Ezekiel Elliott lauds importance of RBs to Patriots' offense
Ezekiel Elliott recently addressed his decision to sign with the New England Patriots for the first time, explaining that the team's emphasis on the running game was a big factor for him.
"Just the importance of the back in this offense," the veteran running back told team reporter Tamara Brown. "This is definitely a team that wants to run the ball, wants to be balanced."
Elliott signed a one-year deal with the Patriots last week. He spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Dallas Cowboys, who drafted him fourth overall in 2016. Elliott's incentive-laden contract with New England is worth up to $6 million and has a base salary of $1.55 million.
The three-time Pro Bowler joined a New England offense that ranked 23rd with 425 rushing attempts in 2022. The Pats, who hired Bill O'Brien as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in January, averaged 21.4 points per game last season, the 17th-best mark in the league.
The Patriots' running back depth chart also features Rhamondre Stevenson, Pierre Strong Jr., Kevin Harris, J.J. Taylor, and Ty Montgomery.
"I think I've been getting along well with the team," Elliott said. "I've known Rhamondre for a couple years or so. It's nice having him in the running back room. I think I've been a good fit and I've been having fun."
Stevenson led the Patriots with 210 carries for 1,040 yards (five per rushing attempt) and five touchdowns in 2022. He also caught 421 yards and one score on 69 receptions.
Elliott is three seasons removed from his last Pro Bowl campaign. The Ohio State product took the NFL by storm early in his career, leading the league in rushing yards per game in his first three years. However, he's topped 1,000 yards on the ground just once since 2020.
Elliott rushed for a career-low 876 yards (3.8 per carry) last year while scoring 12 touchdowns.