Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott says he wants the ball more in the red zone

Thomas Lott

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Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott says he wants the ball more in the red zone image

Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott wants the ball more when his team gets close to the goal line.

Dallas has had the ball in the red zone eight times in its last three games. The team has scored on five of those possessions but put it in the end zone just twice. It has turned the ball over as much as it has scored touchdowns.

Elliott said he doesn't know the exact reason why the Cowboys have had trouble in that area of the field, but he has an idea.

“I’m not 100 percent sure," he said, via the Dallas Morning News. "I think it’s just a lot of it comes down to, when we get down there, it’s executing, going out there and not missing opportunities and taking advantage of the opportunities we’re given.”

When asked if he wants more chances near the goal line he was direct.

"You know it," he said.

Elliott has carried the ball 20 times or more seven times this season. He has rushed for more than 100 yards five times in those games. It might not be a coincidence Dallas is 5-0 in those games. When he carries the ball less than 20 times the Cowboys are 2-5.

But in the Cowboys' last three games, where they have struggled in the red zone, Elliott has carried the ball eight times for 11 yards inside the 20. He has also caught three passes for 23 yards and a touchdown.

In a loss to the Colts on Sunday, he touched the ball once in the red zone, which resulted in a fumble. He also rushed the ball less than 20 times and for less than 100 yards. The Cowboys don't know exactly what's wrong, but they do know they have to fix it.

“I’m not sure. That’s a good question," wide receiver Amari Cooper said, via the Morning News. "Obviously it comes down to execution. We aren’t doing something right. But I can’t really put my finger on it.”

Dallas plays the Buccaneers on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.

 

Thomas Lott