Ezekiel Elliott, the former NFL rushing champion and three-time Pro Bowl selection, has been a cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys' offense since his arrival in 2016. However, this season has seen a significant downturn in his involvement, leaving him perplexed and 'dumbfounded' by his limited role. This article delves into the reasons behind Elliott's reduced touches and explores the implications for both him and the team.
1. The Current State of Ezekiel Elliott's Role
In recent weeks, Elliott has seen a drastic reduction in his touches. According to reports, he has only received 14 touches over the past three weeks, which is eight fewer than his teammate Rico Dowdle managed in a single game during a 20-17 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This significant decrease has left Elliott questioning his role within the offense.
Elliott's average yards per carry has plummeted to a career-low 3.3 yards, totaling 98 yards on 30 attempts. Additionally, he has made only six receptions for 36 yards. These statistics starkly contrast with those of Rico Dowdle, who has been more efficient and productive with 54 attempts and 221 yards.
2. The Impact of Rico Dowdle's Emergence
Rico Dowdle's emergence as the lead running back in Dallas's backfield has been a major factor in Elliott's reduced role. Dowdle leads the team with 54 attempts and 221 yards, showcasing his efficiency and productivity. His 4.1 yards per carry and 6.0 carries per game are significantly higher than Elliott's current statistics.
The Cowboys' reliance on Dowdle and fullback Hunter Luepke has been evident in their game plan. Since Week 1, Elliott has not logged more than seven carries in a single game, largely due to the team's strategy to lean more on Dowdle and Luepke.
3. Elliott's Frustration and Communication with Coaches
Elliott has expressed his frustration over his limited opportunities, particularly in the red zone. According to Clarence Hill Jr. of DLLS Sports, Elliott is 'dumbfounded' by his role within the offense and has spoken to coaches about the situation.
Elliott's dissatisfaction stems from his historical success in the red zone. As a three-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure. However, this season's lack of involvement has left him perplexed and seeking answers from the coaching staff.
4. The Cowboys' Struggles in the Red Zone
The Dallas Cowboys have struggled in the red zone this year, achieving touchdowns on less than 50% of their trips inside the 20-yard line. This inefficiency has been a major concern for the team and has further highlighted Elliott's frustration.
In a recent game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dowdle fumbled the ball on a goal-line opportunity, though Dak Prescott dove on top of it and recovered it. This incident underscores the potential benefits of inserting Elliott more frequently in those situations, which could yield better results.
5. Historical Context and Elliott's Career
Ezekiel Elliott was selected by the Dallas Cowboys fourth overall in the 2016 NFL draft. In eight seasons in the NFL, he has been a cornerstone of the Cowboys' offense, leading the league in rushing yards in both 2016 and 2018. His impressive career has been marked by numerous accolades, including three Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro nods.
After being released by the Cowboys after the 2022 season, Elliott played for the New England Patriots in 2023 before re-signing with the Cowboys on a one-year contract this offseason. His return was expected to bolster the team's rushing attack, but his current situation has raised questions about his future with the team.
6. Fan Reactions and Speculations
The situation surrounding Elliott has sparked intense debate among fans and analysts. Some have expressed sympathy for Elliott's plight, acknowledging his historical contributions to the team. Others have speculated about his age and physical condition, suggesting that he may be past his prime.
On social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit, fans have shared their opinions on Elliott's situation. Some have defended him, pointing out his past achievements and suggesting that he deserves more opportunities. Others have criticized him, questioning his ability to perform at a high level given his current statistics.
The dynamic between Elliott and Rico Dowdle has also been a subject of discussion. While some fans believe that Dowdle is a better fit for the current game plan, others argue that Elliott's experience and skillset should not be overlooked.
7. Conclusion
Ezekiel Elliott's situation with the Dallas Cowboys serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by NFL players. As the team continues to navigate its struggles in the red zone and with its rushing attack, Elliott's role remains a pressing concern. Whether he will regain his former prominence or adapt to a new role remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his legacy and contributions to the Cowboys will always be remembered.
