Ezekiel Elliott, the former two-time NFL leading rusher, had options as a free agent, but he ultimately decided to sign with the New England Patriots in the toughest division in football.
One of the biggest questions since his arrival has been what drew him to New England in the first place, aside from the team being interested in him. The answer isn’t as complicated as some might think.
“Just the importance of the back in this offense,” Elliott told Patriots reporter Tamara Brown in a one-on-one interview. “I think this is definitely a team that wants to run the ball and wants to be balanced.”
Zeke is finally in Foxboro.
1-on-1 with @EzekielElliott. pic.twitter.com/XxKyWVH9b2
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 23, 2023
This is a prove-it year for Elliott, who signed with the Patriots on a one-year deal. He was obviously looking for a team that would give him the best opportunity to prove it through on-field reps.
New England is a great option considering their heavy usage of running backs in recent years. Rhamondre Stevenson got 210 carries last season in an offense that also had Damien Harris. So there’s little concern of Elliott going hungry in the offensive backfield.
The team will also find ways to utilize him in the passing attack, given his versatility as a playmaker. He can be the hammer on the ground or the mismatch in coverage.
The Patriots will ensure that he gets to be both in 2023.
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