Although NFL teams have shifted to more pass-happy offensive schemes, the New England Patriots remain true to their identity as a run-first squad.
The Patriots under head coach Bill Belichick captured several Super Bowl titles using this philosophy and although they no longer have Tom Brady under center the formula for winning remains the same.
While the passing volume has definitely increased in recent years, the ground game is still an important piece of any offense as offensive coordinators must keep defenses guessing as much as possible.
For New England, they’ve got an excellent dual-threat running back in Rhamondre Stevenson who broke out in 2022 but found him some help when they signed Ezekiel Elliott in free agency.
Elliott was released by the Dallas Cowboys because he looked past his prime, but still had some moments of his former self.
The former Pro Bowler will have a chance to prove himself with the Patriots and supporters such as Sony Michel believe he’s still a top-7 running back in the league via the Up and Adams show.
Is zeke a top 7 NFL back? @Flyguy2stackz says YES pic.twitter.com/Y4Vv8SzCmf
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) August 21, 2023
Michel appears sincere in his belief that Elliott remains one of the best at his position, though most people will chalk this up to his Patriots bias.
While Elliott should still be effective as an early-down back, he doesn’t have the same burst or speed he used to have.
Injuries have played a part in that, but the fact of the matter remains that Elliott is no longer the superstar he once was.
Fortunately, New England doesn’t need that version of Elliott but rather a complementary piece in the running game.
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