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Ex-Buckeye RB Ezekiel Elliott Struggles In Debut With New England Patriots

Elliott averaged 4.1 yards per run and was credited with a fumble in New England's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Cole Thompson

Ex-Buckeye RB Ezekiel Elliott Struggles In Debut With New England Patriots
Ex-Buckeye RB Ezekiel Elliott Struggles In Debut With New England Patriots /
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Former Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott spent seven seasons as the bellcow back for the Dallas Cowboys. Now, he's hopeful to regain his dominant rushing traits as a member of the New England Patriots. 

Elliott finished with seven carries for 29 yards (4.1 yards per carry) in the Patriots' 25-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He also had five catches for 14 yards (2.8 yards per catch), with a lost fumble in the passing game.

A former All-Pro and four-time 1,000-yard rusher, Elliott, 28, was expected to be the change-of-pace for Bill O'Brien's offense behind fourth-year pro Rhamondre Stevenson. Entering Sunday’s debut with the AFC East, Elliott was knocked for just one fumble over his previous 532 touches. 

But in a cruel twist of fate, Elliott needed two touches in a new uniform to cough up the ball on a pass from third-year quarterback Mac Jones. The Eagles needed four plays before Jalen Hurts connected with DeVonta Smith for a 5-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 16. 

“It’s unacceptable,” Elliott said postgame. “You can’t give the ball back to the defense. You got the ball in your hands — it’s like you’ve got the whole fate of the team in your hands. So you just gotta fix that … That’s not acceptable. Putting the ball on the ground."

Despite the costly fumble, Elliott still factored into the Patriots' game plan in the second half. Jones, who threw an early pick-six to Darius Slay, rebounded with a 316-yard performance capped off with three touchdown passes. 

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Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

As a running back, Elliott did play a role in moving the chains. On his first carry, he broke free for an 11-yard gain up the middle, giving New England a fresh set of downs. He also picked up another first down on a 4-yard run in the second quarter. 

Last season, Elliott posted career lows in rushing yards (876), yards per play (3.8), receptions (17) and receiving yards (92). He was effective on short-yard gains, often being utilized in the red zone for an easy score. Seven of his 12 rushing touchdowns last season came from the 1-yard line. 

This offseason, Elliott agreed to terms on a one-year, $3 million deal with New England following his release from the Cowboys. Prior to the game, Elliott debuted a new chain, a reversible number that features the No. 21 on one side and the No. 15 on the other. 

Elliott wore No. 21 with the Cowboys and No. 15 at Ohio State. When the NFL allowed the expansion of numbers for position players, the three-time Pro Bowler elected to return to his roots as a tribute to his time in Columbus. 

The Patriots will look to pick up their first win with Elliott on the roster on Sunday night against AFC East rival Miami. 

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Cole Thompson
COLE THOMPSON

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