FRISCO, Texas — Cowboys’ running back Ezekiel Elliott is putting in offseason work. If you pay attention to social media, you have seen his myriad of workout videos. Elliott, the former two-time NFL rushing champ has been incessantly working on his footwork, agility, and change of direction since the conclusion of the 2020 season.
The diligent work has certainly paid off. Elliott looks leaner and quicker with the football on cuts. The NFC East should take notice. He is driven to retake his place among the league’s elite RB hierarchy.
After a highly publicized holdout, Elliott received a lofty payday. He signed a six-year, $90 million contract ahead of the 2019 season, making him the highest paid running back in the NFL. He surpassed Todd Gurley’s four-year, $60 million deal signed the year before. In an ever-increasing pass-heavy league, lucrative running back deals are becoming obsolete. As a result of the large paycheck and playing for America’s Team, Elliott has faced increasing criticism.
In 2020 behind a makeshift offensive line, Elliott hit a career-low yards-per-carry (4.0) and rushing yards (979). Granted, he often assisted in pass protection and blocked up front creating opportunities for teammates. In addition, Elliott produced dirty runs between the tackles to gain additional yards, but the numbers do not look sexy. Stats do not always tell the whole story.
The main reason for the “regression” narrative that began circulating, was ball security. Fumbles often come in streaks and that unfortunately became reality for the Cowboys’ featured back. Last season, Elliott amassed as many fumbles as he did touchdowns (lost four, compared to six touchdowns). Defenses made note on film and actively worked to punch out the ball. Each instance was different but after Dak Prescott’s season-ending injury and the injuries on the offensive line piled up, Elliott tried to do too much. He attempted to carry the weight of the team and no player, regardless of talent, can handle that immense pressure.
Entering the 2021 season with a healthy O-line opening holes and Prescott’s comeback return, Elliott is primed for stardom in Kellen Moore’s cast. Add Blake Jarwin’s return following his ACL tear and the receiver trio of Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup to the mix, the Cowboys’ have the potential to be one of the most explosive offenses in the league. Elliott is the key to a dominant ground game and No. 21 is hungry for a bounce back.
