Tag: Ezekiel Elliott

Ezekiel Elliott Faces Fan Backlash as Cowboys’ Backfield Struggles

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Dallas Cowboys supporters were thrilled to see the team bring back running back Ezekiel Elliott during the offseason. However, what seemed like a promising reunion has quickly soured, leaving fans frustrated and disillusioned.

The Cowboys faced a tough reality check after their Week 2 loss to the New Orleans Saints. The defeat, especially at home, highlighted several of the team’s ongoing issues, particularly within their backfield. Through two games, Dallas ranks near the bottom of the league in rushing, managing only 85.0 yards per game. This lackluster performance is a far cry from the 112.9 rushing yards per game the team averaged last season, leaving fans disappointed with the current state of the run game, and especially Elliott.

Declining Performance: A Tough Pill to Swallow

Elliott’s return to Dallas has been less than impressive. While fans didn’t expect him to perform like he did in his prime years of 2016 or 2018, many hoped for more than what he’s delivered thus far. In his first two games, Elliott has managed only 56 rushing yards on 16 carries, scoring a single touchdown. His average of 3.5 yards per carry is identical to last year’s figure, when he played behind a struggling New England Patriots offensive line — a worrying sign for Dallas.

Expectations were high for Elliott to make improvements upon returning to familiar territory, but reality has been underwhelming. In Week 2, five of his six carries went for three or fewer yards, an indication that his once-dominant presence on the field is fading. Fans who once cheered for his big plays are now left wondering if Elliott still has what it takes to be effective at this stage of his career.

Despite his loyal fan base, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Elliott is no longer the force he once was. His athleticism has noticeably declined, and his reduced speed and strength are evident in his struggles. Pro Football Focus graded Elliott’s rushing performance at just 49.1, ranking him among the lowest-performing running backs in the league — a stark contrast to his previous status as one of the NFL’s elite.

Cowboys’ Offseason Decisions Under Scrutiny

The decision to bring Elliott back becomes more questionable when considering the Cowboys’ offseason choices. After letting Tony Pollard walk in free agency, Dallas passed on other high-profile free agents like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, only to settle for a declining Elliott. Fans and analysts alike are beginning to question the team’s judgment, particularly owner Jerry Jones’ commitment to the veteran running back.

Elliott’s struggles have not gone unnoticed on social media, where fans have been vocal in their criticism. One frustrated Cowboys supporter wrote, “Every single play that Ezekiel Elliott is the focus for the offense is a wasted rep.” Another fan lamented, “We really brought back an old Ezekiel Elliott,” expressing disappointment with the team’s decisions. These sentiments reflect a growing sense of frustration among the fan base, who are looking for answers as the team stumbles out of the gate this season.

As Dallas prepares for a challenging Week 3 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, the pressure is on for Elliott to step up. The Cowboys enter the game as 1.5-point underdogs, and the team could use a strong performance from their veteran running back to help turn things around. Whether Elliott can silence the critics and rediscover his form remains to be seen, but for now, the reunion that once sparked hope has left Cowboys fans with more questions than answers.

Cowboys Elevate Nick Vigil and Princeton Fant for Week 2 Against the Saints

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On Saturday, the Dallas Cowboys revealed their practice squad elevations for Week 2 as they prepare to face the New Orleans Saints. For the second consecutive week, the team has called up linebacker Nick Vigil, who made an impact in Week 1 by playing in 69% of the special teams snaps. Vigil also saw significant defensive action late in the game against the Cleveland Browns when linebacker Eric Kendricks exited due to hydration issues.

In addition to Vigil, the Cowboys have promoted tight end Princeton Fant, as Jake Ferguson deals with an injury. Fant’s elevation provides necessary depth at the tight end position for this crucial Week 2 matchup.

Questions Arise About Dalvin Cook’s Future

The practice squad moves have led to increased speculation about the Cowboys’ plans for their high-profile running back, Dalvin Cook. Cook, who joined the Cowboys after a disappointing season with the New York Jets where he averaged just 3.2 yards per carry, remains on the practice squad. Despite his illustrious name, his current role raises questions about whether the Cowboys see him as a future contributor.

While Cook’s place on the practice squad has sparked uncertainty, it’s unclear if the team’s plan is to keep him in a backup role for the entirety of the season, or to eventually get him game-ready and integrate him into the offense.

Mike McCarthy Offers Hints on Cook’s Status

Head coach Mike McCarthy was vague but optimistic when discussing Cook’s progress earlier in the week. “Dalvin is doing great. He fits in. Hopefully, we can get a full week’s work this week and next week. I’m glad he’s here,” McCarthy told reporters.

His comments suggest that while Cook may not be ready for a prominent role immediately, the coaching staff is monitoring his development closely.

Running Back Room: Leaning on Elliott and Dowdle

For now, the Cowboys are relying on Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle to carry the load in the running game. Both players have shown potential, but the coaching staff also intends to give rookie Deuce Vaughn more opportunities. A difficult second half in Week 1 prevented Vaughn from seeing more action against the Browns, but his speed and versatility could provide a spark for the Cowboys in upcoming games.

As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how the running back room will evolve, and whether Cook will rise from the practice squad to play a more pivotal role.