**Cowboys: Underusing Ezekiel Elliott?**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Oct 28, 2024

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Cowboys: Underusing Ezekiel Elliott?

The Dallas Cowboys have always been known for their strong offensive firepower, and Ezekiel Elliott has been a key part of that for years. However, in recent seasons, there have been growing questions about whether the Cowboys are effectively utilizing their star running back. While Elliott remains a capable and powerful runner, his usage has been inconsistent, leading to speculation about whether the team is underutilizing his talents.

The Case for Underutilization

Decreasing Carries: Elliott's carries per game have steadily declined since his rookie season. In 2016, he averaged 23.2 carries per game, a figure that has dropped to around 15 carries per game in recent seasons. This decrease has led to speculation that the Cowboys are overly reliant on their passing game, potentially neglecting Elliott's explosiveness in the run game.

Passing Game Dominance: The Cowboys have invested heavily in their passing attack with the acquisitions of players like CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper. While this has certainly paid off, it has also led to a shift in offensive philosophy, with the passing game often taking priority over the run. This strategy, however, may not be maximizing Elliott's impact and potentially hindering the team's offensive efficiency.

Potential for More: Elliott has consistently proven himself as a dominant force in the running game, capable of breaking tackles and creating big plays. While his receiving ability has been a point of discussion, his primary role remains a powerful rusher. Many believe that increasing his touches could lead to a more balanced offense and ultimately, better results.

The Cowboys' Perspective

The Cowboys have defended their approach to Elliott's usage, citing factors such as the evolution of their offensive scheme and the need for a balanced attack. They argue that Elliott's role is not simply about rushing yards but about maximizing his impact in various ways, including receiving and blocking.

Finding the Right Balance

The question of whether the Cowboys are underutilizing Ezekiel Elliott remains a point of debate. While his carries may have decreased, it's important to remember that the NFL has become increasingly pass-heavy, and teams are adjusting their strategies accordingly.

Ultimately, finding the right balance between utilizing Elliott's running prowess and diversifying the offense will be crucial for the Cowboys. The key lies in creating a game plan that maximizes Elliott's impact while also leveraging the strengths of the rest of their talented offensive players. If the Cowboys can effectively integrate all of their offensive weapons, they have the potential to be a truly dominant force in the NFL.

Conclusion

The debate over whether the Cowboys are underutilizing Ezekiel Elliott will likely continue. Regardless of how the team chooses to deploy their star running back, his ability to produce big plays and contribute in various ways makes him a valuable asset to their offense. As the season unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the Cowboys utilize Elliott and whether they can find the right balance to unlock his full potential.