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Ultimate Comparison: Ezekiel Elliott Vs. David Montgomery

Trends January 13, 2025

Ezekiel Elliott and David Montgomery: A Tale of Two Running Backs

Elliott was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He quickly became one of the most productive running backs in the league, rushing for over 1,600 yards in his rookie season. Elliott is a powerful runner with a great burst of speed. He is also a very good receiver out of the backfield.

Montgomery was drafted by the Chicago Bears with the 39th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He also quickly became a productive running back, rushing for over 1,000 yards in his rookie season. Montgomery is a shifty runner with great vision and balance. He is also a very good blocker.

So, which player is better? It's tough to say. Elliott is a more powerful runner, while Montgomery is a more shifty runner. Both players are very good receivers out of the backfield, and both players are very good blockers. Ultimately, it depends on what you're looking for in a running back.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Name	Position	Team	Draft	College
Ezekiel Elliott	Running back	Dallas Cowboys	2016, 4th overall	Ohio State
David Montgomery	Running back	Chicago Bears	2019, 39th overall	Iowa State

Main Article Topics

Comparison of Elliott and Montgomery's playing styles
Analysis of Elliott and Montgomery's stats
Projection of Elliott and Montgomery's future outlook

Ezekiel Elliott or David Montgomery

Rushing yards
Yards per carry
Touchdowns
Receptions
Receiving yards
Broken tackles
Offensive line
Team success

These aspects provide a comprehensive view of a running back's performance and contribution to their team. By analyzing these aspects, we can gain a deeper understanding of Elliott and Montgomery's strengths, weaknesses, and overall value.

1. Rushing Yards

Rushing yards are a key metric for evaluating running backs, as they measure the total distance gained by a running back on carries. For Ezekiel Elliott and David Montgomery, rushing yards are a crucial component of their contributions to their respective teams. Both players are known for their ability to accumulate yards on the ground, and they have both ranked among the league leaders in rushing yards in recent seasons.

Elliott, in particular, has been one of the most productive running backs in the NFL since entering the league in 2016. He has led the league in rushing yards twice in his career, and he has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first six seasons. Elliott is a powerful runner with a great burst of speed, and he is also very good at breaking tackles. He is able to gain yards in a variety of ways, and he is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

Montgomery, on the other hand, is a more shifty runner who relies on his vision and balance to gain yards. He is not as powerful as Elliott, but he is very good at finding holes in the defense and making defenders miss. Montgomery has also shown the ability to be a productive receiver out of the backfield, and he has averaged over 30 receptions per season in his career.

The ability of Elliott and Montgomery to gain rushing yards is essential to the success of their respective teams. Both players are key cogs in their offenses, and they are both capable of carrying the load and helping their teams win games.

2. Yards per carry

Yards per carry (YPC) is a key metric for evaluating running backs, as it measures the average distance gained by a running back on each carry. For Ezekiel Elliott and David Montgomery, YPC is a crucial component of their contributions to their respective teams. Both players are known for their ability to gain yards on the ground, and they both have ranked among the league leaders in YPC in recent seasons.

Efficiency
YPC is a measure of a running back's efficiency. A high YPC indicates that a running back is able to gain a lot of yards on a relatively small number of carries. This is important for teams because it allows them to control the clock and keep their offense on the field. Elliott and Montgomery are both very efficient runners, with YPC averages of over 4.5 yards per carry in their careers.
Explosiveness
YPC can also be a measure of a running back's explosiveness. A running back with a high YPC is able to break off long runs and gain yards in chunks. This is important for teams because it can help them to score points quickly and keep defenses honest. Elliott is a more explosive runner than Montgomery, with a career average of over 5.0 yards per carry.
Vision and Balance
YPC can also be a measure of a running back's vision and balance. A running back with a high YPC is able to find holes in the defense and make defenders miss. This is important for teams because it allows them to gain yards even when the blocking is not perfect. Montgomery is a very good runner with vision and balance, and he is able to gain yards even when he is not getting a lot of help from his offensive line.
Offensive Line
YPC can also be affected by the quality of a running back's offensive line. A running back with a good offensive line will have more opportunities to gain yards, and he will be less likely to be tackled for a loss. Elliott and Montgomery both have the benefit of playing behind very good offensive lines, which has helped them to achieve their high YPC averages.

YPC is a key metric for evaluating running backs, and it is an important component of Elliott and Montgomery's contributions to their respective teams. Both players are very efficient and explosive runners, and they both have the vision and balance to gain yards even when the blocking is not perfect. They are both key cogs in their offenses, and they are both capable of carrying the load and helping their teams win games.

3. Touchdowns

Touchdowns are a crucial aspect of football, and they are a key measure of a running back's success. Ezekiel Elliott and David Montgomery are two of the most talented running backs in the NFL today, and they have both scored a lot of touchdowns in their careers.

Total touchdowns
Elliott has scored more touchdowns than Montgomery in their careers, with 70 total touchdowns to Montgomery's 34. This is likely due to the fact that Elliott has been in the league for longer than Montgomery, and he has also been the featured back for the Dallas Cowboys for most of his career. Montgomery, on the other hand, has split carries with other running backs for much of his career.
Rushing touchdowns
Elliott has also scored more rushing touchdowns than Montgomery, with 64 rushing touchdowns to Montgomery's 29. This is again likely due to the fact that Elliott has been the featured back for his team for most of his career, and he has therefore had more opportunities to score rushing touchdowns.
Receiving touchdowns
Montgomery has scored more receiving touchdowns than Elliott, with 5 receiving touchdowns to Elliott's 6. This is likely due to the fact that Montgomery is a better receiver out of the backfield than Elliott. Montgomery is able to create separation from defenders and make difficult catches, and he is also very good at running routes and finding open space.
Playoff touchdowns
Elliott has scored more playoff touchdowns than Montgomery, with 6 playoff touchdowns to Montgomery's 1. This is likely due to the fact that Elliott has been to the playoffs more times than Montgomery. Elliott has also been the featured back for his team in the playoffs, and he has therefore had more opportunities to score touchdowns.

Touchdowns are a key measure of a running back's success, and Elliott and Montgomery have both been very successful in this area. Elliott has scored more touchdowns than Montgomery in his career, but Montgomery has scored more receiving touchdowns. Both players are valuable assets to their respective teams, and they are both capable of scoring touchdowns in a variety of ways.

4. Receptions

Receptions are an important aspect of the game of football, and they can be a valuable tool for running backs. Ezekiel Elliott and David Montgomery are two of the best running backs in the NFL, and they are both very good receivers out of the backfield. This gives them an added dimension to their game and makes them even more dangerous to opposing defenses.

There are a number of reasons why receptions are important for running backs. First, they can help running backs to gain yards and move the chains. This is especially important in short-yardage situations, when a running back needs to gain a few yards to convert a first down. Second, receptions can help running backs to score touchdowns. Running backs who are good receivers can be a threat to score every time they touch the ball, and they can be a valuable asset to their team's offense.

Elliott and Montgomery are both very good receivers out of the backfield. Elliott has averaged over 30 receptions per season in his career, and Montgomery has averaged over 20 receptions per season. Both players are able to create separation from defenders and make difficult catches, and they are also very good at running routes and finding open space. This makes them both valuable weapons for their respective teams, and it gives them an added dimension to their game.

In conclusion, receptions are an important aspect of the game of football, and they can be a valuable tool for running backs. Elliott and Montgomery are both very good receivers out of the backfield, and this gives them an added dimension to their game and makes them even more dangerous to opposing defenses.

5. Receiving yards

Receiving yards are a key metric for evaluating running backs, as they measure the total distance gained by a running back on receptions. For Ezekiel Elliott and David Montgomery, receiving yards are a crucial component of their contributions to their respective teams. Both players are known for their ability to gain yards on the ground, but they are also both very good receivers out of the backfield. This gives them an added dimension to their game and makes them even more dangerous to opposing defenses.

There are a number of reasons why receiving yards are important for running backs. First, they can help running backs to gain yards and move the chains. This is especially important in short-yardage situations, when a running back needs to gain a few yards to convert a first down. Second, receiving yards can help running backs to score touchdowns. Running backs who are good receivers can be a threat to score every time they touch the ball, and they can be a valuable asset to their team's offense.

In conclusion, receiving yards are an important aspect of the game of football, and they can be a valuable tool for running backs. Elliott and Montgomery are both very good receivers out of the backfield, and this gives them an added dimension to their game and makes them even more dangerous to opposing defenses.

6. Broken tackles

In the high-stakes world of American football, the ability to break tackles is a crucial skill for running backs. It allows them to evade defenders, gain extra yards, and extend plays. Ezekiel Elliott and David Montgomery are two of the most elusive running backs in the NFL today, and they both excel at breaking tackles.

Power and Strength
Both Elliott and Montgomery possess impressive strength and power, which they use to shed tacklers and gain extra yards. Elliott, in particular, is known for his ability to break tackles with his powerful stiff-arm.
Agility and Balance
Agility and balance are essential for running backs who want to break tackles. Elliott and Montgomery both have exceptional agility and balance, which allows them to change direction quickly and avoid being brought down by defenders.
Vision and Awareness
Good vision and awareness are also important for running backs who want to break tackles. Elliott and Montgomery both have excellent vision and awareness, which allows them to identify and exploit holes in the defense.
Experience and Instincts
Experience and instincts also play a role in a running back's ability to break tackles. Elliott and Montgomery are both experienced running backs with a knack for making the right moves at the right time.

The ability to break tackles is a key component of Elliott and Montgomery's success as running backs. It allows them to gain extra yards, extend plays, and score touchdowns. As a result, they are both valuable assets to their respective teams.

7. Offensive line

The offensive line is a crucial component of any successful running back's performance. They are responsible for creating holes in the defense for the running back to run through, and they also provide protection for the quarterback. Ezekiel Elliott and David Montgomery are two of the best running backs in the NFL, and they both have the benefit of playing behind very good offensive lines.

The Dallas Cowboys' offensive line is one of the best in the NFL. They are big, strong, and physical, and they are able to create running lanes for Elliott to run through. The Chicago Bears' offensive line is also very good. They are not as big or strong as the Cowboys' offensive line, but they are very athletic and they are able to create running lanes for Montgomery to run through.

The importance of a good offensive line cannot be overstated. A good offensive line can make a good running back great, and it can also make a great running back even better. Elliott and Montgomery are both great running backs, and they are both able to take advantage of the excellent offensive lines that they play behind. This gives them a significant advantage over other running backs in the NFL.

8. Team success

The success of a football team is often directly tied to the performance of its running backs. Ezekiel Elliott and David Montgomery are two of the best running backs in the NFL, and they have both played a major role in the success of their respective teams.

Rushing yards
Elliott and Montgomery are both workhorse running backs who can carry the load for their teams. They both have multiple seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards, and they are both capable of breaking off big runs. When these players are able to gain yards on the ground, it helps their teams control the clock and keep their defenses off the field.
Touchdowns
Elliott and Montgomery are both also very good at scoring touchdowns. Elliott has scored over 70 touchdowns in his career, and Montgomery has scored over 30. When these players are able to score touchdowns, it gives their teams a chance to win games.
Blocking
In addition to their rushing and scoring ability, Elliott and Montgomery are both also very good blockers. This is important because it helps their teams protect the quarterback and open up running lanes for other players. When these players are able to block well, it makes their teams more successful.
Leadership
Elliott and Montgomery are both also leaders on their respective teams. They are both respected by their teammates and coaches, and they both lead by example. This is important because it helps create a winning culture within the team.

Ezekiel Elliott and David Montgomery are two of the best running backs in the NFL, and they have both played a major role in the success of their respective teams. They are both talented players who are able to make a difference in all aspects of the game. When these players are on the field, their teams have a good chance of winning.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ezekiel Elliott and David Montgomery

Question 1:Who is more productive: Ezekiel Elliott or David Montgomery?

Answer:Both players are very productive running backs. Elliott has led the league in rushing yards twice in his career, while Montgomery has averaged over 1,000 rushing yards per season in his career.

Question 2:Who is more efficient: Ezekiel Elliott or David Montgomery?

Answer:Both players are very efficient runners. Elliott has a career YPC average of over 4.5 yards per carry, while Montgomery has a career YPC average of over 4.3 yards per carry.

Question 3:Who is more explosive: Ezekiel Elliott or David Montgomery?

Answer:Elliott is a more explosive runner than Montgomery. He has a career average of over 5.0 yards per carry, and he has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first six seasons.

Question 4:Who is better in the passing game: Ezekiel Elliott or David Montgomery?

Answer:Montgomery is a slightly better receiver out of the backfield than Elliott. He has averaged over 30 receptions per season in his career, while Elliott has averaged over 20 receptions per season.

Question 5:Who has been more successful in the playoffs: Ezekiel Elliott or David Montgomery?

Answer:Elliott has been more successful in the playoffs than Montgomery. He has rushed for over 100 yards in each of his playoff games, and he has scored 6 playoff touchdowns. Montgomery has only played in one playoff game, and he rushed for 22 yards.

Summary: Ezekiel Elliott and David Montgomery are both very talented running backs. Elliott is a more powerful runner, while Montgomery is a more shifty runner. Both players are very good receivers out of the backfield, and both players are very good blockers. Ultimately, it depends on what you're looking for in a running back.

Transition to the next article section: In the next section, we will take a closer look at the individual strengths and weaknesses of Ezekiel Elliott and David Montgomery.

Conclusion

Ezekiel Elliott and David Montgomery are two of the most talented running backs in the NFL today. Both players have been named to the Pro Bowl multiple times, and both have rushed for over 1,000 yards in a season. While Elliott is a more powerful runner, Montgomery is a more shifty runner. Both players are very good receivers out of the backfield, and both players are very good blockers. Ultimately, it depends on what you're looking for in a running back.

If you're looking for a powerful runner who can break tackles and gain tough yards, then Elliott is your guy. If you're looking for a shifty runner who can make defenders miss and gain yards in space, then Montgomery is your guy. Both players are valuable assets to their respective teams, and both players have the potential to be one of the best running backs in the NFL.

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