Amazing Zeke stat

[erod]

Last year, Ezekiel Elliott had more than 1,000 yards rushing on first down alone.

That is just astounding. So basically, it was 2nd-and-4 or less all year long. That is easy peasy for an offense, and keeps defenses completely at bay. Avoiding 3rd downs keeps offenses moving better than anything.

It also speaks to Zeke's ability to take it the distance when it's there. His combination of power, vision, and breakaway speed is unique on this roster for sure.

This team desperately needs him on the field. He's the perfect back for that offensive line.

 

[jday]

Last year, Ezekiel Elliott had more than 1,000 yards rushing on first down alone.

That is just astounding. So basically, it was 2nd-and-4 or less all year long. That is easy peasy for an offense, and keeps defenses completely at bay. Avoiding 3rd downs keeps offenses moving better than anything.

It also speaks to Zeke's ability to take it the distance when it's there. His combination of power, vision, and breakaway speed is unique on this roster for sure.

This team desperately needs him on the field. He's the perfect back for that offensive line.

I agree with everything but the "desperate need" aspect of your argument. At this point, Zeke is icing on an otherwise delicious cake.

 

[erod]

I agree with everything but the "desperate need" aspect of your argument. At this point, Zeke is icing on an otherwise delicious cake.

Without Zeke, it's like buying your wife a Ferrari. She can take it to the market, but she can't show what it can do.

 

[jday]

Without Zeke, it's like buying your wife a Ferrari. She can take it to the market, but she can't show what it can do.

I understand the reference and, to an extent, agree. It won't always be pretty without Zeke, but I think Dak has a good enough arm to open up the run using the pass. That, after all, will be the key to their success in the early going. If they can't get things going in the air, the run will be all to easy to shut down...especially against the man looks the Giants will be giving them.

 

[Reality]

Without Zeke, it's like buying your wife a Ferrari. She can take it to the market, but she can't show what it can do.

Depends on where the market is located and the speed limit in between

 

[erod]

Depends on where the market is located and the speed limit in between

And if you married Danica Patrick, I suppose.

 

[Nova]

Without Zeke, it's like buying your wife a Ferrari. She can take it to the market, but she can't show what it can do.

Sub Ferrari for Monster Truck

 

[aikemirv]

I wish I could do a Gif but since I can't this is how I feel about Zeke...

 

[AdamJT13]

That is just astounding. So basically, it was 2nd-and-4 or less all year long. That is easy peasy for an offense, and keeps defenses completely at bay.

That's not how it works. The average second down after Elliott ran the ball on first-and-10 was second-and-7 (precisely second-and-6.97). He had more runs that left us with second-and-9 or more (42 of them) than he had runs that gave us second-and-4 or less (30 total).

Averaging 5.7 yards per carry doesn't mean you gain 5-6 yards most of the time, it means you have more long runs than is typical. But you still gain 4 yards or less on the majority of your runs. Elliott had a league-high 33 carries on first-and-10 that picked up a first down, for 586 yards (an average of 17.76 yards). His other 149 carries on first-and-10 gained 451 yards, an average of 3.03 yards. That's still a good average for those types of runs (the league average was 2.64), but it shows why the notion that "it was second-and-4 or less all year long" is completely misguided.

 

[erod]

That's not how it works. The average second down after Elliott ran the ball on first-and-10 was second-and-7 (precisely second-and-6.97). He had more runs that left us with second-and-9 or more (42 of them) than he had runs that gave us second-and-4 or less (30 total).

Averaging 5.7 yards per carry doesn't mean you gain 5-6 yards most of the time, it means you have more long runs than is typical. But you still gain 4 yards or less on the majority of your runs. Elliott had a league-high 33 carries on first-and-10 that picked up a first down, for 586 yards (an average of 17.76 yards). His other 149 carries on first-and-10 gained 451 yards, an average of 3.03 yards. That's still a good average for those types of runs (the league average was 2.64), but it shows why the notion that "it was second-and-4 or less all year long" is completely misguided.

That's not the way it works.

When you go 60 yards and score, that's 4 or 5 first downs that you don't have to get that drive. That's a holding call two plays later that stalls a drive....completely vanished from history. You have to count the 2nd downs that never happen as a result of the first down run.

 

[aikemirv]

That's not the way it works.

When you go 60 yards and score, that's 4 or 5 first downs that you don't have to get that drive. That's a holding call two plays later that stalls a drive....completely vanished from history. You have to count the 2nd downs that never happen as a result of the first down run.

I agree with you. Big plays produce points most of the time! Especially big running plays that demoralize a defense. There is nothing more demoralizing that having someone pick up a ton of yards on the ground!

 

[haleyrules]

Lets hope he doesn't injured or injure himself...never mind the certain suspension. Elliott could lead the offense back to the glory.