I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to saying or typing “New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott” … It just doesn’t sound right.
Zeke most likely feels the same exact way.
It’s no secret his preference was always to stay in Dallas and finish his career with the Cowboys. However, Jerry Jones and the Boys understandably were ready to move on from Zeke – and here we are.
Now, Zeke and his Patriots are getting set to fly to Dallas to take on the Cowboys in what will be one of the biggest games of Week 4.
Coming off a solid performance against the stingy Jets defense (16 carries, 80 yards), Zeke is expected to once again be an important piece of New England’s offensive attack – this time against a pissed off Cowboys defense that’s coming off an embarrassing loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
Speaking to Mike Reiss of ESPN, Elliott couldn’t hide his excitement about returning to the place where he spent seven seasons of his famed career.
“It’s going to be fun,” he said. “I’m excited to go back to Dallas, a place where I have so much history, my home in the offseason. It will be cool to get back in AT&T Stadium.”
Coming off his best game as a Patriot, running back Ezekiel Elliott looks ahead to his return to Dallas on Sunday.
"No one wants to leave the team they’re with, but more importantly, I’m very happy with where I’m at.”https://t.co/spAzIPxtIK
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 25, 2023
Elliott, aspiring to finish his career alongside his close friend Dak Prescott, expressed his initial disappointment at leaving the Cowboys. However, he has since embraced his new role with the Patriots.
“I was definitely disappointed, but everything happens for a reason,” Elliott said. “God has his plan for us. I’m excited for this next chapter in my life. I’m excited to be a Patriot. I’m excited to go chase a Super Bowl here.”
While in Dallas, Zeke achieved two rushing titles, 8,262 total rushing yards, and three Pro Bowl nods … He leaves behind a significant mark in Cowboys history.
As Elliott prepares for his return to Texas, he acknowledges that this game is far from “just another game.” With emotions running high, he is determined to make a statement and show his former team that he still has plenty left in the tank.
“We’re getting a little bit of a feel for some of the things with him and vice versa,” Patriots head coach Bill Belichick noted, hinting that Zeke may soon assume a larger role in the offense.
Bill Belichick commented that Ezekiel
Elliott’s vision was evident on a couple cutback plays, and here is one example (14 yards, 2Q, 1:21) of what he was talking about. https://t.co/Mb9dKpX9Gg pic.twitter.com/kGfnzZQo2n— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 25, 2023
What are your thoughts on Zeke?
How much do you think he has left in the tank?
Will Dallas letting him go prove to be a mistake?