The Dallas Cowboys had plenty of good things to come out of Sunday’s win over the New York Jets. But one of the most intriguing was the debut of running back Jaydon Blue.
A fifth-round pick out of Texas, Blue made his debut on Sunday after missing the first four games due to ankle and heel injuries suffered during the preseason. While he saw the field for the first time, he didn’t have much production, generating seven yards on four carries.
Still, fans are wishing that it leads to a bigger role for Blue, who racked up 1,098 yards from scrimmage and 14 total touchdowns during his final year with the Longhorns. But just as many envisioned a potential split in the backfield, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer sent a message to the Cowboys' rookie.
“Javonte [Williams is] the bellcow,” Schottenheimer said via ESPN’s Todd Archer. “He’s earned that.”
Jaydon Blue Will Have to Wait His Turn in the Cowboys Backfield
Schottenheimer’s comments may be disappointing, but they’re rooted in reality. Williams has been a successful offseason signing for the Cowboys, running for 447 yards and five touchdowns this season. In addition, Williams has been extremely efficient as a runner, averaging 5.7 yards per carry and a 62% success rate – defined by Pro Football Reference as the frequency a runner picks up 40% of yards needed on first down, 60% of yards needed on second down and 100% on third or fourth down – that ranks sixth among qualifying running backs.
It would be one thing if Williams wasn’t thriving in the lead role. But while Williams has earned the right to stay on the field, Cowboys fans are hoping they can find a way to keep him on it. Williams is currently on pace for 268 carries, which would blow past his previous career high of 217 set with the Denver Broncos in 2023. Williams also eclipsed 200 carries just twice during his career, making it seem like a safe strategy to mix someone else in.
So far, the Cowboys haven’t found that back. Miles Sanders has mixed in while averaging 5.9 yards per carry, but he has just 20 carries to Williams’s 79. Dak Prescott (12 carries) and KaVontae Turpin (six) are next on the list before Blue’s four carries put him ahead of another wide receiver, Ryan Flournoy (3).
If anything, Blue’s receiving ability, which saw him catch 42 passes for 368 yards and six touchdowns with the Longhorns last season, could be a path to get him on the field. But Williams has been adequate in that role with 17 catches for 78 yards and a touchdown this season.
Maybe a few big plays would convince Schottenheimer to get the rookie on the field. But for now, his comments mean that Blue will have to earn it if he wants to chip into Williams’s playing time.