Cowboys' veteran wants to change a certain narrative
For the first time in a decade and a half, the Dallas Cowboys have clinched a playoff berth for the second consecutive season. However, just making the postseason isn't enough, especially when it comes to the Cowboys. One veteran, in particular, is taking that logic to heart. Running back Ezekiel Elliott, one of the Cowboys' […]
For the first time in a decade and a half, the Dallas Cowboys have clinched a playoff berth for the second consecutive season. However, just making the postseason isn't enough, especially when it comes to the Cowboys.
One veteran, in particular, is taking that logic to heart. Running back Ezekiel Elliott, one of the Cowboys' unquestioned leaders, isn't just satisfied with making the playoffs, he wants the silver trophy.
“I love making the playoffs, but I’m looking to make a run," said Elliott on Wednesday. "I’ve made the playoffs before, I’m looking to make a run.”
It's not that the Cowboys haven't had teams that could have made some noise in the postseason during Elliott's career. In 2016, 2018, and 2021 the Cowboys won double-digit games and claimed the NFC East crown. But, the Cowboys only managed one playoff victory during that time, not exactly the standard for a team with five Super Bowl titles.
Another factor in this, even though Elliott didn't mention it, is where he is in his career. Elliott is in his seventh season, and in the NFL, chances to make a run in the playoffs aren't guaranteed every season, and the Cowboys have been proof of that over the years.
Out of all the Cowboys teams Elliott had been a part of, the 2022 version is the best yet, so it's not surprising that his desire to win it all is at an all-time high. Elliott has rushing titles, Pro Bowl, and All-Pro honors already on his resume. The only thing left for Elliott is winning a championship, and that task won't get any easier, so every opportunity wasted hits harder than the previous.
Hopefully, the other players that have been around for a while share Elliott's desire. This will in turn rub off on the younger players, and change the narrative that the Cowboys can't get it done in the postseason, which has been around since the 90s.
Feature image via Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
