When I started to analyze college football, I was introduced to a running back named Ezekiel Elliott from “The Ohio State University”. The year that stood out to me was 2014. The Buckeyes win the Big Ten title, make it to the inaugural CFB Playoff as a three-seed and stun the world by upsetting the heavily favorite Alabama Crimson Tide. A few weeks later, they win their first national title since 2002 when they defeated the Oregon Ducks. The kid known as “Zeke” put the team on his back and he produced. What he did in college has transferred over nicely into the NFL. Since training camp started, we’ve been hearing that he’d hold out and it could carry on into the regular season if a new deal wasn’t reached. You all saw what happened with Le’Veon Bell last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Look what’s happening now with Melvin Gordon and the Los Angeles Chargers. The Dallas Cowboys and Ezekiel Elliott have finally agreed to a new contract. A six-year deal worth $90 million with $50 million guaranteed which makes him the highest-paid running back in the league.
When his head is in the game and he’s focused, Zeke is a top-three running back in the league. He’s the mix of a physical back with a touch of finesse added to his game. He’s a traditional three-down back which you don’t see much of today especially with many teams implementing a two-back system within their offense. The ways he’s able to move is outstanding. He can burst through open lanes untouched, he’s more than quick enough to rev it up and get to that third level in the open field. He’s always going forward even with defenders all over him. He has the strength and power to remain on his feet to push through. His running style is “Marshawn Lynch esqe” in a way. I also see some Edgerrin James in his game. When you get ready to face the Cowboys, get prepared because it’ll be a long day at the office because he can do more than take handoffs. He can free himself to catch the screen pass. He’s an all-around running back that runs it, catches it and in pass protection, he’s one of the best blocking running backs in the NFL. When he has the ball in his hands, he wants to run through someone. On third and short, he’ll do whatever to move the chains, even if it’s leaping over someone which he’s capable of doing. Zeke is the running back that many teams would love to have on their team.
I’m glad to hear that this deal finally happened. If he had continued his holdout going into the season, you’d hear more about him not being there over the team. Zeke is a difference maker for this team. His rookie year, he put the league on notice and established himself as one of the best at his position. His second season, he ended up being suspended for off the field antics. Without him, the Cowboys offense looked completely lost. Last season, he helped Dallas win their second division title in three seasons. He was the leading rusher in the league with 1,434 yards on the ground. The only thing I’m concerned about is his antics off the field. It’s time to stay out the headlines for the wrong reasons. You got paid, handle your business.
