Howdy ladies and gentlemen of A2Z Sports! Those who are frequent readers know that Mondays are typically reserved for weekend recaps, but today is a different story. You see, I am on vacation with my family for the first time since Covid, and work isn’t necessarily the first thing on my mind. That being said, the grind doesn’t stop, and the best sports news isn’t going to write itself. So, today I am going to give you a one headline story, and present you with the barebones facts to get both of us through this slow Monday. Jack should pump out a hilarious article tomorrow, but for now just stick with me while I do the bare minimum.
THE NEWS
The New England Patriots have signed former Dallas Cowboys and two time rushing yards leader Ezekiel Elliott to a one year deal worth up to six million dollars. Zeke will co-host the Patriots backfield with Rhamondre Stevenson, but he’s sure to get decent volume in this new age New England Offense.
Zeke was the fourth overall pick in the 2016 draft, and during his time at Dallas, he accumulated 8,262 yards (4.4 average) and 68 touchdowns. He made three Pro Bowls, one first team All Pro, and was one of the most iconic running backs of the late 2010’s. In his early years, this guy was an absolute fantasy machine, and Pats fans will expect him to revert back to his older self and cash double digit touchdowns this season. As for who will back up Zeke and Rhamondre, Ty Montgomery, Pierre Strong, and JJ Taylor will likely be the ones to pick up the slack.
What also needs to be noted is Zeke’s ability to block on pass plays. According to PFF, the Pats O-line was the league’s 11th best last year, and I think that that assessment is more than generous. The main reason why the Pats struggled on offense was the pass game, and while many are quick to blame Mac Jones, the real problems lied in the offensive line and the players who were paid to catch the ball. Over the offseason, New England was able to bring in JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mike Gesicki to bolster the receiver corps, but not much was done to change the O-line. Zeke not only gives the Pats a phenomenal run and check down option, but he also provides some much needed protection for Mac in the pocket.
I know it’s short, but that’s all for today folks. I fly back home on Wednesday, so expect a slightly longer article from me then, but we should be back in full force come Friday. I know that I am limping to the finish line here, but when football season starts it’ll feel like getting a hotdog at the turn of a golf course. Back nine, best nine. See you then.