Ezekiel Elliott, the former star running back for the Dallas Cowboys, is making waves in his new team’s colors, marking a significant shift from his sensational rookie year in 2016. After a remarkable seven-year tenure with the Cowboys, the accomplished player, boasting three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro nod, has embarked on a fresh journey by inking a one-year, $3 million deal with the New England Patriots.
Elliott’s final season with the Cowboys was widely regarded as a departure from his usual excellence, particularly when contrasted with his league-leading rushing performances in 2016 and 2018. However, the 28-year-old is keen to prove that last season’s underwhelming display won’t cast a shadow on his upcoming performances. And from the early glimpses seen during Patriots practices, it’s clear that he’s determined to reclaim his prowess. The Patriots’ coaching staff is already singing his praises, underlining the impact he’s making in just a few days since joining the team.
Vinnie Sunseri, the Patriots’ running backs coach, shared his excitement about Elliott’s arrival, stating, “Zeke’s entrance has injected a newfound energy into the team. The enthusiasm he brings is infectious and his presence on the field is invigorating.” This fresh spark was evident during a joint practice session with the Green Bay Packers, where Elliott found the end zone, a sight that had become commonplace during his time as a Cowboy, with an impressive 82 total touchdowns to his name, including playoffs.
Despite finishing last season with a commendable tally of 12 rushing touchdowns, tying him for third-most in the league, Elliott’s individual performance took a dip. Notably, his carries (231) and rushing yards (876) hit career lows. While a reduced workload might usually lead to an improved yards-per-carry average, Elliott’s figure of 3.8 yards was also his lowest. Nonetheless, Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien is effusive in his praise of Elliott’s football IQ, noting, “Elliott’s intellect is striking. He’s adapted seamlessly to different systems, displaying an innate understanding of the game. His versatility positions him as a three-down back, making him an invaluable addition to our roster.”
Amid the excitement surrounding Elliott’s arrival, it remains uncertain whether he will feature in the upcoming preseason game against the Packers at the iconic Lambeau Field. However, if he does take the field, there’s no doubt that all eyes will be fixed on his performance. As he embarks on this new chapter, Elliott’s presence promises to be a captivating narrative in the unfolding Patriots’ season.