Over the last few weeks, I have seen post after post about the NFC East running backs and who should be ranked first through four.
Many of those posts put Antonio Gibson first with Ezekiel Elliott second, followed by Saquon Barkley and Miles Sanders.
NFC East RB Power Rankings:
1. Antonio Gibson #HTTC
2. Ezekiel Elliott #DallasCowboys
3. Saquon Barkley #TogetherBlue
4. Miles Sanders #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/uCM8vHWFdc— Audacy Sports (@AudacySports) May 29, 2022
As a talent, Barkley should be one, but we know he has trouble staying on the field. People are overlooking Tony Pollard and his ability. He could have made some of these lists.
I am not sure I agree with Gibson sitting ahead of the pack. He and Elliott had identical numbers last season. Elliott had a down year playing through some injuries, and Gibson is entering his third season, so can putting him even ahead of Barkley be reasonable?
These lists favor who will be the week one starter, but you could argue both Elliott and Pollard should be on that list. When given the opportunity, Pollard shines. He is younger and has much less wear and tear on his body.
Pollard averaged 8.6 yards per catch last season, a number for a running back that is not touched much, and he is the backup. His receiving ability needs to be a focal point. It can add a brand-new element to the Dallas offense.
All of the running backs in the division are solid, but I think many forget Pollard hinders Elliott and his numbers. The pair together, Dallas has the best group out of the four teams.
Pollard beat Elliott in almost every statistical category last season. He can be the superior running back. Pollard is versatile, has a great burst, and brings more on game day.
I am not saying Pollard needs to take the bulk of the carries from Elliott. Let’s see how the first few weeks of next season unfold, and maybe we are talking about Pollard possibly being the best running back in the division. I hope the Cowboys can sign him to a team-friendly deal to keep the duo alive, as we know many running backs have a shorter shell life with taking so many hits. For now, I will still roll with Elliott as the best in the division.
