Elliott's hefty contract, signed in 2019, became a point of contention. The Cowboys were looking for ways to free up cap space, while Elliott desired to maintain his financial standing. Negotiations for a restructure dragged on, creating uncertainty about his future in Dallas.
The emergence of Tony Pollard, a younger and more explosive running back, further complicated the situation. Pollard's impressive performances in 2022 showcased his potential as a capable starter. This presented the Cowboys with a dilemma: continue investing heavily in Elliott or transition the backfield to the younger, cheaper option.
Ultimately, both parties seemed to acknowledge a fresh start would be beneficial. The Cowboys received draft capital in return for Elliott, while Elliott sought a new opportunity to prove his value.
The New England Patriots, known for their shrewd acquisitions in free agency, saw an opportunity in Elliott.
Bill Belichick, the Patriots' head coach, has historically utilized a power running back to complement his passing game. LeGarrette Blount, who thrived in this role under Belichick, had departed in recent years. The Patriots viewed Elliott as a player who could fill that void.
The arrival of Elliott also aimed to provide further support for young quarterback Mac Jones. Having a reliable running back not only takes pressure off the passer but also opens up play-action opportunities and creates a more balanced offense.
Belichick has a history of successfully integrating veteran running backs into his system. Players like Corey Dillon and Dion Lewis enjoyed productive seasons under his tutelage. The hope was that Elliott could follow suit.
The transition from Dallas to New England wasn't without its challenges. Elliott had to adjust to a different offensive scheme.
The Cowboys primarily utilized a zone running scheme, where the offensive line creates running lanes for the back. The Patriots, on the other hand, favored an outside zone scheme, which relies more on the back's vision and ability to find cutback lanes.
Pass protection was another area of adjustment. The Patriots heavily involved their running backs in pass protection. This contrasted with Elliott's role in Dallas, where he wasn't necessarily known for his prowess as a blocker. Mastering this aspect would be crucial for earning playing time on passing downs in New England.
Building rapport with Mac Jones was another key element. While Elliott was a proven rusher, his receiving production had been inconsistent in Dallas. Establishing trust and timing with Jones in the passing game would unlock his full potential in the Patriots' offense.
Throughout training camp and the preseason, Elliott diligently worked on adapting to these new demands. Belichick, known for his meticulous coaching style, emphasized these areas during practice sessions.
The question on everyone's mind was: how would Elliott translate his talents to the Patriots' system? Let's delve into his on-field performance during the 2023 season.
Elliott finished the season with 1,000 rushing yards, a respectable total but below his career average in Dallas. His yards per carry average remained steady at around 4.3, indicating his ability to find running lanes effectively. While not replicating his peak rushing dominance, Elliott provided a consistent ground presence for the Patriots' offense.
Elliott's receiving production saw a slight increase in New England. He caught around 30 passes for 250 yards, contributing more as a receiving threat than he had in recent years with the Cowboys. This showcased his willingness to adapt and expand his skillset under Belichick's coaching.
The Patriots' offense, known for its methodical approach, didn' t necessarily rely on a high-volume rushing attack. However, Elliott's presence did provide a reliable rushing option and helped control the tempo of games. The offense functioned efficiently, with a balanced run-pass attack that kept defenses guessing.
Fantasy football managers who drafted Elliott likely had mixed feelings about his performance.
Entering the season, Elliott's ADP (Average Draft Position) reflected a wait-and-see approach. Some fantasy analysts projected a resurgence in a new system, while others remained cautious due to the scheme change and competition from Damien Harris, another Patriots running back.
Elliott's fantasy value fluctuated throughout the season. He delivered some solid performances with rushing touchdowns, but his consistency wasn't always there. The Patriots' unpredictable game script, with a focus on ball control over explosive plays, sometimes limited his fantasy upside.
For fantasy managers, the 2023 season with Elliott served as a reminder of the importance of scheme fit and a team's overall offensive philosophy. While a talented player, Elliott's fantasy production hinged on game flow and play-calling decisions made by Belichick.
With the 2023 season concluded, questions linger about Elliott's future in New England.
Elliott is entering the final year of his contract in 2024. The Patriots will need to decide if he fits their long-term plans and if an extension is warranted. His performance in 2023 will likely be a significant factor in these discussions.
The Patriots are known for their adaptability and willingness to adjust their offensive approach based on personnel. Whether Elliott remains a core piece or the team seeks a younger, cheaper option at running back will depend on his fit within their evolving offensive scheme.
The 2023 season served as a chance for Elliott to revitalize his career. While not replicating his peak Dallas numbers, he demonstrated his adaptability and willingness to contribute in a different role. His success in New England will be judged not just by individual statistics but by his overall impact on the team's wins and playoff aspirations.
In conclusion, Ezekiel Elliott's move to the New England Patriots in 2023 presented a unique opportunity for both player and team. While there were adjustments and challenges, Elliott proved to be a valuable asset for the Patriots, providing a reliable rushing presence and expanding his skillset in the passing game. The coming season will be crucial in determining his long-term future in New England and the overall legacy of his 2023 campaign.
