3 Studs and 2 Duds from Patriots’ Week 3 Win Over Jets
By Tyler Maher
3. STUD: Ezekiel Elliott
It’s funny how quickly things can change in the NFL. One week you’re total dud, and then the next week you’re a total stud.
Elliott was looking like a massive bust heading into Week 3. New England’s new running back was a complete non-factor during the first two weeks of the season, managing just 42 rushing yards on 12 carries combined. The 28-year-old appeared washed up, and Patriots fans were already regretting his late-summer signing.
Well, that’s no longer the case after Week 3. Elliott turned back the clock with a vintage Zeke performance, rumbling for 80 yards on 16 carries.
Ezekiel Elliott had 80 rushing yards and 5.0 per carry today in his best game as a Patriot to date. Said next week’s return to Dallas will be “fun.” pic.twitter.com/Et11kTMiej
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) September 24, 2023
While he didn’t get into the end zone, Elliott registered 21 more rushing yards than lead back Rhamondre Stevenson on 3 fewer carries, asserting himself as a reliable option in the ground game for the first time this season.
Hopefully this is a sign of things to come for Elliott, especially if Stevenson continues to struggle with his efficiency. The Pats have a tough road game in Dallas next week against Elliott’s former team and will need a big revenge game from him if they want to pull off the upset.