It was a dismal season for the New England Patriots, with 13 losses, an odd decline of franchise quarterback Mac Jones and the end of Bill Belichick's legendary run among the low-lights.
What did work, sort of? Ezekiel Elliott as a workhorse in the backfield ... leading to the consideration of a reunion.
In New England, that is ... But probably not in Dallas, where Zeke once won his two NFL rushing titles.
The former Cowboys' running back being signed to a one-year contract at the end of preseason represents one of the few smart things Belichick did in this awful Patriots season. Playing against defenses that knew New England couldn't beat them through the air, Elliott managed 642 rushing yards and three touchdowns while playing in every game. He was good in short-yardage and goal-to-go situations and in all, he produced 955 yards and five touchdowns on 235 touches. ... oh, and his 51 catches led the team.
It can still be argued - and is, by many in Cowboys Nation - that Dallas should've found a way to retain him in 2023 as a helper for Tony Pollard. In fact, maybe that argument can still be made for 2024.
But it does seem like the Cowboys have turned the page here. Yes, we know all about the rumors that link Dallas to the likes of everyone from Saquon Barkley to Derrick Henry, and no, we aren't putting much stock in those.
More likely: A budget-friendly homecoming ... not for Zeke, but for Pollard, who is about to hit free agency in a running-back-flooded market. That, and the drafting of another runner, is what CowboysSI.com has been told is the most likely scenario.
Elliott will hit free agency, too, and it has been suggested to us that the Patriots have no great compulsion to do a deal to again give him a backup role to Rhamondre Stevenson.
But we bet Zeke eventually plays for somebody, and we bet he contributes, an opinion buoyed by this "secret'' stat: As part of a lousy New England offense that couldn't throw, block or score, almost half of Elliott's rushing yards (350) came after contact.
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