The Patriots’ already-fragile offense reached a new low on Sunday in their 38-3 loss against the Cowboys, as Mac Jones was eventually benched in the third quarter after New England was criticized for three turnovers in total.
Following Dallas’ resounding victory, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott made a recommendation for New England regarding future offensive tweaks.
Regarding New England running back Ezekiel Elliott, Prescott told reporters after the game, “They need to play him more.” “Hey, but who am I?”
Considering that Prescott spent seven seasons playing alongside Elliott in Dallas, it should not have come as a huge surprise when he discussed the former All-Pro running back after the game.
Elliott was more of an afterthought in New England’s offensive gameplan against Dallas on Sunday, even though NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported prior to kickoff that Elliott would receive “starter reps” against his former team. Elliott had just finished a breakout performance against the Jets (80 yards on 16 carries) in Week 3.
Of course, with a 28-3 halftime deficit, New England was never exactly going to commit to the run game. On Sunday, however, Elliott only received the ball six times and only gained 16 yards on the ground (2.7 yards per carry). For a total of six yards, he also grabbed two passes.
Even though the Patriots’ ground game has suffered all season due to a subpar offensive line, Elliott has shown to be the more reliable running back so far this season. On Sunday, Rhamondre Stevenson only picked up 30 rushing yards on 14 carries, which works out to an ugly 2.1 yards per carry.
After four games with the Patriots, Elliott—who was recognized by the Cowboys before kickoff on Sunday afternoon—is averaging 4.1 yards per run.
He undoubtedly enjoyed the tribute. Regarding his erstwhile teammate, Prescott remarked, “I loved the tribute.” I thought that was kind of cool. Just watching how Jerry and the Cowboys put out that film for him was kind of cool. granting him the deference and recognition that he merits. His seven years here were wonderful. Without him, I couldn’t be the player that I am now.
