FRISCO, TEXAS — In Sunday’s disappointing loss to the Los Angeles Rams, a bright spot emerged for the Cowboys on the offensive side of the ball, Ezekiel Elliott.
Mike McCarthy stressed throughout the offseason that he wants players to be multi-dimensional and Elliott certainly fits the mold. The dynamic back honed in on his pass catching during the virtual offseason program to become more of a versatile threat. His hard work paid off and his versatility was on full display in the season opener at SoFi Stadium.
Elliott amassed 22 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown, along with three receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown through the air. When the Ohio State product steps onto the field, defenses do not know if he will line up out of the backfield or as a receiver in the slot or out wide. Elliott has the capability to do it all.
“ I don’t think I can say enough good things about his football intelligence, “ Kellen Moore told media on Monday. “ He did some great stuff in the protection game that probably people maybe sometimes don’t even realize, just helping those guys up front. That’s a talented front and his ability to get in there and help those guys in there, and then obviously as it expands with the run game and the passing game; we got him a few throws in the passing game and certainly something we feel very comfortable with, with him. “
In addition to his play-making ability as a rusher and receiver, Elliott is a willing blocker. He faced criticism following the 2019 season after averaging a career-low 84.8 yards-per-game and just four rushes over 20 yards. His production invited debate as to whether or not the two-time rushing champion had taken a step back.
Elliott may not have accumulated several flashy crowd-pleasing runs last season, but the durability was there on every down. Rushing stats do not tell the entire story for a running back. Throughout last season and into the 2020 season, Elliott is not afraid to make contact. The 25-year-old has assisted the offensive line in paving the way for Dak Prescott on the move or other offensive weapons to make plays.
He has great vision, burst through holes, and quickly breaks to the second level as a runner but as most people forget, he is a developed blocker that creates for teammates through the air and on the ground, and for himself with the football in his hands. So far into 2020, Elliott has shown the capability to do all of the above. Do not sleep on No.21. Last year’s criticism only made Zeke hungrier on the gridiron.
Mike McCarthy was impressed with Elliott following their first game together and noted to media, “ He’s a very intelligent, very instinctive player. He had a number of really good instinct plays in pass protection. Had a couple of saves in pass protection. So, he sees the game really well. The communication and the adjustments on the sideline was excellent. He’s an energy source for our guys, pregame, during the game. “
