The Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a critical moment as they face the Atlanta Falcons without their star running back Ezekiel Elliott. The decision to bench Elliott for disciplinary reasons comes as a surprise, particularly as he was expected to be active for the game. This situation raises several questions regarding his performance and future with the team, especially given the high expectations that come with being a top-tier NFL player.
Elliott’s absence from the game is not merely a reflection of his on-field capabilities, but rather a culmination of choices that have seemingly strayed from team values. Although details of the disciplinary issues remain confidential, the fact that he was not on the charter flight is telling. It indicates a rift that could be growing between Elliott and the coaching staff or possibly the front office. The failure of Elliott’s agent, Rocky Arceneaux, to comment further indicates an effort to manage public relations during a tumultuous time for the player.
This marks a significant moment, as it is the first time Elliott has been a healthy scratch in such a crucial game. His previous absences were tied to injury, not discipline, highlighting the unprecedented nature of this development. While the Cowboys have enjoyed some measure of success this season, Elliott’s struggles to find his rhythm on the field have been evident despite the backing of a new one-year deal worth up to $3 million.
Over the past few seasons, Elliott’s production has significantly diminished. After posting impressive numbers when he first entered the league, his current statistics appear lackluster. With only 149 rushing yards over seven games, it suggests a concerning dip in his ability to contribute. Comparatively, his tenure with the New England Patriots was marked by the lowest numbers of his career—184 carries for just 642 yards.
This drop in performance could be attributed to several factors: age, increasing competition, and possibly the wear and tear from previous high-volume seasons. The Cowboys have looked to adopt a running-back-by-committee approach this season, yet the team’s overall rushing output has faltered significantly. Their average of just 74.1 rushing yards per game puts them at the bottom of the NFL rankings, and it’s clear that a turnaround is imperative for the squad’s overall success.
With Elliott out, the Cowboys are left to maneuver without their established running-back. While Rico Dowdle offers some degree of stability, the elevation of Dalvin Cook from the practice squad signals desperation. Cook, though previously successful in his own right with the Minnesota Vikings, has also seen a downturn in effectiveness during recent stints with both the Jets and Ravens. This perhaps illustrates the larger issue at hand: the Cowboys’ current roster lacks a reliable player at the running back position, and the urgency to find one is palpable.
Moreover, the fact that the Cowboys have now gone 21 games without a running back surpassing 100 rushing yards raises serious concerns about the offensive strategy in place. The lack of a go-to playmaker in the backfield could pose challenges even beyond this season, as teams increasingly edge towards more dynamic and multifaceted offensive schemes.
For Ezekiel Elliott, discipline aside, the shortcomings in production must also be addressed. The combined pressures of his performance and the disciplinary actions may well force him to reconsider his position and commitment to the Cowboys. Coaches and fans alike will be observing closely how the team develops their game plan moving forward, especially as Elliott’s name looms over discussions about the team’s fate.
As this season progresses, both the Cowboys and Elliott face critical decisions. The organization must either seek to rejuvenate him or consider restructuring their roster to find a fresh, more effective presence in the backfield. For Elliott, the future is uncertain—but one thing is clear: both his disciplinary actions and shrinking productivity have led to a disconcerting chapter in what should have been a revitalizing season.
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