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Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys‘ offensive line have been a perfect match this season. The rookie from Ohio State is currently averaging 117.2 rushing yards per game, as well as 142.3 over the last four. If he continues at that first clip, Elliott would finish with 1,875 yards on the ground for the season.
In doing so, Elliott would break Eric Dickerson‘s rookie rushing record of 1,808. That record has stood since 1983.
There's no doubting that Elliott is a beneficiary of Dallas' dominant offensive line, but that doesn't take away from how impressive he has looked on an individual level. Zeke's ability to read the defense, make the proper cut, and finish his runs with physical contact is rare for a player of his age.
The confidence of Dez
If Elliott were to average 142.3 yards per game for the rest of the season (as he has over the last four), he'd just break Dickerson's all-time rushing record of 2,105. To expect that would be absurd, but Dez Bryant believes that he'll come close, at the least.
From Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
“Yeah, I believe it. Two thousand or more. That’s my prediction,” Bryant said.
Living up to Bryant's bold prediction would make Elliott one of eight running backs to ever rush for 2,000 yards or more. The current seven are Dickerson, Terrell Davis, O.J. Simpson, Chris Johnson, Barry Sanders, Adrian Peterson, and Jamal Lewis.
To Elliott's credit, he's very appreciative of the work done by the line in front of him:
“I’ll take my O-line over any guys in the league,” Elliott said. “I’ll take my fullback over any in the league. These guys just come out and execute so well week in and week out. They’re the reason why this running game is so successful.”
