Dallas Cowboys running game needs to rebound in 2021
When it comes to the 2020 Dallas Cowboys and their disappointing showing, the defense wasn’t the only thing that fell off from the previous season.
In recent years, running the football had become a mainstay for Jerry Jones’ club. Prior to 2020, the Dallas Cowboys had finished in the top 10 in the league in rushing yards six consecutive years. In 2016, the franchise made Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott the fourth overall pick in the draft.
He led the NFL with 1,631 yards on the ground (15 touchdowns) during his rookie campaign and two years later once again captured another league rushing title. He totaled at least 1,300 rushing yards in three of his first four seasons. His 2017 campaign was marred by a six-game suspension, yet he still averaged 24.2 attempts per contest. All told, the commitment to the running attack was evident.
But combine the absence of quarterback Dak Prescott (who signed a new contract this offseason via Spotrac) for the final 11 games, a decline in play from traditionally one of the league’s best offensive line and one of the worst defenses in the league and the Cowboys slumped to 17th in the NFL in rushing yards per game in 2020.
Elliott was not 100 percent this past year when it came to his health and his production reflected it. But Prescott has made some interesting observations regarding his 2016 draft classmate.
"“Zeke looks great,” said the five-year pro (via Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News). “He’s in the best shape of his life. Looking fast. Everybody’s seen the clips of him working out independently with his running back coach. His cuts, just how explosive he is. Excited to have a full year with him again and getting him healthy throughout the whole season.”"
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Head coach Mike McCarthy’s club finished 6-10 this past season and both the defensive issues (Dan Quinn is the new coordinator) and the absence of Prescott for the majority of the year were the focal points. But the Dallas Cowboys also need to get back to a persistent running game. It would make life easier for all aspects of the team.