Dallas Cowboys: ESPN's Louis Riddick calls 'BS' on Ezekiel Elliott critics
Ezekiel Elliott has seen a lot of criticism after his inconsistent start to the season for the Dallas Cowboys. The former Ohio State star running back had the worst statistical season of his career last season with 979 yards, six touchdowns and an average of four yards per carry. So far this season, Elliott has 27 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown through two games.
Elliott had just 33 yards on 11 carries in the Cowboys’ week one loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In week two against the Chargers, Elliott had a better game with 16 attempts, 71 yards, and a touchdown. Fellow running back Tony Pollard had a great game against the Chargers, rushing for 109 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. Pollard’s emergence, paired with Elliott’s inconsistencies, have left many wondering about Elliott’s future in Dallas.
ESPN’s Louis Riddick tweeted a message on Friday, saying that Elliott is still a great running back for the Cowboys.
“Tony Pollard is nice, no doubt, but the reports of Zeke’s demise/decline/whatever you want to call it are bs,” Riddick tweeted. “The tape says the man can still tote the [ball] with authority.”
The Cowboys are excited about the Elliott, Pollard duo
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones spoke earlier in the week about his two running backs. Instead of seeing Pollard emerging and possibly outplaying Elliott as a negative towards Elliott, Jones sees it as an asset to the Cowboys.
“I see it as a great asset to this team,” Jones said. “You don’t have an issue. We can have more carries or more touches by the running back, and in my opinion, will. Because both the players are outstanding out of the backfield as receivers, and quite a threat. When you see (Kellen) Moore, our coordinator, doing the job he did to neutralize (the Chargers) defense, you see what getting the ball out quick, getting the ball outside to those backs can do.”
Elliott is in the middle of a six-year, $90 million contract with the Cowboys. Pollard, meanwhile, is locked up on a four-year, $3.1 million deal. Elliott’s contract is undoubtedly hefty, but it was warranted due to his status as one of the NFL’s best running backs at the time of the signing. Part of the criticism towards Elliott has been about his contract. If Pollard can be just as effective on a significantly cheaper deal, it could put extra pressure on Elliott to perform. Elliott, though, doesn’t listen to the critics.
“You hear it,” Elliott said. “But what really matters is what’s going on in this building. They’re not the ones signing the check. They’re not the ones sending the wires. So I don’t think it matters.”
Elliott and the Cowboys face off against their NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night.