Ezekiel Elliott is set to return to Dallas for the first time as an opposing player, but suffice it to say he still has a fan in Jerry Jones.
Elliott signed on with the Patriots this season after getting cut loose by the Cowboys in the offseason so Tony Pollard could become RB1. The writing had been on the wall that Elliott’s time in Dallas was running out, but it nevertheless was a notable departure for a player who had been a stalwart of the Cowboys offense for years.
New England will take on the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium this weekend, and Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones reflected on Elliott’s time with the team Wednesday on Shan & RJ.
“I know that he was one of the best teammates that I’ve had the privilege of seeing on the Cowboys,” Jones said. “For his team, he was inspirational. He was inspirational before the games, his practice habits were off the charts – he just would basically practice as though every play was for all the marbles. He had very unique skills as a running back, and boy, he could lower that pad and lower that center of gravity.
“I know this, .. as far as a back that the opposing team hates to tackle, I think he’s at the top of the list. (Earl) Campbell of the Houston Oilers seems to have that (title) – but man, Zeke took a toll on those defensive players. So I’ll always remember that, I’ll remember his positiveness. He has the perfect mentality to play this game and be a pro.”
The running back’s return to Dallas comes at an interesting time, as the Cowboys offense has been sputtering in the red zone this season.
Even if he's past his peak, Elliott is such a powerful back that his style of play could be useful in goal line and short-yardage situations. But Jones wouldn’t go as far as saying the red zone shortcomings has them missing their former running back.
“Well, Zeke’s unique physicalness is always nice to have,” Jones said. “Nice to have, to be trite about it, it’s very good to have. We think of physical on short yardage and probably should, but I don’t think that physicalness from the running back is contributing to us not getting in the end zone.”
Patriots-Cowboys is set to kick off at 3:25 CT on Sunday. As for any festivities beforehand recognizing the former Cowboy, Jones ended up tipping his hand a bit.
“I don’t want to blow a surprise, and that’s a good enough answer for you,” he quipped.