, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones still firmly believes in Ezekiel Elliott.

That Dallas Cowboys go to another training camp and prepare to survive the second round of the playoffs. They appeared to be in fine form behind strong defense play under coordinator Dan Quinn, but were shockingly eliminated in the wild card round by the San Francisco 49ers. As for the offensive, things will look a little different in the passing game. But when it comes to the game in progress, it’s highlighted by Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard.

For the Cowboys fans who want Pollard to get the starter’s in-game reps, know that team owner Jerry Jones disagrees. Rather, he thinks Elliott should be the focus of the rushing attack.

Jerry Jones wants Ezekiel Elliott to be the focus of the running game

“We must have Tony Pollard out there. No, seriously, Zeke has to be our feature, and he is our feature,” Jones said. h/t NFL.com. “We can present it in many different ways. We can all tell what he does in the passing game by his ability to protect. Never underestimate that, especially with Zeke. Zeke takes his toll when he’s out there as a back blocker. So it’s crucial that we really put Zeke – because he’s capable – at the center of our work. Well then, Pollard, there’s plenty of room for Pollard. There’s plenty of room for Pollard when Zeke’s in there. Pollard needs to get the ball.”

Elliott played in every game last season, but he wasn’t as productive as he was early in his career. But he suffered a partial tear in his PCL early in the campaign and played through it. Still, his numbers were revealing, and not in a good way.

Throughout the season, Elliott averaged 4.2 yards per carry and a career-low 58.9 rushing yards per game. The latter number is significant considering he led in rushing yards per game for the first three seasons of his career.

Meanwhile, Pollard thrived when called up for the Cowboys. In 15 games in 2021, he averaged 5.5 yards per carry and rushed for a total of 719 yards on 130 attempts.

There’s always a chance Elliott can turn things around as a starter. But the talk of the football world will be loud if Pollard surpasses him while coming off the bench. Not to mention that the NFC East has become more competitive, especially with the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders.