The Dallas Cowboys are currently facing a turn of events that has left fans puzzled and concerned, especially regarding the status of running back Ezekiel Elliott. Now sidelined against the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday due to disciplinary reasons, Elliott’s absence raises questions not only about his performance but also about the team’s prospects as they navigate a challenging season.
Since signing a one-year contract worth up to $3 million with the Cowboys in April, expectations for Elliott were high. Yet, his performance has not lived up to those expectations, resulting in only 149 rushing yards on 48 carries and two touchdowns over the course of seven games. Additionally, his contributions in the passing game have been modest at best, with only seven catches totaling 40 yards. This signifies a stark decline compared to his earlier seasons, prompting fans and analysts alike to question whether Elliott is still a potent force in the league.
His struggles are particularly evident when inspecting the Cowboys’ running game overall. As a team, they currently rank last in the NFL with an average of just 74.1 rushing yards per game. The once-vibrant Dallas running game has been stifled, and the absence of a significant 100-yard rusher for 21 consecutive games is emblematic of their current struggles. This lack of production is alarming for a franchise that has historically prided itself on a robust rushing attack.
The decision to bench Elliott is unprecedented in the context of his career. Although he has been declared inactive for the matchup against the Falcons, this is the first occasion that he has been a healthy scratch during a crucial period in the season. His agent, Rocky Arceneaux, has remained unreachable for comments, leaving fans wondering about the implications of Elliott’s disciplinary issues. The Cowboys’ management must evaluate not only Elliott’s current performance but also his future with the team amid these challenges.
Elliott has dealt with injuries in previous seasons but has typically been on the field when it matters most. However, his suspension back in 2017 created a cloud over his professionalism, which further distorts his legacy. Now, with his on-field contributions being minimal, the uncertainty around his commitment could harm both his reputation and the team’s coherence as they look to solidify their playoff push.
The Cowboys have found themselves in a precarious situation, compelled to rely on other players to fill the void left by Elliott. Rising star Rico Dowdle and the newly elevated Dalvin Cook were positioned to carry the rushing workload in Elliott’s stead. While Dowdle has put forth some impressive numbers, with 246 rushing yards, the team’s current dynamics imply that significant adjustments are necessary to spur offensive momentum.
Moreover, Cook, who previously enjoyed great success with the Minnesota Vikings, has been struggling to replicate his past performance. After a noteworthy run with four 1,000-yard seasons from 2019 to 2022, his output has noticeably dipped in the current season. His potential to activate the running game against the Falcons is uncertain, further complicating the Cowboys’ strategy heading into critical matchups.
As the Cowboys navigate these uncertain waters, questions loom over Elliott’s future with the team. Both fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the organization addresses not only his disciplinary issues but also his diminishing role in the offense. Will his performance improve in future games, or will the Cowboys look elsewhere to solidify their running game?
One thing is clear: The Dallas Cowboys need to reclaim their offensive identity, and fundamental adjustments are imperative if they hope to maintain competitiveness in a tightly contested landscape. The focus in the coming weeks should not only revolve around Elliott but also on how they can re-establish themselves as a powerhouse in the NFL, all while navigating the intricacies of their roster dynamics and individual player performance. The path ahead is fraught with uncertainty, but for the sake of the franchise, change is essential.