The friendship between Cowboys starting QB Dak Prescott and RB Ezekiel Elliott has been well documented, since they arrived as rookies in 2016. It’s been highlighted even more so as the ongoing season of Hard Knocks has followed the two on and off the practice field and in position group meetings.
Elliott was drafted fourth overall because of his ability to do it all out of the backfield. His completeness as a player has brought him into the Cowboys QB meetings at times, something Elliott was asked about Wednesday.
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While Ezekiel Elliott may have been drafted to run in a power scheme behind a top offensive line, his game has adapted along with Prescott’s. Prescott told the media earlier in training camp that he’s not aiming for “6,000 yards” passing, as it means the offense isn’t playing with the balance they need to win games. Creating big plays in the passing game is a focus for Mike McCarthy and Kellen Moore, and something Elliott can help them do as he’s looked more agile during camp.
Neither Elliott or Prescott will play in the preseason finale against the Jaguars, with the depth chart at their positions far from set. Garrett Gilbert, Ben DiNucci and Cooper Rush continue to fight for the backup QB job while RBs JaQuan Hardy and Brenden Knox now have a chance to earn snaps with the loss of Rico Dowdle to injured reserve.
With the first team Cowboys offense not all coming together until the season opener at the Buccaneers, fans will recognize Prescott, Elliott, Amari Cooper, and other veterans that already make this a top group in the NFL. Other players like CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, and Blake Jarwin will have their chance to remind everyone just how good this Cowboys offense could be.
Paired with the focus that Ezekiel Elliott has shown to be the complete back Dallas needs, the Cowboys are prepared for a 17 game season on the heels of a four game preseason – something only they and the Steelers have as the two played in the Hall of Fame game.
