Cowboys' Ezekiel Elliott on Week 1 critics: 'Maybe they should be studying a little bit more'

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Ezekiel Elliott doesn’t have time for criticism from those who don’t understand the game. 

Critics turned their attention to the two-time NFL leading rusher in the Dallas Cowboys' 31-29 Week 1 loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after he registered just 11 carries for 33 yards but Elliot says stats don’t necessarily translate to performance.

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"If you know football, then you can tell someone had a solid game without having the best statistics," Elliott said, via the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "I feel if you’re saying that, maybe they should be studying a little bit more."

The Cowboys' rushing game didn’t stand a chance against the Bucs' defensive line but Elliott said his role for last week was protection. 

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"I had a lot of blitz pickup."

​​"Every play I’m given a job," he said. "It’s my job to do that job to the best of its ability. I take a lot of pride in being well-rounded, do a lot of things, and I think it’s big for a running back to keep the quarterback safe, keep him untouched."

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Elliott certainly did that job well. Prescott went 42 of 58 for 403 yards and three touchdowns almost a year after suffering a devastating leg injury. 

The Cowboys are expected to ramp up their running game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday at 4:15 p.m. ET.