Seattle Seahawks

Eric Dickerson laughs off Ezekiel Elliott breaking rookie rushing record: 'Good luck'

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:21 p.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

Few rookies are entering the 2016 season with higher expectations than Ezekiel Elliott. The fourth overall pick will be the Day 1 starter at running back for the Dallas Cowboys and figures to be a huge part of the team’s offense – particularly with Tony Romo on the shelf.

Elliott showed off his ability briefly in the preseason, lowering his shoulder into Kam Chancellor multiple times while gashing the Seahawks defense. His talent is undeniable, but will it be enough for him to make history? The rookie rushing record held by Eric Dickerson is a goal, but it’s not a priority.

“Honestly, yeah, that’s something I do want to accomplish, but it’s not a priority,” Elliott said of breaking Dickerson’s record, via ESPN. “What’s a priority is going out there and winning ballgames every week.”

That record, of course, stands at 1,808 rushing yards, which Dickerson set in 1983 with the Rams. Elliott is confident in his chances of breaking it, and even told Dickerson he’s coming for the mark. Dickerson, however, doesn’t think it’ll happen.

“He told me through his agent that he was going to break my record,” Dickerson said. “I just laughed and said, 'Good luck.' Many have said that; all have failed.

“I like the record because you get one shot at it and that’s it, because you’re a rookie one time. You don’t get three or four shots at that record. 'Oh, let me do it again.’ Nah.”

In order for Elliott to eclipse 1,808 yards, he’ll have to stay healthy for all 16 games and carry it at least 20 times per game. And even then, Elliott will need to average just shy of 6.0 yards per carry.

Is it possible? Sure. Is it probable? Not really. The Cowboys have to preserve Elliott and not wear him down in his rookie season, seeing as he’ll be the centerpiece of the offense post-Romo. He will have the league’s best offensive line to run behind, though.

If Dickerson were in Elliott’s shoes, he’d rush for 2,600 yards.

“When I look at that offensive line, man, if I had that offensive line I’d run for 2,600 yards,” Dickerson said, laughing. “I might not even need a quarterback. The holes are so gaping big, almost like when Emmitt [Smith] played.”

Elliott’s campaign for the rookie rushing record begins on Sunday against the New York Giants. Topping 100 yards in his debut would be a nice start, but with New York’s improved defensive line, don’t expect that to come easy.