How Titans’ Tony Pollard compares to other starting running backs?

By admin — In News — July 12, 2026

   ​The Tennessee Titans have undertaken a series of meaningful offseason changes, and their roster is set to look markedly different when training camp opens in under two weeks. Despite a wave of new faces across the organization, the running back position appears to be one of the least disrupted areas. Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears are positioned to spearhead the Titans’ ground game, providing a stable foundation as the team shapes its offensive identity.
Pro Football Focus combines analysis from Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick to evaluate the league’s top lead backs, and they place Pollard solidly in the middle of the pack among the 32 primary ball carriers. Pollard’s role has long been that of a bell-cow back in recent seasons, and he has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in four consecutive campaigns. In 2025, Pollard reached a career-high 1,082 rushing yards, highlighting his effectiveness and durability. However, his 2025 season also featured a career-low 70.5 PFF rushing grade, a metric that reflects some efficiency concerns rather than overall production.
One contributing factor to that lower grade was Pollard’s rate of forcing missed tackles. He achieved a 16 percent missed-tackle rate on his carries, a figure that ranked 36th in the NFL. Despite this, Pollard remains a valuable asset for a team seeking to lean on a reliable workhorse back. His ability to handle a heavy workload makes him an ideal fit for the Titans as they continue to develop quarterback Cam Ward and help him acclimate to the professional level.
Pollard’s resume speaks to his consistency and high-floor production. He may not boast the explosive playmaking punch of some runners who sit ahead of him in the rankings, but his steady yardage and reliability make him a dependable centerpiece for Tennessee’s rushing attack. The 2025 season demonstrated Pollard’s capability to contribute even when the offense faced some lingering inefficiencies, and his late-season contributions were instrumental in lifting the Titans’ overall offensive output.
With a real playcaller at the helm, Pollard could potentially elevate his performance beyond what the 2025 numbers suggest. The combination of Pollard’s seasoned workload management and the Titans’ evolving offense presents a scenario in which Pollard remains a core piece of the ground game, offering production and stability as Tennessee continues to refine its offensive approach. In tandem with Tyjae Spears, Pollard’s established baseline and durability give the Titans a credible rushing attack, one that could be central to their strategy as they pursue continued offensive growth and competitive momentum in the upcoming season.  

Content Source: Yahoo News

Image Credit: Getty Images

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