BTB: Cowboys Ezekiel Elliott Is A "Five-Tool Player"

speedkilz88

speedkilz88

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Ryan Ratty
Jun 22, 2016, 5:00p


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In Elliott, the Cowboys have a freakish player who really does not have any weaknesses at all. In baseball, a common term that is used to describe a star player is a "5-tool player." That's in reference to a player that can hit for average, can hit for power, can field, has speed and has a strong throwing arm. Elliott may just be a "5-tool player" in football for his ability to find the hole, run through the tackles, run with speed, catch passes out of the backfield, and play an active role as a pass-blocker.
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We've heard throughout the Cowboys' offseason workouts that Elliott holds the keys to this offense. In OTAs, there weren't many plays where the Cowboys weren't giving Elliott somewhat of a role. But when you have a player as talented as Elliott, it really does not come as a surprise that the team is finding a way to forcefeed the former Ohio State Buckeye. This is a player that is going to elevate the franchise to a level that they haven't reached in quite some time.
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The master plan in 2016 is for the Cowboys to get back to the playoffs. If the team can stay healthy, this is something that is very attainable. In a division that usually takes about nine wins to finish in first place, the Cowboys have a roster that is far superior in terms of talent and depth in comparison to the other three teams. Even with a healthy Romo and Dez Bryant in 2014, the Cowboys lacked a glamour piece in the running game to open up holes in the defense. Elliott is not only going to force defenses to zone in on the running game, but he's going to open up coverages for guys like Bryant, Jason Witten, and Cole Beasley to find space and win matchup battles.
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Bullflop

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ScipioCowboy said:
This poor kid. If he fails to rush for 2000 yards next year, fans will be disappointed.
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Could be . . . and if that, indeed, is the case, then a bit of reality should be in store. He's only human and a rookie at that -- even though he may well be quite an exceptional one. He'll make mistakes now and then like any rookie would -- he's bound to, despite being a great talent.

Nevertheless, within the process, the returns of his learning experience should eventually prove delightfully beneficial to the Cowboys and their offensive success. Both this year and next will take care of themselves. Success routinely breeds more of same.

In the meantime, I think it's simply a given that Zeke will be afforded every opportunity to flourish. He'll have the benefit of a great OL to work behind and they'll more than likely be inspired to block for him like never before. Elliott should be equally inspired by them as well.
 
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LocimusPrime

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Man I hope Zeke becomes a perennial probowler! It's too early to tell, but I'm excited.
 
Reverend Conehead

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Toruk_Makto said:
If he rushes for 2k yards we'll have mismanaged him.
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I agree completely. I think it would be a mistake to run Zeke over and over while letting the other running backs collect rust on the sidelines. This team has a wealth of running back riches. While I'm all for having Zeke be the number one guy and steamroll over teams via the run, we've got some quality running backs in McFadden, Morris, etc. Use them. It can keep Zeke fresh. Then even a good defense will be tired by the 4th quarter. If we're smart with ball control this year, I see us winning the games that are close in the 4th quarter.

I just watched a 2008 Cowboys game versus the 49ers on Youtube. Our running backs were Marion Barber and Tschard Choice. Felix Jones was unavailable due to injury. We had an okay O-line, but one Romo had to bail out by scrambling. It wasn't anywhere near the package we've got now. I hope our run game/ball control offense makes other teams' D-coordinators dread playing us.
 
Galian Beast

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A lot depends on the flow of games. If we dominate early, we won't need him as much and thus could rest him more.

A lot of how much he plays will be determined by early success in games as well as how well the defense plays.
 
Silver N Blue

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GoCowboysGo said:
This is the most excited I've been for a season in 20 years!

I think 1,300-1,500 yards would be just about right for him with the other weapons the Cowboys have on offense.
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I agree and if it is a little less based on DMAC/Alfred getting touches to keep Zeke fresh I am fine with that as well. When you realize Ivory led the AFC in rushing at just over 1k yards last year it is pretty hard to fathom some of these numbers people are projecting.
 

tyke1doe

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As an aside, when I look at pictures of Zeke, I think, "Too bad the nickname 'Ironhead' is already taken."

We may not ever have to worry about him having a concussion. :laugh:
 
JoeBoBBY

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DallasDomination said:
Completely agree.. the expectations even outside Dallas is he gets 1500 just because our so called offensive line.. that's so unfair to Zeke it's not even funny.
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Yeah, big expectations for sure...

Hear ya go rookie, we haven't made an NFCCG in 20 some odd years, its your job to do that, while winning ROY, and the rushing title.......

having said that. He needs to get the ball. A lot.

Rush for 1500, get another 500 receiving the ball...... This is our guy. This the guy who is going to get the ball.....

There is no yesterday , there is no tomorrow, there is only ......right now.

run him.
 
fredp22

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One thing that Parcells was good at was tempering down enthusiasm. We already have this guy as ROY, rushing champion, TD leader, perennial pro-bowler, in the ROH, and HOF. Of course he has yet to take a snap.
Emmitt was seen as a success with 900 yards in his first season. It took him 6-7 games to get his footing and he had a great oline as well. With Morris, DMC, and co, getting acclimated to the NFL as well as the team 800-1100 would be a good season that I hope isnt looked down upon.
 
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