The Cowboys host the New England Patriots on Sunday and welcome Ezekiel Elliott back to Dallas for the first time since he was cut this offseason.
Elliott signed with the Patriots in August after earning an All-Pro and three Pro Bowl trips as a member of the Cowboys since 2016.
Elliott had his best game last week as a member of the Patriots. He ran for 80 yards on 16 carries against the Jets.
“It's going to be fun. I'm excited to go back to Dallas, a place where I have so much history, my home in the offseason,” Elliott said after New England's win over the Jets.
Patriots RB Ezekiel Elliott on being a visitor Sunday at AT&T Stadium: “I don't know what I'm necessarily expecting. It's definitely going to be weird, just being in a different uniform, being in the visiting locker room. But I think it will just be a good experience. Just kind…
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 27, 2023
A return to AT&T Stadium will probably be special for Elliott for a bit, but after he gets his moment, the Cowboys will be ready for him and the others.
The run defense last week allowed 222 rushing yards.
We knew it was the weaker part of the defense, but 222, really? That is unacceptable.
Say what you want about the offense and red zone problems, but allowing 222 rushing yards just isn't going to cut it, either.
Both need to be better.
The Cowboys will likely see the Eagles or the 49ers in the playoffs.
Zeke coming home will be fun, and seeing him take the field during the pregame will bring back memories, but let's be honest.
He won't do anything to win the Pats the football game; here is why.
He's not the workhouse
The first reason is that Elliott isn't even the featured back in the offense. It's Rhamondre Stevenson.
Zeke had seven carries in week one and only five in week two.
They almost split the carries right down the middle 50-50.
I like Elliott just as much as the next guy, and I want to see him do well over the next several years.
Dan Quinn
Dan Quinn will be the second reason he does not allow the running game to beat them.
After giving up 220 yards to the Cardinals last week, you know Quinn made it a point to his defense never to allow that to happen again.
Quinn has shown over and over again that after he gets a lousy game from his defense, they respond.
Mazi Smith, I am looking at you; he has been a no-show to start the season. I know it's only week four, but please don't end up a bust like Taco Charlton.
The Cowboys' offense in the red zone will be fine. I would be worried if they struggled to move it from 20-20, but they aren't.
They will score this Sunday and take the Pats' running game out of the question.
Make Mac Jones beat them, and even without Trevon Diggs, he won't be able to.
Zeke, having you back for a game will be fantastic, but I am sorry the Cowboys will ruin your homecoming.
Ezekiel Elliott will visit AT&T Stadium for the first time outside of being in a #Cowboys uniform.
He's looking to weather those emotions, but is excited about the homecoming:
"I'm looking forward to reuniting with the fans, even though I'll be in a different uniform."
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) September 27, 2023
Everyone overreacted after last week. Dallas will be just fine and get back on track on Sunday and be ready for the Niners next week.
Cowboys win this game 27-17; Zeke will eat out of Dallas.
