NFL
Ahead of Cowboys return, what were Ezekiel Elliott stats for Patriots last year?
Jerry Jones has been keen on getting him back, as thoughts turn to how much is left in the tank after last season’s showing for New England.
There is certainly some interest among Dallas Cowboys fans as former running back star Ezekiel Elliott prepares to make his return to the team after a brief stint with the New England Patriots. With rumours swirling and expectations high, many are now more curious about Elliott’s performance during his time in New England – it’s amazing how meh we can be once a player has left our particular ship – and what it might mean for his role with the Cowboys this upcoming season.
Is Ezekiel Elliott returning to Cowboys?
OK, so first up, let’s clarify where we are on the move. Elliott’s expected journey back to Dallas was confirmed by reports from NFL Network and The Athletic, both signalling a reunion between the dynamic running back and the franchise that drafted him fourth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. News of the terms being agreed leaves just a medical to be completed.
Following his departure from Dallas, Elliott spent the 2023 season donning the Patriots’ colours, but his return to the Cowboys’ roster has sparked a wave of excitement among fans and team officials alike. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had expressed the team’s keen interest in Elliott, emphasising that the star player’s days as a starter are far from over. Jones cited Elliott’s recent performances as evidence of his continued prowess on the field, affirming his belief that Elliott is more than capable of reclaiming his role as the team’s primary running back.
“I saw Zeke play as recent as the end of the year, and I will tell you he’s good enough to be a starter,” Jones stated confidently.
Elliott’s return couldn’t come at a better time for the Cowboys, who are in need of reinforcement in the backfield following the departure of running back Tony Pollard in free agency. With a current roster featuring names like Rico Dowdle, Royce Freeman, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis, and Snoop Conner, Elliott’s experience and proven track record could provide a much-needed boost to the team’s ground game.
It’s fair to say, though, that not everyone is as cheery as Mr Jones about the player’s reintroduction.
“I think it’s stupid,” was the opening remark from Texas-born, dyed-in-the-Cowboys-wool Jennifer who I spoke to. “He used to be good, he’s not anymore. He wasn’t with us or with Patriots, and we shouldn’t have dropped Pollard without a plan.
“But it suits the gigantic mess that is the Cowboys organisation at the moment.” Positive pre-season vibes haven’t yet kicked in it would seem.
Ezekiel Elliott numbers with the Patriots
So, while questions linger about the wear and tear on Elliott’s body, he is nearing his 29th birthday after all, how well did he do during his tenure with the Patriots, having to step up when called upon and delivering not-too-shabby numbers on the field, despite what Jen said. When Rhamondre Stevenson was sidelined with injury, Elliott played 17 games, including five starts, racking up a decent 642 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Check out this stats summary courtesy of our friends at Sofascore.
But Elliott’s contributions didn’t end there. The versatile running back also demonstrated his continued abilities as a receiver, hauling in 51 catches for 313 yards and two touchdowns, further solidifying his value to the Patriots’ offense.
Ezekiel Elliott numbers with the Cowboys
Elliott’s stellar performance last season only adds to his impressive career resume, which includes leading the NFL in rushing in 2016 and 2018 and posting four 1,000-yard seasons with the Cowboys. With a career total of 8,262 rushing yards and 68 rushing touchdowns, Elliott has etched his name in Cowboys history books, trailing only Hall of Fame legends Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett in franchise rushing records. More pixelated insights from the guys at Sofascore.
As the Cowboys gear up for the upcoming season, the roster and coaching staff are readying themselves for another push towards the playoffs and dreams of glory at Super Bowl LIX. Could Elliott be a game-changer for America’s Team? It’s a big ask.