Is Elliott Getting Enough Touches in Dallas?
The Dallas Cowboys have been a dominant force in the NFL, consistently boasting one of the league's best offenses. A major contributor to this success has been the dynamic running back, Ezekiel Elliott. But as the Cowboys enter a new season, a question arises: Is Elliott getting enough touches to maximize his impact and the team's offensive potential?
Examining Elliott's Role in the Cowboys' Offense
Elliott has been a workhorse for the Cowboys since entering the league in 2016. He's a powerful runner with a knack for finding the end zone. However, in recent seasons, his workload has seen a slight decrease. This has led to speculation about his role in the Cowboys' offensive scheme, particularly with the emergence of other talented players like Tony Pollard.
The Case for More Touches
- Proven Production: Elliott remains a proven commodity. His ability to consistently gain yards and score touchdowns is a valuable asset. Giving him more touches would allow him to showcase his talent and dominate defenses.
- Wearing Down Defenses: A heavy dose of Elliott can wear down opposing defenses, creating opportunities for other offensive players. His presence can open up the passing game and make the entire offense more efficient.
- Maximizing Potential: Elliott's talent deserves to be fully utilized. By giving him more touches, the Cowboys can maximize his potential and unlock a higher ceiling for their offense.
The Case for a Balanced Approach
- Pollard's Talent: Tony Pollard is an explosive and versatile back who brings a unique dimension to the offense. Giving him more touches allows for a balanced attack and prevents opposing defenses from keying in on Elliott.
- Injury Risk: A heavy workload can increase the risk of injury for any player. Maintaining a balance helps ensure that Elliott stays healthy and fresh throughout the season.
- Maintaining Freshness: A balanced approach keeps both Elliott and Pollard fresh, maximizing their performance and minimizing the risk of fatigue.
Finding the Optimal Balance
Ultimately, the key is finding the right balance between maximizing Elliott's talents and ensuring the overall health and success of the Cowboys' offense. Head Coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore must carefully consider the best way to utilize both Elliott and Pollard, creating a dynamic and efficient running game that takes full advantage of their respective skillsets.
The Cowboys have the potential to be a formidable force in the NFL. By finding the optimal balance in their running back usage, they can unleash the full potential of their offense and achieve their ultimate goal – a Super Bowl championship.