Running back is the position that has generated the most controversy for the Dallas Cowboys this season. Before kickoff against the San Francisco 49ers, that was still the case because starter Rico Dowdle was declared out due to an apparent illness that struck him as soon as he arrived at Levi’s Stadium. Due to Dowdle’s unexpected absence, Ezekiel Elliott was forced into the starting lineup. Elliott got his first start since the season opener on Sunday night, sharing a timeshare with the recently activated Dalvin Cook.
Despite lowering their expectations for the NFL’s worst rushing attack, Cowboys fans have had some luck on the ground against the 49ers’ typically frugal defence. Elliott has contributed significantly to that, and in the second quarter, he put Dallas ahead 7-3 with a score to cap off the offense’s greatest drive in weeks.
Against the 49ers, Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott is stifling his critics.
That Zeke is old school. As you recall, following the Cowboys’ Week 5 victory over the Steelers, Elliott voiced his dissatisfaction with his position in the offence. DLLS Sports team writer Clarence Hill Jr. reported that Elliott was “dumbfounded” by his lack of opportunities in the red zone. When Rico Dowdle fumbled while attempting to hurdle into the end zone against Pittsburgh with seconds remaining in regulation, Elliott, for want of a better term, lodged his complaint. The Cowboys would have lost the game if Dak Prescott hadn’t dived on the football.
Even though Elliott seemed self-centred, there was some truth to what he said. One of the NFL’s top goal line running backs for a long time has been the two-time rushing champion. His score in the second quarter demonstrated his unbreakable nose for the end zone. The fact that Dowdle is the team’s best running back is obvious. Despite being largely overshadowed by the former undrafted free agent, Elliott has shown several times this season that he is still capable of playing well in a timeshare. Coincidentally, he is playing a lead role against the 49ers and surpassing expectations.
Elliott was a driving force behind Dallas’ touchdown drive, which is presently the difference in the game, but there is still a lot of play left. As of right now, he has 49 yards off six carries. His 4.8 yards per rush is by far his greatest performance this season, and it’s already the most yards he’s had in a game. Perhaps Elliott was right when he said that he wanted a more significant position.