FRISCO, Texas – Before the pandemic, there were some things that were pretty consistent when it came to Ezekiel Elliott.
Every Wednesday, when the media was allowed into the locker room, Zeke stood by his locker, ready to speak to reporters at his weekly press session.
And after games, while other players prefer to shower and get dressed before speaking to the media, there was Zeke, usually still in uniform, ready to speak and give his opinion on the previous game: win or lose.
That’s what we’re used to seeing from Zeke. So far in 2021, that hasn’t been the case, as Elliott hasn’t spoken to reporters during OTAs or minicamps.
But what could be described as a quiet offseason for Zeke in relation to the media definitely has nothing to do with his work in the field. And his teammates and coaches have certainly noticed.
“Zeke looks really good,” Dak Prescott said of Elliott, who came into the league with him in 2016. “He’s in the best shape of his life – he looks fast. Everyone has seen the videos of him working hard. Independent with his running coach. His cuts and how explosive he is. “
Dak even went so far as to call Elliott the best in the NFL, when he’s 100 percent healthy.
“I’m excited to have a full year with him again and that he’s healthy for the entire season,” said Dak. “When Zeke is healthy and Zeke does his thing, he’s the best running back in the league. It’s exciting to see him in the best shape of his life, or [al menos la] best shape he’s been in the NFL. That will be special for us in the future. “
Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore was also impressed.
“I think it looks very, very good,” Moore said. “Just fast, accurate. In and out of things. It looks great and we’re excited.”
Last year, Zeke had his career-low rushing yards with 979 and a total of eight touchdowns. And it got to the point where many of his critics began to wonder if teammate Tony Pollard, a shorter but faster running back, should take more carries.
Pollard is expected to have a more unique role this year that includes him as a slot receiver. But when asked about Zeke, even Pollard seems excited to play alongside what appears to be a more focused teammate.
“He’s definitely been focused,” Pollard said. “I can say he took the right step forward this offseason, putting his body right and being fit. He and I worked together this offseason. We are both focused on this offseason, getting ready.”
In focus. Fast. Precise. Clever.
Zeke might not be saying anything at all. But his teammates seem to like what they see.
