‘Comfortable Competition!’ Malik Ready for More Snaps

When the Dallas Cowboys take the field this fall there is no doubt who the starting running back will be. Tony Pollard, who they franchise tagged this offseason, will be the guy in the backfield. 

However, there is still a chance for someone to establish himself as Pollard's backup. Enter second-year running back Malik Davis. 

Despite not having many opportunities as a rookie while sitting behind Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott, Davis impressed when he got touches. Now, as he enters his second season, he is speaking about what areas he is focusing on improving.

"I'd say just understanding," Davis said. "When I'm going out, just knowing what's gonna happen before the ball snaps. That's what I want to focus on this offseason."

Behind Pollard and Elliott last season, Davis rushed for 161 yards and a touchdown while appearing in 12 games. The potential is there for the second-year back, who has been taking advantage of Pollard's absence so far this offseason while “TP” recovering from a leg injury. 

"It's been very valuable and very important," Davis said. "If Tony was here, they would be cut back a little bit and when he comes back, some guys' reps will be cut. It's good that everyone is able to get those reps now going into camp and before the season."

Taking advantage of every gained rep in Pollard's absence, Davis looks to cement himself as the second back. If he can continue to make strides of progress as the offseason goes on, he has the potential to do just that and be a game-changer in the Cowboys offense. 

"I feel a lot more comfortable," said Davis, who is competing with Ronald Jones, Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn for work. "As a rookie coming in, I didn't really know what to expect. After I got a full year under my belt, I finally got a routine so I'm just sticking to my routine."

You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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