After the exciting news broke on Monday that Ezekiel Elliott had signed a one-year contract with the New England Patriots, Rhamondre Stevenson took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to share his thoughts.
While Elliott may no longer be the All-Pro running back he once was, he has proven himself as an established veteran in the league. His experience and skill set make him an excellent choice as the Patriots' No. 2 running back, providing valuable depth behind Stevenson, who emerged as a standout player last season.
One of the biggest issues the Patriots faced last season was the lack of reliable depth behind their offensive Most Valuable Player (MVP). This problem persisted into the offseason, until the signing of Elliott. Prior to this acquisition, the running back depth chart consisted of Kevin Harris, Pierre Strong, Ty Montgomery, J.J. Taylor, and C.J. Marable. Unfortunately, both Strong and Montgomery are currently dealing with injuries, making the need for a dependable backup even more urgent.
Despite losing the starting job in Dallas to Tony Pollard last season, Elliott continued to showcase his effectiveness in pass protection and short-yardage rushing situations. Impressively, seven of his twelve rushing touchdowns came from one yard out. Additionally, Elliott maintained an average of over 50 receptions per season from 2018 through 2021. These stats highlight his versatility and ability to contribute in various aspects of the game.
With the addition of Elliott, the Patriots' backfield now boasts a potential powerhouse duo in him and Stevenson. If Elliott can tap into his full potential, this dynamic combination has the potential to become one of the most formidable tandems in the NFL.
Adding to the excitement surrounding this signing is the endorsement from former Patriots running back James White. His co-signing of the new addition further reinforces the belief that the Patriots have made a smart move in securing Elliott's services.
The Patriots' fan base and the football world at large eagerly anticipate the upcoming season, where they will witness the electrifying performances of Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott as they take on the challenges together in the backfield. The partnership between these two talented running backs has the potential to elevate the Patriots' offense and spark a renewed sense of optimism among the team's supporters.
