Why Ezekiel Elliott Can Win NFL MVP His Rookie Season
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Ezekiel Elliott has a commanding lead put in front for Offensive Rookie of the Year and has been a vital part to 5-1 start for the Dallas Cowboys. After 6 games, Elliott has accounted for a league leading 703 yards (112 ypg), and 5 Tds. Which puts the young star on pace for 1792 yards in 2016. At this pace, it's no doubt he'd win Offensive Rookie Of the Year. But can he win NFL MVP in 2016? Let's look at why he has a chance to do so.
First, Elliott is way out in front of the 2nd leading running back in the NFL (Lesean Mccoy 587 yards through 6 games.) Elliott has also proven this past Sunday, that he is capable of putting up monster yardage versus great rush defenses.
So far this season, Elliot has faced the Giants who rank 12th vs the run at 96 ypg. Elliot recorded 51 yards in his debut that week. He then faced the Redskins (28th vs run/ 124ypg) and recorded 83 yards. Then the Bears (18th vs run /107ypg) and rushed for 140 yards, the 49ers (32nd vs run/174ypg) and accounted for 138 yards, the Bengals (19th vs run/ 108ypg) and accounted for 154 yards, and the Packers (3rd vs run/ 72ypg) and put up an astounding 154 yards.
So why do I think Elliot has a chance at not only getting to 1700+ rushing, but also win MVP? Just look at the rest of the schedule for the Dallas Cowboys:
Philadelphia(17th vs run/ 104 ypg)
Cleveland (26th vs run/ 118 ypg)
Pittsburgh (13th vs run/ 101 ypg)
Baltimore (2nd vs run/ 69 ypg)
Washington (28th vs run /124 ypg)
Minnesota (5th vs run/ 77 ypg)
New York Giants (12th vs run/ 96 ypg)
Tampa Bay (16th vs run/ 103 ypg)
Detroit (20th vs run/ 108 ypg)
Philadelphia (17th vs run/ 104 ypg)
Elliot only face 2 top 5 rushing defenses for the rest of the season (Baltimore and Minnesota). But Elliott's best performance was also vs the best rushing defense he's seen so far this season.
Also, Elliot wouldn't have to have big games vs these top 5 rush defenses in order to top 1700+ yards. If he rushes for the number of yards that each of team averages giving up per game, he'd account for another 1004 yards in the next 10 games. Which would put him at 1707 for the season. At this pace he would also add another 10 TDs or so, which would give him 15 on the season.
Expect big things to continue for the 1st round draft pick. And don't be surprised when the dust settles, if he's right in the middle of the discussion for NFL MVP later this season.
