Mike McCarthy uttered a phrase Saturday that is not very popular among fantasy football managers.
When asked if he expects Ezekiel Elliott to return to form once he returns to Dallas this season, the Cowboys head coach reveals the team's overall strategy regarding running backs in 2024. did.
"We run running backs by committee," McCarthy said. reporters. "But I think he's definitely going to play at the level that he's been playing while I've been here. I expect that." There is no sign of any slowdown in his movements. He is in good health. ...He came here and picked up where he left off last season, scoring two touchdowns while playing for Tony Pollard, who signed with the Titans this offseason. Deuce Vaughn, rookie Royce Freeman, Malik Davis, Snoop Conner and undrafted rookie Nathaniel Peete round out the running back room along with Elliott and Dowdle.
The Cowboys chose not to take a running back in the 2024 NFL Draft, even though on paper they needed one. Instead, they focused on the offensive line by selecting Tyler Guyton (first round) and Cooper Beebe (third round), who should help the rushing attack anyway.
McCarthy, who has led a top-five offense in Dallas for two of the past three seasons, further explained why, saying he has experience using a committee approach.
“Oh, of course. I have more experience with it,” he said. "I think it's really because of the times we're in right now. ``... 17 games is a lot of football. That's a big role for them to be there at the most important time of year to stay fresh."
Elliott had three consecutive seasons with McCarthy (2020-2022) of at least 870 yards, peaking at 1,002 yards in 2021. The former two-time rushing champion had 642 rushing yards and three touchdowns in his only season in New England last year. But his return in Dallas as a true leader could prove beneficial for the coordinated running back performance.
Sharing a large number of carries between running backs has been successful in the NFL, especially in productive passing attacks. The Cowboys hope this strategy sticks with an offense that ranked third in the league last season.
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