Fansided

Each NFL team’s biggest reason to be excited in 2018

By Brad Berreman

BEREA, OH - JULY 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during a training camp practice on July 30, 2018 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
BEREA, OH - JULY 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during a training camp practice on July 30, 2018 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images /

Dallas Cowboys – A full season of Zeke

The prospect of a suspension for a domestic violence hung over Elliott and the Cowboys last year, and it finally came to fruition in Week 10 after he gave up the fight with the league office. The team went 3-3 over the six games Elliott missed, with a 6-4 record when he played.

By all indications, aside from recently being sued for his role in a car accident in 2017, Elliott is in a refreshed state of mind and in great physical condition after last year’s turmoil. After leading the league in rushing as a rookie in 2016, with 1,631 yards, and leading the league in carries (322), he averaged more carries per game last year (24.2 per game; 21.5 carries per game in 2016).

With question marks at wide receiver and tight end for Dallas, Elliott could easily be more involved in the passing game this year. He averaged over three targets per came over the last two seasons, which feels like not enough usage based on his career average of 10.9 yards per catch.

A fully focused Elliott, and the residual effect of his presence on quarterback Dak Prescott and entire  offense, opens up some realistic expectations for the Cowboys this year. Just knowing Elliott will be available for all 16 games, barring injury of course but without the cloud of a looming suspension, is a huge reason for optimism and excitement in Dallas.

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