3 concerns to digest before the Dallas Cowboys visit the Detroit Lions

2. For the first time in his career, Ezekiel Elliott has a full stomach

After posting 139 yards the previous week against the New York Giants, Zeke couldn’t even stomach 50 rushing yards. Credit head coach Mike Zimmer. But really, I think this says more about the up and down running back than Minnesota’s defensive scheme.

Elliott was fed 20 times last Sunday night. He just barely averaged above two yards a carry. This is the fourth game he has failed to reach 100 yards or more in nine total games. Now, let me remind you, this is supposedly a run-oriented team with heavy coin spent on the offensive line.

Over the summer, Elliott chased Cabo which in turn, got him a beefy contract. Let’s do some math here. As a rookie in 2016, Zeke Elliott averaged 108.7 yards per game and 98.3 yards the following season. Last year, he was slightly down at 95.7 yards a game.

In 2019? He’s all the way down to 87.6 yards a game. This is after he fought tooth and nail for the big bucks and got it.

He just turned 24 last July. I don’t see any health ailments. Offensive coordinator Scott Linehan is out the door in favor of Kellen Moore. Travis Frederick is back and healthy and playing at a Pro Bowl level. So, what on earth is the problem?