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It goes without saying that the 2017 NFL season was one to forget for Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott. It appears Elliott has already managed to put the past behind him in preparation for the 2018 NFL season.
Unlike last year, Elliott's only concern going into training camp is football. According to Clarence Hill of the Star-Telegram, running backs coach Gary Brown has already noticed the difference in his approach.
“At this time last year, he’s very stressed out,” Brown said. “Wasn’t himself. Looked big. Now he looks happy and jubilant and lean and just going out there and having some fun. So it’s a completely different Zeke than it was last year.”
Brown added that his change this offseason is not just physical but mental as well.
“He is in much better shape mentally, too. He doesn’t have all that stuff on his mind. He has a clear vision on what he wants to do and what he wants to be. He has a clear mind. He wants to be the best. We are going to get a good Zeke this year. He is on a mission. You can see it already.”
There is plenty of truth to Brown's comments. This time, last year Elliott was waiting to hear his fate on the looming six-game suspension he received for violating the NFL's conduct policy. Although he had gone through a number of appeals to put off the suspension, it was only a matter of time before he was forced to sit out.
Elliott soon wen ton a brief hiatus to train and get ready for this season while he was serving his penance. It seems that his workouts have already started to pay huge dividends for him.
Despite all his troubles last season, Elliott was still one of the best running backs in the NFL. His absence had a huge effect on the Cowboys' offense as a whole as they looked like a relatively lackluster unit without him. That said, opposing defenses will have their hands full trying to contain the new and improved Elliott this season.
