I have never once said Zeke was the same guy as the 2016 version. He's a far more patient runner now than that guy ever was. He's more powerful now and he runs more intelligently. Big runs are nearly always a product of defensive lapses and good blocks more than they are of the back.
Very few backs can get to the second level on their own and unless there is a missed tackle of in the case of Jones yesterday on Pollard using the infamous "ole' tackle" runs of 40+ yard runs are extremely rare. I don't put nearly as much stock in them as some. After all I got to watch every snap of Emmitt's career and I know long runs were only an occasional feature in Emmitt's game.
Yet he was the most productive runner in NFL history. You guys are looking for something that frankly just isn't all that important. If Zeke breaks off a couple of 40 yarders in the next two or three games will that change anything about the quality of runner he is? It might for some but it won't mean squat to me. It's what he does on the other 99% of his runs that matter more to me than what happens on the 1%. Way more.
Those runs are nice for Sportscenter.. but if they were key to winning games Barry Sanders would have retired with a couple of rings ..and Adrian Peterson would have played in more than 5 playoff games in his entire career. and Saquon Barkley would not still be seeking his team's 9th win EVER with him in the lineup. Don't get me wrong.. I love highlight reel runs.. after all I was a running back almost my whole life growing up. But I understand just how unimportant they are in the grand scheme of things. If people disagree that's fine.. We all don't have to see thing the same way... Life would be boring if we did.
I was making reference to 2016 version of Zeke, because it was that time era period when he toook the NFL by storm with his ability to break away
the 2016 version is what many of us still hear in reference from fans and media alike when zeke had that impact speed.
I noticed how every time Zeke makes a 15 yard " angry" run, someone is insisting that he is
back to the 2016 version.
but from you statements, you seem convinced that zeke still has some burst - that even makes him somehow faster than Pollard.
"
zeke runs more patient, .runs more powerful and more intelligent " ..but with all that, he's sacrificed speed for mere 15 yard runs. and when and if he ever does
have rare 20+ yrd runs, it's become celebrated.
Frankly nowadays, he's become far more easier to defend and far less of a fear factor. It's all about workhorse mode than big long runs now - since he's become top heavy.
and his 100 yard rushing is unusual rare now, that's it's welcome to see him finally get that.
- Wins ? I've had to address wins per team vs individual with the Zeke haters, and i guess i'll have to re-address that here as well.
this is not boxing, it's not a solo sport, Wins comes in what the team does, and it's other factors than just one man running the ball.
Rushing champs can only do their part.
Team Defense still has to be played, turnovers have to be eliminated per the offense, and turnovers have to be captured/gained on the defensive side.
QB has to step up, and frankly speaking a supporting cast and coaching has to be in placed.
- Big long runs are important. Not every RB can create them. Emmitt wasn't a homerun hitter but he of course had other factors in making him one of the more historic HOF runners ever.
But the big thing is Zeke Elliott was drafted so high as one of the top five overall, because long run breakaway skills was within his ability.
Then all of sudden after 2017 season, he doesn't have that ability anymore.