The Carolina Panthers defense has Ezekiel Elliott in their sights
The Carolina Panthers plan to do their best to stop him.
The Carolina Panthers defense may have a tall task ahead of them. It is one they can manage, but nevertheless it will be a difficult one. One of their major goals in the opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday is stopping offensive catalyst Ezekiel Elliott.
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In speaking with the media on Thursday, defensive coordinator Eric Washington was able to give some insight as to how that may be done. Again, it is easier said than done.
"“When you watch him operate. … It takes two or three players to get him down. Those things start to add up, they start to accumulate. So we’ve gotta make sure that we tackle by committee, we do a great job with our gap integrity, and we force the ball sideways so we can rally guys to the point of attack.”"
In addition to the types of plays Elliott can amass on the ground, he is also a major part of their passing game. Washington recognizes that.
"“Ezekiel Elliott is as much a part of the passing game in some respects, in terms of being targeted, as some of the wide receivers and slot receivers. We feel good about our matchup and most importantly our plan against them.”"
It is truly amazing how much Prescott relies on Elliott. Although there is no denying the amount of success Prescott has had over the years, I would argue that it is largely due to the running back. Whether it’s running the ball through the trenches or catching the ball on a screen pass, it seems as though Elliott always has a hand in what the Cowboys do on offense. If anything, that is a reflection on how good Elliott is. He is the type of player that you can build a team around.
As a Carolina Panthers fan, I would be okay if stopping Elliott meant forcing Prescott to make throws down the field. He struggles with his accuracy at times, and if the Carolina Panthers defense can get enough pressure on him, he may panic in the pocket. That is what I have noticed about him: He uses Elliott as a checkdown read when he feels pressured. It is almost like watching a deer in the headlights. If they can stop Elliott, that would eliminate Prescott’s initial read at times.
Next. What to expect from Cowboys. dark
Again, it is easier said than done. It can be done, it is just going to take some work. In that case, you better believe the Carolina Panthers are going to be ready.