Ezekiel Elliott puts an end to major talking point about playing for the Patriots

Since the Patriots were forced into a rebuild after Tom Brady chose to leave the team over three years ago, the media and fans have spent much of their time spreading negativity, more than usual, about New England and how it must be to play there.

Because many players over the years specifically wanted to play with Brady during the dynasty, one of the biggest talking points has become that nobody wants to sign there now that the quarterback is gone. Other than labeling it "not a fun place to be," many in the media and fans around the league believe it has deterred free agents even more since the Patriots are not on a trajectory to a championship.

Since their pursuit of DeAndre Hopkins was widely reported, when the wide receiver chose to sign with the Titans, it became another example for naysayers to use against the Patriots. But now that one of the top remaining free agents has chosen to sign with New England, much of that conversation can be put to rest.

While speaking to the media for the first time after practice on Wednesday, Ezekiel Elliott spoke about already enjoying his time with his new team, praising the atmosphere and the program as what he likes the most so far.

He also spoke one-on-one with Patriots' host Tamara Brown, where he talked about how he was feeling since getting back on the field for the first time this summer and how well he was getting along with the team so far.

He mentioned the reason he signed with the team, primarily their purposeful inclusion of running backs, and praised Mac Jones' attitude, which has stood out to him since arriving in Foxboro.

Elliott has made it clear that he likes his new home and has made an impression on the field already, especially during Wednesday's practice. Despite many outside New England suggesting that he is a "washed up" running back, he hasn't performed that way.

On top of that, his responses about his time so far and the fact he's barely been pictured not smiling, Elliott is another player who has dispelled the rumors created by those still angry over the Patriots' success and continue to pray for their downfall.

With just one preseason game left, it will be interesting to see if we finally get our first look at Elliott working real snaps in a game. Because the Patriots starters participated in the final game of the preseason last year, it's fair to assume that will happen again. Hopefully, it does because many fans are looking forward to seeing the top-tier backfield duo of Elliott and Stevenson take off.