From the moment the Dallas Cowboys passed on the running back position in the Draft, doubts about the strength of the unit continued.
Ezekiel Elliott is returning to the franchise, which at first appeared to be Dallas’ resolution for the backfield. The RB spent last season with the New England Patriots, recording 642 yards and two touchdowns.
The Cowboys’ running corps is quite young and naturally underdeveloped. Elliott’s presence could help bring confidence and mentor the youngsters in the locker room.
But apparently Mike McCarthy has a plan, and it doesn’t involve the veteran as the protagonist.
Cowboys head coach to opt for a new approach in 2024
This year everything will be different for Jerry Jones’ team. The promise to go ‘all-in’ is encompassing new approaches in all sectors of the game.
America’s Team head coach, at a press conference last Monday, broke the silence on how the organisation will deal with the runners’ situation. He doesn’t think it’s fair to put all the pressure on Zeke.
“I don’t think that’s fair. The guy carried the ball more than anybody in the history of football in the first couple years. That’s not going to be his role. We’re running back by committee, but I think he’ll definitely play at the level that he’s played, I know, in my time here. I anticipate that. I don’t see any drop off in the way he moves.”
Basically, there is no absolute starter for the backfield, everyone will have the same opportunities and will share responsibility. It seems like a strategy based more on merit than anything else.
Former Kansas City Chiefs coach still thinks Elliott has an advantage over the younger players
Despite McCarthy’s statement, Herman Edwards, a former NFL player and coach, said on the latest edition of NFL Live that the HC’s words make sense, but that the veteran can still deliver good performances.
“He’s familiar with the offense,” said Edwards. “I think you run him in the red zone. You use the situation of football obviously down there.
“He’s not a fumbler, he has a good ability to bounce off tackles, but he’s a good pass protector, especially in the red zone when people try to bring pressure, you know, he’s done all this and he understands the offense.”
