The case of Zeke Elliott and Jerry Jones

[CowboyRoy]

To preface............Jerry just got done saying that no way will Zeke's fumbles and performance lead to a reduction in his role with the Cowboys.

I would like to point out this entire Zeke Elliott drafting and anointing as a perfect example of exactly what is wrong with this franchise and Jerry Jones.

Aside from drafting a back at 4, it was clear they understood this was something that was against the grain. This is another home run, flash type of draft pick that Jerry is now staking his reputation on. I know everyone else relayed the company line with the pick, but I bet that if Jerry wasnt involved, they would not have taken Zeke.

But its more than just the drafting of Zeke, its the anointing. The minute he was drafted, this was the kid that was going to help the defense, help Romo stay healthy, and be the focus of the offense going forward. Not a realistic dream. Very low odds as we have seen thus far.

Now I drafted Zeke #5 in my draft and my entire fantasy draft is staked on him being amazing. So personally, I love the fact that Jerry is playing him no matter what. But the message to the team and to Zeke is a bad one. Zeke was anointed the starting back with zero competition. He was accused of sexual assault, played very little in the preseason and had issues with pot. Almost as bad a training camp as you could have. And a guy like Morris, who is the ideal team mate and employee that had a GREAT preseason doesnt even get a shot at the job. He should have been the guy starting in game #1. Let Zeke show something before you anoint him. Let him earn it.

In effect, this is the country club atmosphere that Jones has created all across the board. Doesnt matter how Zeke performs or what he does off the field he is going to be the guy. So all he is left to do is dream about the best Oline in football and bragging to Dickerson about breaking his record.

Draft a guy, sign a coach, worry about your reputation more than what is best for the team and meddle with your coaches to make sure they do what you want and not what they want or what they should do.

 

[Toruk_Makto]

A) You're the wrong messenger for this given that you've anointed Dak after a great preseason and an average start followed by a great one. Pot. Meet Kettle. He's black.

B) The braintrust stood by Murray in 2014 despite his fumbling problem. They were rewarded. This is much of the same. So unless you were calling for Murray to be benched as he was setting Cowboys and NFL rushing records...you're a hypocrite.

 

[Nova]

Zeke was a Garrett pick.

But I understand the frustration with the culture at times, and yeah that usually seems to go back to Jerry.

 

[Doomsday]

While I agree with the general premise of what you are saying, I have to ask.

What other franchise who has drafted a RB in the top 5 has handled it any differently? If you draft a guy that high he better be ready to carry the torch.

Where I think this mentality has been an issue is drafting a guy like Gregory, giving him #94 etc.

 

[GIFTS86]

While I agree with the general premise of what you are saying, I have to ask.

What other franchise who has drafted a RB in the top 5 has handled it any differently? If you draft a guy that high he better be ready to carry the torch.

Where I think this mentality has been an issue is drafting a guy like Gregory, giving him #94 etc.

Yeah no doubt gregory will never be a demarcus ware. One of my favorite all time players. Wish he was still here.

 

[Gameover]

Jerry did the same thing with Aikman vs Steve Walsh. I know that doesn't fit the Jerry is meddling in everything and it's killing the team narrative, but its true. I also remember him insisting we draft D-Ware.

And I do believe the reason why Morris was nearly a non factor on Sunday is because JJ doesn't want Morris to shine(especially back in Washington).How else do you explain Dunbar having more carries than Morris until Zeke's benching? Jerry for all his "players owner" rep, he can be vindictive. Ask Anthony Wright or Jimmy Smith.

 

[NoLuv4Jerry]

While I agree with the general premise of what you are saying, I have to ask.

What other franchise who has drafted a RB in the top 5 has handled it any differently? If you draft a guy that high he better be ready to carry the torch.

Where I think this mentality has been an issue is drafting a guy like Gregory, giving him #94 etc.

Exactly. Or giving Antonio Bryant #88. But for the most part...the OP is right about the CULTURE. We are always promoting the new guy as the SAVIOR. I feel bad for the kid with the numb foot...Jaylon Smith. He better be Lawrence Taylor from day one...with the way this organization is counting on him.

 

[Cowboy4ever]

You draft someone in the top of the draft hoping they can play right away. Most top 10 drafted players are handed a starting role, that is why they were drafted that high. Goff is a clear exception to the rule. I wanted Wentz in the draft, but I didn't want him at 4 for this reason. You don't pick someone that high and with the expectation that it will take a year or two for them to be ready. You pick them that high because they can help you immediately. So bashing Jerry and Co for giving the number 4 overall pick a starting role is just bashing to be bashing and is a non issue or even reality.

 

[fredp22]

who would you have taken at 4?

I still like the pick. I do think it was a mistake for Garrett to have him pass over preseason. Think Zeke is still getting use to the speed, plays, and his o-line. I think he will be ok in 3-4 games as he starts to adjust and gets more comfortable.
Emmitt also looked a little lost first few games.

 

[TwoDeep3]

I suppose all you doubters leaped from the womb and started running 5K's.

Or did you learn to walk after an extended period of time when you needed to wear diapers?

Call me at the end of year two when he is still a fumbler.

 

[superonyx]

So who should they have drafted at 4 that has done so great?

People who come down on Zeke as underperforming are showing a lack of understanding of how football works. Just as Adrian Peterson gets credit for Sam Bradfords success the other night, Zeke gets credit for changing the defenses to sell out on the run. Dak has benefited greatly from Zeke. Just as Beasley and Witten have.

Peterson, Gurley, Zeke all have less than awesome stats so far because all are facing defenses designed to stop them at the expense of the passing game. Yet all 3 backs have done more for their teams than any other backs have who may have averaged more yards per carry.

Stop getting mad because Zeke isn't breaking 100 yards every week because it hurts your fantasy team.
Start showing some real understanding of the game you invest so much time watching and talking about.

 

[Teague31]

He was clearly the best pick at 4. If we had passed on a stud DL to take him I would agree with your premise but that didn't happen

 

[aikemirv]

oh wow, another thread about Jerry's handling of the franchise, like he has not been here for 25 years already!

 

[RoyTheHammer]

A) You're the wrong messenger for this given that you've anointed Dak after a great preseason and an average start followed by a great one. Pot. Meet Kettle. He's black.

B) The braintrust stood by Murray in 2014 despite his fumbling problem. They were rewarded. This is much of the same. So unless you were calling for Murray to be benched as he was setting Cowboys and NFL rushing records...you're a hypocrite.

Lawyered.

 

[USMarineVet]

Exactly. Or giving Antonio Bryant #88. But for the most part...the OP is right about the CULTURE. We are always promoting the new guy as the SAVIOR. I feel bad for the kid with the numb foot...Jaylon Smith. He better be Lawrence Taylor from day one...with the way this organization is counting on him.

Did Dez change his name?

 

[CowboyRoy]

Zeke was a Garrett pick.

But I understand the frustration with the culture at times, and yeah that usually seems to go back to Jerry.

Tell me about why you think it was definitely a Garrett pick?

 

[aikemirv]

Garrett came from the 90's Cowboys of execution and a great running game. If you don't see it in his playcalling, then you probably did not watch much 90's Cowboys. It was efficiently boring at times! Emmitt run, hitch to Novacek, out to Irvin over and over

 

[NoLuv4Jerry]

Did Dez change his name?

Before there was Dez Bryant....there was Antonio Bryant

 

[Denim Chicken]

What has Morris done to warrant the staring job--they reportedly both had great camps and Zeke looked great in limited preseason action.

...and bringing up the TMZ drama and the lying ***** to pretend he had "almost as bad a training camp as you could have" is weak as hell.

 

[CowboyRoy]

While I agree with the general premise of what you are saying, I have to ask.

What other franchise who has drafted a RB in the top 5 has handled it any differently? If you draft a guy that high he better be ready to carry the torch.

Where I think this mentality has been an issue is drafting a guy like Gregory, giving him #94 etc.

You are probably right about other franchises, but did those backs have trouble with dope, sexual assault and not playing much in preseason?