The Dallas Cowboys took a beating at the hands of the Denver Broncos Sunday afternoon at Mile High. Their offense was inept, lacking any type of rhythm. The Broncos defense played well shutting down the star duo of Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot. Elliot had his worst game of his young career, and it was evident he wasn't happy about it. He was seen not going 100 percent on some plays, particularly when Chris Harris Jr intercepted the ball. Zeke has been called out for his effort by Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson, and now his head coach is planning to meet with him about his lack of effort.
We hustle out here
Elliot is a young running back, but he has had an enormous amount of success early in his career. He hasn't had to face too much adversity on the field, but this past Sunday's game was very different. Zeke averaged under one yard per rush against Denver, as he couldn't find anywhere to run. Zeke's frustration showed as he wasn't communicating with any of his teammates. When Prescott threw an interception, he was seen standing with his hands on his hips watching the play from behind. In a press conference Monday, Jason Garrett addressed Zeke's play, and he wasn't happy about it.
He told reporters "One of the things we preach to our team on both sides of the ball is that when there is a turnover, everyone is involved.
Those two plays are not indicative of the competitor he [Elliot] is, and we have to get [that] addressed."
Garrett did credit Elliot's work ethic, saying that he is one of the most competitive guys he knows and that he loves to play the game of football. Garrett expects more from his star leader, and he will make sure he gets the message.
Looking ahead
It's not about what happens when Zeke is called on his lack of effort; it's what happens after that will make a difference. The Cowboys are playing the Cardinals next week, so Zeke should be able to have a bounce-back game against a struggling Cardinals defense. Dak Prescott will need Elliott to bounce-back, as he struggled to try to carry the team when they were behind.
The offense revolves around Zeke, so it is expected of him to return to form next week.
The effort is expected in the NFL, and Elliot let frustration get the best of him, not putting forth the expected effort in Sunday's game. Garrett is supposed to meet with Elliott Tuesday, so they can put this issue behind them and focus on the Cardinals. The Cowboys can't afford to fall into a 1-2 hole, so Monday night's game is a must win for this young Cowboys team.
