Jason Garrett on Monday made note of “uncharacteristic” plays from Ezekiel Elliott where the running back showed a lack of effort on plays in Sunday’s loss to the Denver Broncos.
Elliott was criticized for giving up on a play after Dak Prescott threw an interception to Chris Harris with the Cowboys down 28-10 in the third quarter at Denver.
Ezekiel Elliott has decided to accept his suspension from Cowboys effective immediately after this interception pic.twitter.com/fCYOk6XoBD
— Mr. Beastly (@inbeastitrust) September 18, 2017
Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson was among the critics of Elliott, saying the Cowboys back “quit.”
While speaking with the media Monday, Garrett said he hadn’t yet talked with his running back, but said that kind of effort was not the way the Cowboys expect to play.
Here's Jason Garrett moments ago addressing Ezekiel Elliott's work ethic and lack of hustle on the two Prescott INTs. pic.twitter.com/Yt0cY6jLZ3
— FOX 4 Sports (@KDFWsports) September 18, 2017
“One of the things we preach to our team on both sides of the ball when there is a turnover, everybody is involved. If you’re an offensive player, become a defensive player on a fumble or an interception,” said Garrett.
“Zeke is one of the most natural competitors I’ve ever been around. He loves to play. He loves to practice. I think we’ve seen that through his first year playing. Those two plays were not indicative of the kind of competitor that he was and we have to get that addressed.”
Garrett mentioned how Urban Meyer praised Elliott coming out of college for being great even when the ball is not in his hands.
“Again, those plays were uncharacteristic of him,” Garrett continued. “We’ll certainly address it with him, but we have to address that with our entire team.
“That’s not the way we play.”
Elliott had just eight yards on nine carries in the game — by far his worst effort as a pro. Garrett was all over his guys after the blowout loss. He also threw Dak Prescott under the bus.
