I'll give Dwyer the benefit of the doubt but let's please not compare him to Mendy, who, on his best day, was average. Hightower was a better back than anyone we have uninjured and that's not saying alot.
Ellington's advantage isn't just his versatility though--it was the fact that he can take it to the house on any given play. Dudes have to play disciplined football with Ellington back there, mind their gap responsibilities and not overpursue. Otherwise he will bust one all the way or for a huge gain. None of our other backs have that. If they cheat on our backups the worst than will happen is a 10 yard gain, at best. Most likely they'll kill our guys for losses, with the occasional gain. Ellington could destroy their pursuit with cutbacks and stutters, they had to stay honest. We just won't have that without him if he misses time.
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