Dallas Cowboys: Studs and duds vs. Dolphins in Week 3

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 22: Tony Pollard #20 of the Dallas Cowboys runs the ball against Steven Parker #26 of the Miami Dolphins at AT&T Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Stud: Tony Pollard

With Ezekiel Elliott holding out during camp and the preseason, Tony Pollard was able to take all the first-team reps. That’s helped him develop as a rookie and he’s already proving he can be a viable back up for Elliott.

On Sunday, he had his best game as a pro. Not only did he score his first career touchdown, but he also topped 100 yards for the first time. In all, Pollard went for 103 yards on 13 carries and scored the final touchdown on the day with his 16-yard run to the house.

Pollard, who also excelled as a receiver at Memphis, added another 25 yards receiving off three catches. This looks to be their best offense in years and Pollard could wind up being a huge part of that.

Dud: Rod Marinelli, Kris Richard

Last season, the pairing of defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli and defensive back coach Kris Richard worked wonders. Dallas boasted one of the best defenses in the game as they were difficult to move the ball on. However, if there was one knock on them, it was their inability to come up with plays that resulted in turnovers.

That problem has continued into this season as they have no picks in the first three games. One major problem is their defensive backs don’t turn their heads around. Ever. For whatever reason, this isn’t being stressed as it has been an issue throughout Marinelli’s tenure.

Another issue is their lack of finding ways to get as many sacks as they should. Even with the Dolphins having a poor line, and losing their starting left tackle, the Cowboys had just three sacks.

Part of that problem is Marinelli’s insistence on rushing only four. That would be fine if it turned into more turnovers with seven men staying in coverage, but it doesn’t. Instead, it allowed Miami in this one to win the time of possession battle while netting 12 first downs and 218 yards in the second half.

They improved in the second half, but the frustration from the first 30 minutes proved they need to find a way to become a defense that attacks rather than on that is constantly just reacting to what the opponent does.

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