FRISCO, Texas — For a running back, success is often measured by numerical data, such as how many 20-plus yard runs a player can accumulate. However, stats do not tell the whole story. On Thursday night against the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cowboys’ running back Ezekiel Elliott’s success was not dictated by his runs through tackles, but as a pass-blocker in the trenches.
With six-time right guard Zack Martin out of the Week 1 matchup on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, Elliott did not hesitate to protect quarterback Dak Prescott. He willingly stepped into the A and C gaps and picked up blitzes to sustain drives, giving Prescott additional time to release the ball. Elliott picked up Tampa Bay’s fifth rusher that paved the way for several of Dallas’ biggest plays in the passing game.
Bucs’ defensive coordinator Todd Bowles heavily utilizes creative blitzes and stunts to disguise pass rushers. Tampa Bay had the fifth-highest blitz rate (39%) in 2020. Kellen Moore dialed up an effective game plan to mitigate the Bucs’ pass rush. The Cowboys passed on 80% of early downs, incorporated play-action, and distributed the ball to the perimeter. Since running the ball was out of the equation against the No. 1 ranked run defense last season, Elliott set his sights on helping the team in a different way: pass protection. A crucial part of the team’s effectiveness through the air was Elliott and his unselfish play at the line of scrimmage.
“I thought Zeke had a solid game,” Mike McCarthy described to D210SPORTS. “He did all the heavy lifting. He had some really hard looks in the run game but his pass protection… There was some extension in the pass game where maybe there will be more opportunities moving forward. But Zeke is a complete football player…he’s a joy to work with. I love the way he goes about it. He’s in great shape. He does all the little things. He has great understanding of the game. He’s very instinctive.”
Each week, Elliott attends quarterback and offensive line meetings to create a broader lens and perspective when his feet hit the turf. A testament to Elliott’s character and the type of teammate he is. His comprehensive approach to the game/dedication to his mental preparation is in many respects, unparalleled for a running back. The Ohio State product prides himself on being a complete back and commits to perfecting every aspect of his craft. Elliott may not always be the vocal leader of the squad, but his actions speak for themselves.
“He’s a very natural leader,” Kellen Moore told D210SPORTS. “He is not a loud leader, but he really leads by example. For a lot of people who have been here, to see the growth that he has taken from his rookie year, you know coming in here and producing at such a high level his rookie year and then molding himself into this player that he is right now, he is in a phenomenal position… runs the show.”
Even though Dallas did not come out victorious against the Buccaneers, many positives emerged for the Cowboys to build on moving forward. One of them being Elliott’s impact. The featured back is on pace for a bounce back in 2021.
