Elliott was made for this offense

[Super_Kazuya]

What if he breaks Murray's total numbers with less carries and with less hits?

The percent chance of him doing that are exactly equal to the amount of real money out of your own pocket that you would bet on it... a nice round number.

 

[Galian Beast]

Our success is going to be determined, like it always has with play-calling. In fact, the tools are more present now then ever before and anything other than winning the division and making a run for the SB with a few play-off wins is a disappointment...

Zeke should be catching passes like Bush was in Detroit with Linehan. No more vanilla garbage.

Linehan was one of the ones pushing hardest to get him here. He had prior knowledge of Zeke, playing against his son when they were younger.
It will be a marvel to see what Linehan does with this offense with Zeke instead of Murray.

Linehan knows how to use players properly. He used Randy Moss in Minnesota, and he used Jackson in Atlanta very well too.

I don't think he will get the carries Murray got. I think they will use Morris a lot more than they used Randle, but I think we'll see more Zeke than people think.

 

[Texas_Pete]

Well written OP @Galian Beast. I agree 100%.

Unlike Murray, Zeke has a very good backup RB in Morris. Zeke should be fresh all year whereas Murray was starting to wear down after week 13 or so as we were making our playoff push. Linehan can afford to "pace" Zeke all year without that much production drop-off when he inserts Morris into the game.

 

[DogFace]

I don't think team numbers will be there either, because Randle also had pretty ridiculous, unsustainable numbers behind him... again it was just a perfect storm. We're not playing the wretched AFC South this year. Our defense will probably not get as many turnovers as 2014, and if they are anything like last year's when it comes to turnovers we'll be throwing the ball like crazy just to stay in games.

To get 2014's numbers, we had to run Murray for an absolutely insane 392 carries and at a pretty good clip at that (4.7 yards per carry). I think the ceiling for Zeke could be something like Peterson and Sanders rookie years, where they ran a reasonable 240 and 280 times respectively on other-worldy yards per carry (well over 5) to get in the 1300-1400 yard range... MAYBE. Let's not forget he's a rookie. If he even gets over 1000 yards that would be fantastic.

Edit: When I say Randle had unsustainable numbers, I meant from a production standpoint not workload (dude rushed for almost 7 yards a carry!)

We looked ok against Seattle's number one scoring d from last year. Almost 7 yards per carry for Zeke.

 

[Dundalis]

Well I don't think he's better than Gurley or Fournette, unless you mean as an all purpose back. Purely as a runner, I still don't see it.

And to be honest with the way things have panned out, I feel like getting a Jones/Ramsey safety combination, that can both play corner, would have really set up our defense as we look to pour all our resources there over the next year or two. Especially since it looks like we may not have to spend resources looking for a potential franchise QB to replace Romo. Hitting on Dak with that low pick could do fantastic things for this team going into the next few drafts. There are a couple of backs in next years draft with elite potential that could do similar things to Elliott (I think more than one look like even more talented runners). There's not really a safety prospect of Ramsey's talent and versatility. I was split on the pick between Elliott and Ramsey at the time of the draft, but Prescott and how good Morris has looked have made me change my mind. We should have taken Ramsey (I know hindsight is 20/20 and all that). I think Morris as the lead back looking like he did 2 seasons ago, could probably be almost as good as Murray was in 2014 behind this oline, as a runner anyway. And a big part of taking Elliott for a lot of people, and even mentioned by Jerry was that our window was only open so long as Romo was around meaning the next couple years, which aligned perfectly with Elliott and all the talk about a RB's prime years being his first five. Prescott potentially leaves that wide open. This defense needs full focus in the next draft, and Ramsey would have given us a big head start on that.

 

[Proof]

I was born in Ohio and when I was a kid I really liked College Football. I moved to Massachusetts when I was five, but I still always liked Ohio State. I also liked Michigan oddly enough. My two favorite players in college were Charles Woodson and Eddie George. I always envisioned Woodson joining the Cowboys. I would always trade for him in Madden. I also thought after Emmitt Smith went to Arizona that we would somehow get Eddie George, and while we did, it was too late.

One player that I was the most excited about coming out of College was Steven Jackson. I thought he was an absolute beast, but given our position in the draft, we would never get him. Well, he fell to us, and the Cowboys screwed up and traded out of the pick. It to me was the worst decision since not drafting Randy Moss. I think either of those two drafts would lead us to a Super Bowl.

The Cowboys continued to squander Romo's years, year after year playing with a terrible offensive line. But finally, there was this ray of hope. We started investing in the offensive line. I called early that I wanted us to get Frederick as he was the best center in the draft and would be a good addition to Tyron Smith. I had him on my mock draft in the 3rd round. There was a run on offensive linemen and so we drafted him at the end of the first instead of in the 2nd or 3rd, where we probably wouldn't have gotten him. People were furious, but I saw what was going on. We were putting together a stud offensive line for Romo. We were extending his chances to win a Super Bowl. When we drafted Martin over Manziel I thought I couldn't be happier, until the Cowboys landed 1st round graded La'el Collins in free agency. This is after failing to get David DeCastro or Chance Warmack, or Jonathan Cooper (who I expect will turn his career around in New England).

But we needed to get a running back again. I had hoped we could get Gurley, but when we failed to do so, I was upset, but I remembered the player I really wanted to get. It wasn't Gurley as much as I liked him.

I don't watch college football anymore, but I remember the media storm around a player who was taking over college football: Ezekiel Elliott. He had just run for 230 yards and 2 touchdowns against the best defense in college football. A defense that barely ever lets a running back get 100 yards, let alone 200. I was really impressed and instantly thought of what he might look like with a star on his helmet. But what happened the week after? He runs for 246 yards and 4 touchdowns winning a national title. Back to back milestone games... 476 yards, 6 touchdowns, in two weeks... against two of the best teams in football.

The Cowboys went on to have a great 2014 season where we were actually Super Bowl contenders, and we did so on the heels of DeMarco Murray. Elliott became a distant thought until the playoff run was stolen from us. I did not think we were going to be able to sign Murray and Bryant, and Bryant was much more important than Murray. We got McFadden, who I knew was only a stop gap. After a terrible year, we found ourselves in position to get that player who I thought could transform the Cowboys. A franchise cornerstone player. We could get Elliott.

It was with amazement that I saw people even consider other players ahead of him. This kid is a clear hall of fame caliber player behind this offensive line we've built, I thought to myself. He can do for us what Randy Moss did for the Patriots and turned that offensive into something entirely unstoppable. How could that be compared to a cornerback/safety hybrid who wouldn't have nearly the impact on the defense compared to a running back who would keep them off the field? How could that be compared to a defensive end who wasn't ever a pass rush specialist? How could that be compared to a couple QBs no one ever heard of until draft talk started?

Ezekiel Elliott was the obvious choice. It was a no-brainer to me. In 2006 the Patriots had a good offense. They were 7th in the league in points scored with 24.1 points per game. Definitely a good offense. They didn't need much help there. But they still traded for Randy Moss. The next year they were 1st in the league with 36.8 points per game. 8.4 points per game more than the next best team (The Tony Romo lead, Terrell Owens fueled, Marion Barber backed, Dallas Cowboys). The Patriots were only one of three teams to beat us that year in the regular season. They were a juggernaut who beat up on a smaller juggernaut. It's because you couldn't stop their offense.

That is what Elliott brings to the table. A complete transformation of our offense to not just good, but great. It makes us an offense that is truly terrible to deal with. Joey Bosa or Jalen Ramsey or Wentz or Goff wouldn't have done that. They would just be another guy. We had DeMarcus Ware here for years, a player infinitely better than Bosa or Ramsey, and he couldn't get us over the hump.

People want to argue that the offense did fine with McFadden and expect it would do better once Romo and Bryant are paired up with him. This is a bit ridiculous. McFadden doesn't fit this offense. Why would we cheap gas in a Ferrari? Even Alfred Morris doesn't take us to the next level. The answer is and always was Ezekiel Elliott. He is our Randy Moss addition that takes us to another level of play. Short of getting Adrian Peterson, this was the best thing we could have done, and it might even be better given the difference in age.

If this team is going to win, it's going to be on the strength of the Offensive Line doing what it can do best. And that is run blocking. And you want to put the best piece possible back there. And while people might think Gurley or Fournette are better runners than Elliott, I'm not sure any back in the country is a better fit for a zone scheme blocking offensive line that gives running backs opportunities if they have the vision to take them.

Elliot isn't only better than Alfred Morris and Darren McFadden. He is better than Todd Gurley and Leonard Fournette. He is better than Eddie George. He is a cornerstone franchise player, who everyy fan should be excited about. We got another shot at a player like Steven Jackson and we have the tools on offense to make best use of him. We have the chance to create an Emmitt Smith like beast. Nothing we could have done this year to help Romo compares to this.

I really love this post and the enthusiasm and excitement. I agree that zeke is a transcendent player and landed in the absolute perfect situation to take complete advantage of his remarkable talents and skill set. Can not wait. So happy.

One minor gripe though, the narrative of a single defensive player not getting the team over the hump. I HATE this logic. No one was ever beating the drum for a defensive player pushing us over the top, but as a piece in fortifying a fairly weak unit overall. Jalen Ramsey wasn't going to come in and be a game breaker, taking games over, but as a complimentary piece the secondary would improve, the D line would have more time to get to the quarter back, etc etc. and while we wouldn't have the elite back we do now, we'd have the line, dez, tony etc and Alfred Morris looks like he can be very productive here.

I'm happy with zeke and think he will do great things but the defense has to continue to get love. The offensive line wouldn't be what it is if we'd stopped at Tyron, and unless Jaylon returns to form we don't have a Tyron on that side of the ball.

 

[Tabascocat]

Well I don't think he's better than Gurley or Fournette, unless you mean as an all purpose back. Purely as a runner, I still don't see it.

And to be honest with the way things have panned out, I feel like getting a Jones/Ramsey safety combination, that can both play corner, would have really set up our defense as we look to pour all our resources there over the next year or two. Especially since it looks like we may not have to spend resources looking for a potential franchise QB to replace Romo. Hitting on Dak with that low pick could do fantastic things for this team going into the next few drafts. There are a couple of backs in next years draft with elite potential that could do similar things to Elliott (I think more than one look like even more talented runners). There's not really a safety prospect of Ramsey's talent and versatility. I was split on the pick between Elliott and Ramsey at the time of the draft, but Prescott and how good Morris has looked have made me change my mind. We should have taken Ramsey (I know hindsight is 20/20 and all that). I think Morris as the lead back looking like he did 2 seasons ago, could probably be almost as good as Murray was in 2014 behind this oline, as a runner anyway. And a big part of taking Elliott for a lot of people, and even mentioned by Jerry was that our window was only open so long as Romo was around meaning the next couple years, which aligned perfectly with Elliott and all the talk about a RB's prime years being his first five. Prescott potentially leaves that wide open. This defense needs full focus in the next draft, and Ramsey would have given us a big head start on that.

There are some really good secondary players entering the draft next year. A few will make Ramsey look pedestrian

Elliott was the right pick and will be the cornerstone of the future.

 

[DallasDomination]

I usually don't read super long posts but I read this one oddly enough. You kept it entertaining and didn't ramble on about one thing too long. Nicely done.

 

[Proof]

There are some really good secondary players entering the draft next year. A few will make Ramsey look pedestrian

Elliott was the right pick and will be the cornerstone of the future.

Don't even have to look further than ramseys alma matter. Two words: Derwin James.

Ramsey would have been lovely though.

 

[Zman5]

Too early to tell. Like most rookies, he may hit the wall come December and his production tail off then too. As I said, too early to tell.

 

[BAT]

If Zeke breaks Murray's numbers, then the organization is doing something wrong, unless he's somehow managing like 10 yards a carry. If you have a standout back, you don't want to run the guy into the ground, especially when you have another great back in Morris right next to him. What will be more important to me is our 3rd down conversion percentage and yards per carry.

Over work a young RB?? That's the same "concerns" the media and fans brought up to Jimmy about Emmitt. I can still clearly see his smirk in response.

 

[LittleD]

Well I don't think he's better than Gurley or Fournette, unless you mean as an all purpose back. Purely as a runner, I still don't see it.

And to be honest with the way things have panned out, I feel like getting a Jones/Ramsey safety combination, that can both play corner, would have really set up our defense as we look to pour all our resources there over the next year or two. Especially since it looks like we may not have to spend resources looking for a potential franchise QB to replace Romo. Hitting on Dak with that low pick could do fantastic things for this team going into the next few drafts. There are a couple of backs in next years draft with elite potential that could do similar things to Elliott (I think more than one look like even more talented runners). There's not really a safety prospect of Ramsey's talent and versatility. I was split on the pick between Elliott and Ramsey at the time of the draft, but Prescott and how good Morris has looked have made me change my mind. We should have taken Ramsey (I know hindsight is 20/20 and all that). I think Morris as the lead back looking like he did 2 seasons ago, could probably be almost as good as Murray was in 2014 behind this oline, as a runner anyway. And a big part of taking Elliott for a lot of people, and even mentioned by Jerry was that our window was only open so long as Romo was around meaning the next couple years, which aligned perfectly with Elliott and all the talk about a RB's prime years being his first five. Prescott potentially leaves that wide open. This defense needs full focus in the next draft, and Ramsey would have given us a big head start on that.

Really? What NFL defense has Fournette run against... That's what I thought. I wouldn't take Gurley over Zeke because of his injury history. RB's
don't last long in the NFL when they have had bad injury histories. That's just the nature of the position. They take extreme punishment. Zeke behind our
OL has a chance to play as long as Emmitt did because he won't get the carries and punishment Emmitt took.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

Someone give me da cliffnotes

Zeke is going to keep our defense off the field in 2016 like he Murray did in 2014 but that we couldn't do in 2015.

Because the extra 1:06 the defense was on the field in 2015 vs 2014 was because we couldn't run the ball and not because we couldn't pass the ball.

I really love this post and the enthusiasm and excitement. I agree that zeke is a transcendent player and landed in the absolute perfect situation to take complete advantage of his remarkable talents and skill set. Can not wait. So happy.

One minor gripe though, the narrative of a single defensive player not getting the team over the hump. I HATE this logic. No one was ever beating the drum for a defensive player pushing us over the top, but as a piece in fortifying a fairly weak unit overall. Jalen Ramsey wasn't going to come in and be a game breaker, taking games over, but as a complimentary piece the secondary would improve, the D line would have more time to get to the quarter back, etc etc. and while we wouldn't have the elite back we do now, we'd have the line, dez, tony etc and Alfred Morris looks like he can be very productive here.

I'm happy with zeke and think he will do great things but the defense has to continue to get love. The offensive line wouldn't be what it is if we'd stopped at Tyron, and unless Jaylon returns to form we don't have a Tyron on that side of the ball.

Yup.

It's the false narrative of those in love with Zeke and offense.

If a defensive player isn't completely changing the defense overnight then he isn't an "impact player."

Those same people forget that Tyron didn't even transfer the offensive line overnight yet alone the offense at large. And he's probably the best player on the team. It takes slow and steady accumulation and investment on either side of the ball for an elite unit to develop.

You have to start that process or you'll end up saying every year that "so and so isn't transforming the defense."

 

[ElGatoGrande]

I love the Zeke pick, this team will be putting up serious points. Add an elite pass rusher and the Cowboys will be in solid contention. The team should seriously consider paying whatever price/draft picks is needed to add a badass vet DE... NOW! so Tony can retire with the ring he deserves.

 

[Sarek]

Never liked Columbus Ohio, hoping it all works out for Zeke and this offense.

 

[kevm3]

Over work a young RB?? That's the same "concerns" the media and fans brought up to Jimmy about Emmitt. I can still clearly see his smirk in response.

Why run Elliott into a pulp and have him slowing down around play-off time like Murray when you have a very capable backup in Morris? If both of these guys break a thousand yards, that would be a wonderful thing, mainly because Elliott will have much more juice during the playoffs.

 

[kevm3]

What if he breaks Murray's total numbers with less carries and with less hits?

I would love for that to happen, and if it did, he was easily worth the 4th rounder... but I can't really see him getting 1800+ yards while keeping his carries under 300. If Zeke was the only quality back that we had, I'd be fine with him getting more carries since that would be a necessity, but when you have a quality back like Morris right behind him, for the sake of the team and for Zeke's long term sustenance, it'd be better to keep his carries reasonable.

 

[BAT]

Why run Elliott into a pulp and have him slowing down around play-off time like Murray when you have a very capable backup in Morris? If both of these guys break a thousand yards, that would be a wonderful thing, mainly because Elliott will have much more juice during the playoffs.

Because saving Murray (and Emmitt) was never a coaching strategy, it was a Jerry thing. You play your best players to win the game first, throw in back ups when game is in hand. Morris is a very good starting RB, super backup even but EZ is clearly better. Better runner, receiver and pass protector. Much better than Morris (tho Morris is gething better) in those last 2 areas. Those last 2 areas are responsible for keeping Romo upright.

Randle was a better pass blocker and receiver than Morris, but even he did not have coaches confidence to execute entire playbook. That's why he didn't get a lot of touches in 2014. Cowboys were not only trying to win but protect Romo as well.

 

[Galian Beast]

I really love this post and the enthusiasm and excitement. I agree that zeke is a transcendent player and landed in the absolute perfect situation to take complete advantage of his remarkable talents and skill set. Can not wait. So happy.

One minor gripe though, the narrative of a single defensive player not getting the team over the hump. I HATE this logic. No one was ever beating the drum for a defensive player pushing us over the top, but as a piece in fortifying a fairly weak unit overall. Jalen Ramsey wasn't going to come in and be a game breaker, taking games over, but as a complimentary piece the secondary would improve, the D line would have more time to get to the quarter back, etc etc. and while we wouldn't have the elite back we do now, we'd have the line, dez, tony etc and Alfred Morris looks like he can be very productive here.

I'm happy with zeke and think he will do great things but the defense has to continue to get love. The offensive line wouldn't be what it is if we'd stopped at Tyron, and unless Jaylon returns to form we don't have a Tyron on that side of the ball.

Thanks for your response. I'm glad we're on the same page on a lot of this.

I'm not sure people have said that a defensive player would get us over the hump, but they have said that a defensive player would help this defense and this team more than a running back. And that is where I largely disagree. I see Zeke as having by far the greatest impact on the team of anyone in the 2016 draft.

I agree we do need to make proper investments in the defensive and I think the Cowboys have done that. They've taken some risks in order to do it, and not all of them have panned out, but you kind of have to with the offense we've built. If Jaylon Smith returns to form and is healthy, this could have been a top 5 or 10 pick. That is a nice pick up for the defense. I think the 2017 draft will be very defense oriented and I think free agency will mirror that. If all these players stay healthy, I think one will be a story of a running back who became a hall of famer. I think the others will be of a decent cornerback or safety and decent defensive end who doesn't get a ton of sacks. If you ask me which one I'm going with, it's the hall of fame back every time.

 

[Galian Beast]

Zeke is going to keep our defense off the field in 2016 like he Murray did in 2014 but that we couldn't do in 2015.

Because the extra 1:06 the defense was on the field in 2015 vs 2014 was because we couldn't run the ball and not because we couldn't pass the ball.

Yup.

It's the false narrative of those in love with Zeke and offense.

If a defensive player isn't completely changing the defense overnight then he isn't an "impact player."

Those same people forget that Tyron didn't even transfer the offensive line overnight yet alone the offense at large. And he's probably the best player on the team. It takes slow and steady accumulation and investment on either side of the ball for an elite unit to develop.

You have to start that process or you'll end up saying every year that "so and so isn't transforming the defense."

The team has a small window with Romo. We need transformative players right now, whenever we can find them.