Ezekiel Elliott appears to criticize the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff, expressing frustration with his role.
The Cowboys signed Elliott, 29, hoping he would bolster the running game and offer experience to a young backfield. However, things haven’t gone as planned.
After seven years in Dallas, Elliott played for the Patriots in 2023, where his rushing average dropped from 3.8 to 3.5 yards per carry, despite over 900 scrimmage yards.
Rejoining Dallas, which also signed Dalvin Cook, Elliott hoped for a bigger role but now ranks 55th in carries and 70th in rushing yards among NFL players.
Elliott’s 2024 stats (ESPN): 98 rushing yards, 3.3 yards per carry, 1 touchdown, 6 catches, 36 receiving yards from 9 targets.
With teammate Rico Dowdle emerging, Elliott is reportedly unhappy with his diminished role, especially in red-zone situations. He even approached the coaching staff about it, questioning his limited involvement.
Despite Elliott’s frustrations, stats support the Cowboys’ decisions. According to PlayerProfiler.com, Elliott ranks low in key rushing metrics: 53rd in true yards per carry, 57th in evaded tackles, and 55th in juke rate. He’s also stuffed on 10% of his runs.
Although Dallas’ offensive line struggles, Elliott faces favorable fronts, only seeing a stacked box on 6.7% of carries but averaging -1.0 yards in those situations. Against base fronts, he’s averaged 2.3 yards per carry, ranking 43rd.
Elliott’s declining performance has been evident for seasons, leading many to question Dallas’ choice to bring him back. Now, it seems the Cowboys are seeing why he’s better suited for a smaller role in their pass-heavy offense.
