Ezekiel Elliot is the perfect in the Patriots offense as complimentary running back

Posted By on August 15, 2023

For those of you who were hoping the Patriots were going to sign Dalvin Cook, sorry. He signed with the Jets. The Patriots opted to sign Ezekiel Elliott and that was the right move. Do not get me wrong. Cook is a terrific player and might have more left in the tank, but he is not what the Patriots needed at running back. What they needed was what Elliott brings to the table.

The Patriots already have a similar back to Cook in Rhamondre Stevenson. The only difference is, Stevenson is bigger. What the Patriots needed was a complement to Stevenson that can pound the ball inside the tackles on short yardage and goal line situations and be effective on passing downs as a pass blocker and receiver. They got both with Elliott.

Do not let people in the national media fool you. Elliott isn’t some washed up running back past his prime. He is only 28 years old. In fact, he just had a birthday on July 22nd. He might not be the back he was in 2018 or 2019 but guess what, he still has some gas left in tank. Elliott rushed for 876 yards and 12 touchdowns last season as a complement to Tony Pollard who had a career year statistically. He can have a productive role in this Patriots offense.

Another benefit to signing Elliott is his durability. He has only missed one game in his career and that came in 2020. He is remarkably durable considering the rigors of playing running back in the NFL. He has a lot of carries on his body but I think he can still be productive because he is still good enough to make 15-17 touches a game count. He can put up good numbers with limited touches. We saw that times last season.

Ball security is another reason the Patriots signed Elliott. He hasn’t fumbled since 2020. That’s 468 carries without turning the ball over. Ball security is priority number one to Belichick and that is a big reason why they signed him and not one of the other free agent backs.

Some have questioned what Elliott’s addition means for Stevenson’s role. Stevenson will still get the bulk of the touches and be the lead back. He is still the number guy. He could not however get as many touches as he did last season. The Patriots needed a second option at running back. They gave the other backs on the roster an opportunity to be that guy and they didn’t get it done. Elliott can be that guy and more.

The Patriots are in a win now mode. They recognize that they need to find a way to keep up with the elite teams in the AFC. The best way to do that is to have as much talent on the roster as possible. Fortifying the running back position was essential. To get a player of Elliott’s caliber this late in the preseason without having to give up a player or a draft pick is a coup.

Elliott will make an impact this season. I know we are conditioned to think running backs are over the hill after a certain age but Zeke isn’t quite to the top of the hill yet. He still has the legs to get there. The Patriots will take advantage of what he has left this season and get the most out of him.