If there was one surprising thing that came out of the 20-19 loss to the New York Giants for the Dallas Cowboys, it had to be the performance of the running game.
I don’t know about you, but I was chomping at the bit to finally get to see Ezekiel Elliott, who by the way was highly touted coming out of Ohio State.
I think we all envisioned him taking a hand off and completely imposing his will against the Giants defense. I don’t think anyone would have predicted how much he would struggle.
Of course, offensive coordinator Scott Linehan didn’t do him any favors by repeatedly testing the strength of the Giants defense by calling running plays designed to attack the middle. I mean, why would you continually run at the Giants defensive lineman that are both around 320 pounds each (scratches head while pondering).
Elliott also has to share the blame though. The majority of his runs he showed his impatience and did not allow the blocking to develop.
This is a trait that is difficult for rookies sometimes, but something I expect the Cowboys’ coaching staff to point out when watching film and have him work on.
Elliott finished the night with 20 rushing attempts for just 51 rushing yards, but was able to find the end zone on arguably his best run of the game.
Alfred Morris however looked the better of the two running backs, and it was because of his willingness to let the blocks develop. On just seven rushing attempts he had 35 total rushing yards.
The numbers for Ezekiel Elliott and Alfred Morris are nothing like we would have expected, but fortunately I can almost guarantee you that things will improve.
The running game WILL improve against the Redskins
Reason #1
If you doubt that the Dallas Cowboys running game won’t improve against the Washington Redskins in Week 2, then I guess you missed the Redskins Monday night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers offense and particularly DeAngelo Williams completely imposed their will against the Redskins defense.
Williams finished the night with 20 rushing attempts for 143 yards and two touchdowns. He also had six receptions for 28 yards.
In case you didn’t know, Williams is 33 years old and playing his 11th season in the NFL. He’s not exactly a spring chicken anymore, but still manages to be productive when called upon.
Now, I would argue that both the Ezekiel Elliott and Alfred Morris are better players, but let’s wait and see how they do Sunday afternoon.
Of course, let’s not forget that Antonio Brown also had a “measly” eight receptions for 126 yards and two touchdowns. Hopefully Dez Bryant can have same type of success.
Do you think Scott Linehan took notes?
Reason #2
The Dallas Cowboys offensive line won’t have to worry about two big behemoths clogging up the middle like they did against the New York Giants. The Giants d-line gave the Cowboys problems the entire game and was the main reason the running game struggled.
That shouldn’t be the case with the Redskins defensive line.
The Steelers offensive line isn’t nearly as talented as the Cowboys, so the running game should be a focal point once again.
Ezekiel Elliott and Alfred Morris should see more running lanes open up and have the opportunity to reach the second level of the Redskins defense without hardly being touched.
Plus, the Cowboys’ coaching staff might just have little more inside information than they have had in past years.
Alfred Morris should know the Redskins defense extremely well having practiced against them during his time with the organization. That might just work in the Cowboys favor to know little bit more about their strengths and weaknesses.
You can bet Morris will be playing with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder after being cut by Washington. Look for him to take advantage of every opportunity.
Do you agree or disagree that the Dallas Cowboys running game will improve?
Please feel free to take advantage of the comment section below to provide your thoughts and opinions on this topic.
Apparently based on D-Line Monday night performance, Redskins re-signed Cullen Jenkins, 35. In preseason finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recording three tackles and a sack on 18 defensive snaps.A 13-year veteran out of Central Michigan, the 6-foot-2, 305-pound Jenkins has totaled 332 tackles with 47.5 sacks and eight fumbles forced.
Mike, the Redskins signing Jenkins can certainly help, but I don’t think he’s a difference maker. He’s not the player he once was and I don’t think he will give the Cowboys offensive line any problems. The Cowboys offensive line as a whole struggled against the Giants. They had an off game, but I think they will get back on track against the Redskins.
I was impressed during the preseason when 21 ran through the Seahawks Chancellor. The rookies just need some full speed and whole game experience which they got with the Giants. In my view its the defense that needs to power up and stop the run.
Raulz, I think the running game will be just fine. Elliott learned that he needs to show a little more patience to let the blocks develop, but that will come with more experience. I don’t disagree with you about the defense. However, when the Giants ran the ball the best it was usually the second-team rotation of defensive lineman in the game. It’s just one game, but there are definitely a lot of things to improve upon.
Good point about 2nd team rotation. What can be done about that? I understand the D-Line is under-manned. Should we be running “2nd team” when the game is on the line?
Mike, I don’t see things changing with the defensive line rotation. Marinelli likes to keep his lineman fresh. Cedric Thornton will continue to get better as he gets more accustomed to the scheme and Maliek Collins will do the same with more experience. Let’s just hope it was an off game for everyone.