Ezekiel Elliott, how many yards do we really need from him

Whirlwin

Cowboy , It’s a way of life.
Messages
23,977
Reaction score
16,255
CowboysZone DIEHARD Fan
Let’s talk about production. OK so you’re the league leading rusher. What did those yards do. You start on your own 20 yard line. By the time you get to the red zone. You’re not as fresh. No I’d rather see more balance going down the field. And then use every bit of energy to pound the ball into the end zone. No, this is as much on coaching as it is on anything else. Special teams should be much better the season so we don’t have to start every drive on are side of the field. I guess there’s a reason why there’s only one rushing title leader with the ring . Some fans don’t think an extra game is a big deal. Ask the players at the end of the season how big of a deal it is. Go cowboys
 

DoctorChicken

Well-Known Member
Messages
7,613
Reaction score
16,857
He’ll go for at least 1,200

How many do we need? Who knows. With these three WRs, we don’t need to pound the rock like we used to. We just need him to pick up the dirty yards and pass protect, and despite the hate some have for him, he is quite good at those.
 

Whirlwin

Cowboy , It’s a way of life.
Messages
23,977
Reaction score
16,255
CowboysZone DIEHARD Fan
17 games, 1700 yards would be ideal for Elliot. I’d like to see an average of 80 a game. The means he is running well and we have balance
 

Whirlwin

Cowboy , It’s a way of life.
Messages
23,977
Reaction score
16,255
CowboysZone DIEHARD Fan
We need Zeke to do the heavy lifting in getting the tough yards. He could get about 1400 yards this season and get about 12 tds and I'd be pleased.
I would love to see at least an average of one touchdown a game from him. That’s 17 touchdowns. I don’t care about the yardage . I’m thinking 80 a game would be good balance
 

Bobhaze

Staff member
Messages
16,412
Reaction score
62,474
CowboysZone ULTIMATE Fan
I think a better question is “How many yards do we need from the running game this year?” Because I believe the days of Zeke being a “bell cow” with 25 carries a game are in the rear view mirror.

We need a successful running game overall, and I think that will include Tony Pollard. We need about 110-120 yards per game on avg.
 

buybuydandavis

Well-Known Member
Messages
23,699
Reaction score
20,778
Let’s talk about production. OK so you’re the league leading rusher. What did those yards do. You start on your own 20 yard line. By the time you get to the red zone. You’re not as fresh. No I’d rather see more balance going down the field. And then use every bit of energy to pound the ball into the end zone. No, this is as much on coaching as it is on anything else.

I like. Very good point about the extra game, too.

Zeke is a power runner. There are only so many quality pounding carries a back can take in a drive, game, or season. Focus the juice for when the power matters - short yardage, red zone, and playoffs.

Between the 20s, power is less valuable, speed is more valuable, and passing is easier. The offense should be a run/pass mix between the 20s. Th *threat* of Zeke helps the pass game when we aren't forced by down and distance to pass. It helps us on runs with other players too.

Zeke tapping himself out when we reach the opposing 30 has got to go.
 

Whirlwin

Cowboy , It’s a way of life.
Messages
23,977
Reaction score
16,255
CowboysZone DIEHARD Fan
I like. Very good point about the extra game, too.

Zeke is a power runner. There are only so many quality pounding carries a back can take in a drive, game, or season. Focus the juice for when the power matters - short yardage, red zone, and playoffs.

Between the 20s, power is less valuable, speed is more valuable, and passing is easier. The offense should be a run/pass mix between the 20s. Th *threat* of Zeke helps the pass game when we aren't forced by down and distance to pass. It helps us on runs with other players too.

Zeke tapping himself out when we reach the opposing 30 has got to go.
I could not agree more. I thought he should at least stay in as a decoy. . He’s just not being used right in my opinion. I want OK to know if he complains that he doesn’t get the ball more than he should I wonder if he even cares about leagues leading rusher. He doesn’t seem selfish. Yes use him when it matters most . And hope he’s comfortable with it . So it doesn’t present new challenges
 

buybuydandavis

Well-Known Member
Messages
23,699
Reaction score
20,778
I think a better question is “How many yards do we need from the running game this year?” Because I believe the days of Zeke being a “bell cow” with 25 carries a game are in the rear view mirror.

We need a successful running game overall, and I think that will include Tony Pollard. We need about 110-120 yards per game on avg.

Multi-run threat offense. Zeke, Pollard, Dak, Lamb. We shouldn't just spread the carries around, it should be unclear who is getting the ball on any given snap.

The days of "we're running this guy and you can't stop us" are done. Especially for Zeke. Mixing it up to increase uncertainty in the defense is the name of the game. That's how you get the most total production, and more efficient production per player.
 

J817

Well-Known Member
Messages
6,881
Reaction score
5,830
He needs 11,971 yards to tie the all-time rushing record. If he can get that next year, only then will he redeem himself to me. Anything less than we should have drafted Ramsey.
 

Whirlwin

Cowboy , It’s a way of life.
Messages
23,977
Reaction score
16,255
CowboysZone DIEHARD Fan
I think a better question is “How many yards do we need from the running game this year?” Because I believe the days of Zeke being a “bell cow” with 25 carries a game are in the rear view mirror.

We need a successful running game overall, and I think that will include Tony Pollard. We need about 110-120 yards per game on avg.
I thought about that my cowboy brother. I just don’t know how much he likes sharing the ball. But you’re spot on if we average 120 rushing yards a game. We’re doing a damn good
 

Bobhaze

Staff member
Messages
16,412
Reaction score
62,474
CowboysZone ULTIMATE Fan
Multi-run threat offense. Zeke, Pollard, Dak, Lamb. We shouldn't just spread the carries around, it should be unclear who is getting the ball on any given snap.

The days of "we're running this guy and you can't stop us" are done. Especially for Zeke. Mixing it up to increase uncertainty in the defense is the name of the game. That's how you get the most total production, and more efficient production per player.
Agree 100%.
 
Top