Dallas Cowboys: Is Ezekiel Elliott being rightfully judged?

Meeting in the middle

I lay somewhere in the middle. I know that Zeke hasn’t been the same player. At the same time, I know it’s not all about him.

A change in the offensive scheme can be one reason he isn’t playing as well. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is playing a very similar style to that of last season. If you don’t remember, Dallas had the best offense in the NFL (and did this season before Dak’s injury).

Moore is going to do what works best for the team, not what works best for an individual player or someone’s fantasy team. So far, it looks like the team will be passing the ball more.

I still think it is unfair to judge him for this season. The offensive line has been the worst in the NFL except for offensive guard Zack Martin, and at times, Tyler Biadasz.

When has a running back played great behind a brutal offensive line? The only player to do that is Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders.

I understand the concerns with the team’s salary cap issues. Dallas needs to find a way to sign quarterback Dak Prescott, and moving Zeke would make sense financially.

The issue is Zeke is a crucial part of the offense. Having a great passing attack backed up by a great run game is what keeps the opposition on their heels. The various options he opens up is what has made the offense what it has been the past couple of seasons.

There is a reason that teams plan to stop Elliott. That is because he is a game-changer. The issue is he can’t lead the team all by himself. The Cowboys should keep him around if they can and find other ways to free up money. If not, then they are losing a versatile running back that teams dream of drafting.