Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys Part Ways
The Dallas Cowboys have made headlines once again with their decision to release seasoned running back Ezekiel Elliott, marking the second consecutive season where the two have experienced a parting of ways. Elliott, seeking an opportunity with a potential playoff team, requested his release, a move that Head Coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged. "It was a conversation that he asked for the opportunity to move forward," McCarthy explained, hinting at Elliott's desire to transition to greener pastures.
Rise of Rico Dowdle
Amidst these shifts, it's been an extraordinary year for Rico Dowdle, who stepped up from being an undrafted player to becoming a significant force in the Cowboys' running game. Dowdle etched his name in the team's history books by becoming the first undrafted player to rush for 1,000 yards. Since Week 11, he's amassed an impressive 633 yards, which stands as the fifth-highest in the NFL over that period. "We started this journey at the running back position looking to potentially be a running back-by-committee, and Rico clearly took the lead position," McCarthy commented on Dowdle's stellar performances that have clearly set him apart this season.
Challenges for Dalvin Cook and Deuce Vaughn
As the Cowboys prepare for Week 18, another storyline unfurls with Dalvin Cook and Deuce Vaughn vying for the No. 2 running back spot behind Dowdle. Cook, who has had limited action, has only been active in two games with a modest 20 yards on eight carries. On the flip side, Deuce Vaughn, listed at just 5-foot-6 and 176 pounds, has shown promise with 33 rushing yards in limited opportunities. McCarthy praised both, saying, "I can't say enough about Dalvin as a professional because he's been ready to play each week." He also noted that efforts to involve Vaughn more actively have been there, but logistical challenges sometimes impeded it.
A Decline in Elliott's Performance
Ezekiel Elliott's latest performance statistics illustrate a narrative of decline, with career lows in key metrics like carries, rushing yards, and touchdowns. His yards per game have dwindled steadily over his nine-year career, now standing at just 15.1. While his time with the Cowboys was marked by significant successes, McCarthy highlighted, "Obviously, Zeke had great years here, and he will always be part of the Cowboys' history." Yet, the emergence of Dowdle as the leading running back signals a shift in the team's dynamics.
As the Cowboys push forward, their running game continues to evolve. While Elliott's departure marks the end of an era, the rise of Dowdle and the potential of Cook and Vaughn signal a new chapter for the franchise. With more challenges ahead, the Cowboys' adaptability and strategic decisions remain under the spotlight.