'Cool' Comeback: Patriots' Ezekiel Elliott Reveals Emotions Ahead of Dallas Cowboys Reunion
FRISCO - The New England Patriots don't exactly "Feed Zeke'' the way his former team did. But the Pats got their first win Sunday and they also got a glimpse at a celebratory move very familiar to the Dallas Cowboys fans who are about to re-engage with Ezekiel Elliott.
“It’s going to be fun," said Elliott, scheduled to return to Dallas in Week 4 to play his old pals. "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.”
It was also "cool'' to see Zeke contribute to a New England win. Part of conservative game plan that both avoided turnovers and controlled the ball, Elliott had his best game as a Patriot in the 15-10 win at soggy MetLife Stadium. He rushed 16 times for 80 yards. In New England's first two games he had only a combined 42 yards.
Cowboys ex Ezekiel Elliott of the Patriots
Zeke, it seemed, had his burst back. He showed his characteristic strength through first contact. And he also exhibited some joy, doing his "Feed Me" celebration after a 13-yard, first-down run in the fourth quarter.
Now entrenched as a top helper alongside starter Rhamondre Stevenson in New England's backfield, Elliott is preparing this week to face his old team as the Patriots visit the Cowboys this week.
Elliott, 28, was shoved out by the Cowboys - deemed too expensive - when they decided to go with younger, faster Tony Pollard as their lead back. It was a tough pill to swallow for Zeke, who remains close friends with Cowboys' quarterback Dak Prescott and other former mates.
"No one wants to leave the team they’re with ... I was definitely disappointed," he said. "But everything happens for a reason. I’m excited to be a Patriot. I’m excited to go chase a Super Bowl here.”
Said Patriots coach Bill Belichick of Elliott's incremental improvement: "I thought he had a couple real good runs. He did a nice job getting his pads down, got some tough yards, and his vision was good on a couple cutback plays.”
As a two-time NFL rushing champ in Dallas, Cowboys Nation is surely happy for his success in Week 3. ... while not wanting a repeat this Sunday.
