Since entering the NFL as the 4th overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2016 draft Ezekiel Elliott has been arguably the best running back in the sport. This week the crew at ESPN has been ranking the top 10 players at each position.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler put out a piece on the top 10 running backs for 2020. Elliott was ranked 3rd on the list behind Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants and Christian McCaffrey of the Carolina Panthers. One anonymous coach, however, had a different view of Elliott, ranking him the 11th-best running back in the NFL.
“Very few breakout runs, doesn't look as strong anymore. Feels like he's about 60 to 70 percent of what he was.”
Locked On Cowboys host Marcus Mosher pointed out this particular critique, and Elliott quickly responded.
“Whoever this is, is faded lol.”
That response was a clever one on Elliott's part. Almost two weeks ago while live streaming, Elliott admitted to being “low-key faded” after having a few drinks.
It isn't hard to understand why Elliott would scoff at such a statement. Even in a “down year” by some critic's standards, Elliott was once again very productive. He finished with 1,357 yards (4th), 12 rushing touchdowns (tied for 4th), 1,777 all-purpose yards (2nd), and seven 100-yard games (tied for 1st). When factoring in Dak Prescott's near franchise-record 4,902 passing yards and both Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup each going over 1,100 yards it makes Elliott's numbers even more impressive.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion but it's clear to see that Elliott is still one of the league's top running backs and certainly a lot higher than the 11th best.
