Fansided

5 ways Ezekiel Elliott can earn his contract

By Kevin Martuscello

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Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jarrett Grace (59) misses a tackle on Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) during the first half in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jarrett Grace (59) misses a tackle on Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) during the first half in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

4. 1,000-Yard Rusher

For a running back in the NFL, the 1,000-yard plateau is the unofficial mark of a successful season. During the 2015-16 season, only seven backs in the entire league eclipsed 1,000 yards, including Dallas’s very own Darren McFadden.

After toiling in mediocrity as an Oakland Raider for several years and not producing a 1,000-yard season since 2010, the 28-year-old McFadden turned back the clock, rushing for 1,089 yards in his first year in “Big D”. While the former Arkansas Razorback star deserves some of the credit, the Cowboys’ decision to pick Elliott in the first round makes it clear they think McFadden’s break-out performance was mainly due to the talent level of the offensive line.

An offensive line that boasts Pro Bowlers such as Travis Fredrick, Tyron Smith and Zack Martin, and the developing La’el Collins is arguably the best unit in the league. Due to perceived strength of the “big uglies” up front, everyone with the organization fully expects to plug in Elliott behind that line and watch him rack up the yardage.

After what McFadden was able to accomplish as a running back past his prime, Elliott seemingly has no excuse to not constantly produce over 1,000 rushing yards for the duration of his rookie deal.

Next: 3. Three-Down Back

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