Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy details enormous reaction to All-Pro guard’s reworked contract
from Victor Barbosa, with YardBarker.com/www.yardbarker.com
The Dallas Cowboys crossed a crucial item off their to-do list on Monday, reworking the contract of All-Pro guard Zack Martin.
On Tuesday, head coach Mike McCarthy explained what the reaction was like when the offseason stalemate finally ended.
Mike McCarthy said the offensive staff meeting “erupted” when they found out Zack Martin had a new deal and would report to training camp. Martin will go through individual drills today as team works him back into things. pic.twitter.com/oFDeoMxJar
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) August 15, 2023
The importance of Martin’s return to the team can’t be overstated.
Not only does the 32-year-old provide key protection for franchise quarterback Dak Prescott, but he’s also been at the head of the pack of big names who’ve paved the way for an elite rushing attack in Dallas in recent seasons.
Martin’s presence on the field should have a huge impact on the continued growth of running back Tony Pollard, who broke out with his first Pro Bowl campaign in 2022.
With Ezekiel Elliott now out of the picture, the backfield is officially Pollard’s, and he showed glimpses of greatness last season with career highs across the board in rushing attempts (193), rushing yards (1,007), rushing touchdowns (nine), receptions (39), receiving yards (371) and receiving touchdowns (three).
Pollard was one of the most reliable backs in the NFL last year with no fumbles on his 232 touches across 16 games.
Much of the Memphis product’s success can be attributed to the work of Martin (and others along the offensive line), who suited up for every game of the season for the seventh time in his nine years in the league. Martin was not only on the field for 1,143 offensive snaps (98%), but only committed one penalty and was voted into his eighth Pro Bowl and secured his sixth first-team All-Pro honor.
No wonder McCarthy and the rest of the coaching staff reacted the way they did on Monday.