Running backs have never been the staple of a Mike McCarthy offense. Dubbed a “quarterback whisperer,” the new Dallas Cowboys head coach has taught and schemed offenses for Hall of Fame-caliber passers. As for runners, he has never used a tailback as a leading part of an offense, often using them as complementary players.
That changes in Dallas. McCarthy wants the Cowboys to use their well-paid running back well in the prime of his career, Ezekiel Elliott.
“I think first off with Zeke, he’s going to get the football,” McCarthy said, via Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. “Let’s make no mistake about that. I think you have to clearly understand when you saw the offense is going to make a quarterback successful, the best play to make him successful is a great run game. We clearly understand what we have here and how we could build off of that.”
McCarthy's lack of success with rushers is notable. During his time with the Green Bay Packers, he had just five players reach at least 1,000 yards. To put that in perspective, Elliot has rushed for more in three of his four NFL seasons for the Cowboys, and fell 17 yards short of hitting that number in 2017, despite missing six games.
McCarthy will certainly work his offense in favor of quarterback Dak Prescott. However, utilizing Elliott is in his best interests. The Cowboys' pass offense is better when they can pull in defenders to get their play-action going. Their offense, in general, is better when they “Feed Zeke,” as his running talents can be unguardable at times.
Follow Us
Subscribe