With Training Camp about to begin, the Dallas Cowboys are seeking an identity. Lost in the shadow of the Super winning Eagles and missing the 2017 playoffs, they are ready for a new season to begin.
If there’s anyone who feels like the offseason has been ten off-seasons, it’s Ezekiel Elliott but we don’t need to re-hash the 2017 season from hell for Ezekiel Elliott anymore.
It’s time to look forward and see what he can realistically can provide for the Cowboys in 2018.
Big Plays
As we’ve seen in Zeke’s college career and pro career (when he’s not being detained by Roger Goodell) is that he always produces big plays. Now, he may not have blown you away with stats game every single week, but the reason why Zeke is the best running back in the NFL, is because he always can make a play that can change the game. He can make THE play. 15 touchdowns his rookie year and 7 last year, Zeke can find the end zone. I think it’s realistic to get 12-15 touchdowns this season. Cowboys need big plays. Scoring plays. Touchdown plays. Maybe Zeke’s most memorable play was when he ran the game winning touchdown against the Steelers in 2016. Those are the plays Zeke is famous for. Those are what he needs to do this year.
1st Down Yardage
In 2016, Zeke had 1122 rushing yards and 11 TDs this season on 1st down alone. 2017 wasn’t as great, but was still ran a lot on first down. The Cowboys are making it no secret to use Zeke as the anchor of the offense and for them to be a playoff team, Zeke needs to average 5-6 yards per first down attempt. A heavy toll, but a toll that needs paid.
Fumbles
In 2016 Zeke had 5 fumbles. Not great but not terrible. In 2017, he had 1. Now obviously again, he missed time, but that still was an improvement. If you look at his Ohio State Career, he didn’t have any. Something to look out for this year. A running back who can hold on to the rock is a great asset for any team. Zeke thrives on ball protection. It would be amazing if Zeke could keep turnovers to under 5 for the season, which is very probable for him.
Catching
With Dez out and most eyes will be watching the Receivers this Training Camp, Zeke is the security blanket Dak Prescott needs. So elusive and sneaky catching out of the back field. With 58 total career receptions, and being a master of running the screen, Zeke should have about 60-70 catches this year. He has such smooth feet and understand the patience needed to run the screen play that implementing 5-7 passing plays a game for Zeke will be a guarantee for the Cowboys offense.
4th Quarter Strength
Something Zeke doesn’t get the credit for is his 4th quarter strength. Something the Cowboys didn’t have last year was someone who could run the clock out with a lead. Since the Cowboys had to play catch up a lot, and Zeke missed time, his 4th quarter attempts went from 151 to 109. The good news is, even if the Cowboys are in a 7 point game, they can still run and pass with Zeke, they don’t need to just go straight to the passing game. He is still effective when the clock is running out.
Still, Zeke has a lot to prove. Yes he had a great rookie season, yes he’s is an All-Star but Zeke also has a chip on his shoulder. He is going to have to be an MVP candidate for his team to go far this year. I don’t think it’s crazy to say that he needs to have the ball in his hands 70% of the time when the Offense is on the field. He is the biggest playmaker Dallas has had in the past two seasons and he’ll need to be a game changer again. Run Zeke run.
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