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Packers running back A.J. Dillon may end up with the Cowboys, according to Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus. Dallas, having dismissed Ezekiel Elliott in the offseason, is in dire need of a short-yardage, goal-line back, as Spielberger points out.
In the low red zone, Spielberger says, “Dillon adds a distinct profile as a short-yardage bruiser who is not likely to break off too many spectacular gains,” which is just what Dallas was lacking the previous season. Because of his high success rate and infrequent tendency to be stuffed in the backfield for negative yards or failed plays, Dillon receives excellent rankings in PFF’s system. He has only managed to rush for 40 yards on 612 carries over the course of four seasons.
Helping to Form One of the NFL’s Best Rushing Duos, A.J. Dillon
Along with Aaron Jones, Dillon has been a standout member of the Packers’ dual-threat rushing attack for the last three seasons. Dillon has started 11 games in total over the last three seasons, even though Jones is the starter back. In each of the last three seasons, Dillon has carried the ball at least 178 times for at least 613 rushing yards.
Although Dillon’s 2023 season saw a sharp fall in his efficiency (he only averaged 3.4 yards per carry, ranking among the bottom 48 rushers), it was only the season before that he had seven rushing touchdowns and ran for 4.1 yards per carry.
In addition, Dillon’s rushing success rate for the 2022 season was 56.5%, which ranked fifth among all running backs and ninth in the league. A successful rush gains at least 40% of the yards required on first down, 60% of the yards required on second down, and 100% on third or fourth down.
In addition, Dillon’s rushing success rate for the 2022 season was 56.5%, which ranked fifth among all running backs and ninth in the league. A successful rush gains at least 40% of the yards required on first down, 60% of the yards required on second down, and 100% on third or fourth down.
In contrast, the Cowboys with the Pollard-Elliott combination finished second in rushing touchdowns and eighth in rushing yards during the 2022 campaign. In addition, Pollard finished the 2022 season with 232 total touches, nine rushing touchdowns, and three receiving touchdowns, placing him in the top 10 in both categories. Stated differently, Pollard recorded a touchdown for each 19.3 touches.
However, in the 2023 season he completed only six of 307 touchdowns – one touchdown on every 51.1 carries.To top it off, the Cowboys traded the best red zone offense in 2022 for the 12th ranked red zone offense in 2023.According to Spotrac, Dillon’s market value is only $3.6 million per year…
The Cowboys could re-sign Pollard or get another linebacker on the cheap in the 2024 NFL Draft to pair with Dillon. In doing so, Dallas would return to the running back strategy that was successful for them last season, instead of relying on one back to carry the backfield..
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