The Dallas Cowboys’ defense has been putting the pressure on with their double A-gap scheme, and it’s been a challenge for the offense to keep up. In a recent training camp session, linebacker Eric Kendricks lined up in one of the gaps between the center and guard, while a safety crept up from the backfield to attack the other. Edge rusher Micah Parsons stood behind them, ready to pounce. The offense hadn’t anticipated this look, and quarterback Dak Prescott knew that blocking Parsons would be key.

Prescott called on three offensive linemen to keep an eye out for five potential rushers. But it was running back Ezekiel Elliott who ultimately made the play possible. Elliott chipped Parsons, allowing Prescott the extra seconds he needed to complete the pass. The play may not have shown up in the stat line, but it was a testament to Elliott’s deep understanding of the game and his ability to make a difference in other ways.

Elliott’s block was more than just a physical play – it was a demonstration of his football IQ. According to offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, Elliott “sees the game like a quarterback. He sees the big picture, which is really cool.” This ability to read the game and make smart decisions is what sets Elliott apart from other running backs.

Despite concerns about Elliott’s explosiveness and production, the Cowboys are confident in his role in their ecosystem. They believe that his experience and football brain will make up for any decline in physical abilities. As Schottenheimer put it, “The tough yards, the grind-it-out yards, the four-minute [offense]? Don’t sleep on him. He still has plenty left in his tank.”

Why the Cowboys and Zeke divorced then remarried

The Cowboys released Elliott ahead of the 2023 season in an effort to shed an expensive contract that was no longer aligned with market value. Elliott had received a six-year, $90 million extension in 2019, but his efficiency had slipped in recent years. The Cowboys decided to move on, valuing the chance to wear defenses down with Elliott’s power and then confuse them with Tony Pollard’s elusiveness.

However, the Cowboys soon realized that Elliott’s absence was noticeable. Their rushing attack slipped, and they struggled to score in the red zone. After a season without Elliott, the Cowboys brought him back on a veteran-minimum $1.25 million salary.

Elliott will still factor into run game — but that may not be his most valuable role

The Cowboys enter the 2024 season without a clear top running back for the first time in Prescott’s nine seasons. Elliott will share the load with Rico Dowdle, who rushed for a career-high 361 yards and two touchdowns last season. The Cowboys are banking on the Elliott-Dowdle combination to be sufficient, and Schottenheimer believes that the committee approach will be beneficial.

While Elliott may not be the star of the show, he’s still expected to make an impact. His experience and football IQ will be valuable in the Cowboys’ passing game, where he can help Prescott navigate complex defenses. As Prescott put it, “His experience is making him better. Now, does he have the burst he once had, does he have the quickness he once had? Not necessarily. But do I believe that he’s better at riding the wave and pushing his gaps and then making his cut back setting guys up. I feel like he’s better, and when you’re able to do that, it’s all the same.”