3 things you might’ve missed about Cowboys’ disaster final play
By Adam Weinrib
3. Ezekiel Elliott Sacrificing His Body for … What, Exactly?
By definition, the Cowboys’ final play was supposed to involve running back Ezekiel Elliott snapping the football to Prescott and standing as the only line of defense between the QB and the 49ers’ pass rush.
By definition, this play probably wasn’t supposed to feature Elliott getting steamrolled like a paper cup in a matter of seconds, leading to Prescott targeting KaVontae Turpin, who was smashed equally flat by the Niners’ defense.
But … by definition … what was it supposed to feature? According to the big pack of ineligible linemen throwing a small get-together downfield (illegally), this seems to have been a pretty run-of-the-mill pass play rather than a greased-up lateral.
Which means … Elliott was where he was why, exactly?
None of the linemen are eligible. The left side is creeping upfield (ineligible man downfield) while the right side isn't moving. So they weren't planning on throwing a screen. It was always just a throw over the middle. This was all to get one (1) more skill guy on the field? https://t.co/IXdvnVUpFs
— Justis Mosqueda (#13for12) 💎🤲 (@JuMosq) January 23, 2023
That’s Moore for you, though. Always thinking one step ahead. Always looking for the funniest possible way to disrespect a top-tier running back who’s given so much to the franchise.
Let’s say Elliott does a great job of blocking the bull rusher. What does Prescott do then? Spend an additional one second ruminating before firing a laser at Turpin anyway? Throwing a miraculous touchdown that eventually gets nullified because of the wandering linemen?
And then there’s Turpin, who was seemingly playing a different sport than everyone else.