Ohio State Ex Ezekiel Elliott Already Bringing 'Juice' to Patriots
Former Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott is wearing a new jersey for the first time since his rookie year in 2016.
After seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, the three-time Pro Bowler signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the New England Patriots on Monday. He's coming off a final season in Dallas that was arguably the worst of his career, at least when comparing it to the fact that he led the league in rushing in 2016 and 2018.
But the 28-year-old has apparently been showing early on at practice that last season's subpar performance won't be making a difference on his play this year. The coaching staff is already singing Zeke's praises just days after the Pats signed him.
"I think everybody's been pretty excited for Zeke to come in," Patriots running backs coach Vinnie Sunseri told reporters Friday. "Between the receivers, quarterbacks, and the defense, he's brought a little bit of excitement. He's brought a little bit of juice. He's exciting on the football field."
Elliott finishing last season tied for the third-most rushing touchdowns (12) in the league, but finished with career-low marks in carries (231) and rushing yards (876). Fewer rushing attempts would normally lead to a higher yards-per-carry average, but this was another career-low mark (3.8 yards) for Elliott.
Regardless, Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien is "happy to have him."
"One thing you see right away is that he's smart," O'Brien said. "He's been in different systems, he understands football. Maybe they call it apples, we call it oranges, but it's still football, and he gets it. He picks up on it really quick. I do think he's a three-down back, and he's been a really good addition the last two days to our football team. We're really happy to have him."
It's currently unclear if Elliott will play in tonight's (Saturday, Aug. 19) preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. But if he does, he'll have tons of eyes on him.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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