Ezekiel Elliott has heard the doubters. He’s seen the whispers on social media and the articles questioning whether he’s still the same dynamic running back he was earlier in his career. But after a dominant performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night, Elliott is here to say one thing: “I’m still here. I’m still got it.”
Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 152 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries in the Patriots’ 28-21 win over the Steelers. He looked like the Ezekiel Elliott of old, churning out tough yards between the tackles and breaking off a couple of explosive runs. His performance was a major factor in the Patriots’ victory, and it served as a reminder of why he was once considered one of the best running backs in the NFL.
“I feel good,” Ezekiel Elliott said after the game. “I feel really good. I’m glad I’m able to show you guys I’ve still got it.”
Ezekiel Elliott’s performance was especially impressive considering that he came into the game with a lot of questions surrounding him. He had averaged just 3.9 yards per carry in his first five games with the Patriots, and some were starting to wonder if his best days were behind him.
But Ezekiel Elliott silenced those doubters with his performance against the Steelers. He showed that he still has the burst and power to be a productive running back in the NFL.
“Zeke ran hard tonight,” said Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. “He was a real workhorse for us. He got us some tough yards and he made some big plays when we needed them.”
Ezekiel Elliott’s teammates were also impressed with his performance.
“Zeke was a beast tonight,” said Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe. “He was running all over the place. He’s a big part of our offense, and I’m glad he’s back to playing like himself.”
Ezekiel Elliott’s performance was a much-needed boost for the Patriots’ offense. They had struggled to run the ball in recent weeks, but Elliott’s performance showed that they can still be a threat on the ground.
“It’s always good to have a running game,” said Zappe. “It takes pressure off the passing game and it allows us to control the clock. Zeke is a great runner, and I’m excited to see what he can do for us the rest of the season.”
Ezekiel Elliott’s performance was also a reminder of what he means to the Patriots organization. He is one of the most popular players on the team, and his return to form has given the fans something to cheer about.
“Zeke is a special player,” said Belichick. “He’s a leader on this team, and he’s a guy that we rely on. I’m glad he’s back to playing like himself.”
Ezekiel Elliott’s future with the Patriots is uncertain. He is signed through the end of the 2024 season, but there have been rumors that the team could trade him before then.
But for now, Elliott is focused on helping the Patriots win games. He is determined to prove that he can still be a productive running back in the NFL.
“I’m not worried about the future,” Ezekiel Elliott said. “I’m just focused on taking it one game at a time. I’m still got a lot of football left in me.”
If Ezekiel Elliott can continue to play like he did against the Steelers, he will be a valuable asset for the Patriots for years to come. He is a talented player who is still just 27 years old. He has the potential to be one of the best running backs in the NFL for many years to come.
The takeaway
Ezekiel Elliott’s performance against the Steelers was a reminder of why he was once considered one of the best running backs in the NFL. He is still a talented player who can be a major contributor to a team’s offense. If he can continue to play at a high level, he will be a valuable asset for the Patriots for years to come.
