Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has been notably patient amidst the team's struggles throughout the 2018 NFL season. However, he is not tempering expectations for this week's matchup versus the Philadelphia Eagles.
The lackluster NFC East has given three of its teams the benefit of competing for a division title despite their abysmal starts. According to Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk, feels that is what makes this game a must-win:
“One hundred percent, it’s a must-win,” Elliott said. “Being a division game that makes it that much more important.”
“We definitely have talked about it. Definitely talked about kind of just having that mentality. We got to go out there and win as many ball games as we can to get ourselves the opportunity to get in the playoffs.”
There is certainly plenty of truth to Elliot's statements. He has been extremely optimistic during the Cowboys' struggles in the first half of the season. However, it is clear that there is a sense of urgency starting to build in Dallas, and for good reason.
Despite their abysmal start, they still have a good chance of competing for the playoffs. The New York Giants were never competitive to begin with. Meanwhile, the Washington Redskins continue to be plagued by injuries to their key players. This leaves the Cowboys and the Eagles as the only relatively healthy teams the division. The winner of this matchup could potentially hold a huge advantage down the line.
Of course, the Cowboys' best chance at success will be to get Elliott going early and often. Dallas is 3-1 this season when he has rushed for at least 75 yards. The arrival of wide receiver Amari Cooper should help lighten up the loaded boxes he has faced every game.
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