It's been years since the Dallas Cowboys could get anything going on the ground. Ever since Ezekiel Elliott's play started to decline, America's Team has failed to find a true workhorse running back and deploy an efficient running game.
That was one of Brian Schottenheimer's points of emphasis when he got the head coaching position. He recruited former Arizona Cardinals offensive line coach Klayton Adams, bolstered the offensive line, and pushed to get more reinforcements at the position.
That's why, after just a couple of games with the Cowboys, it already seems like Javonte Williams is an early candidate to be one of the biggest bargains of the offseason. The sample size is small, but he's looking like a stud, and Dallas fans couldn't be happier.
Javonte Williams is Fixing The Cowboys' Running Game
The Cowboys averaged the third-fewest rushing yards per attempt last season (4.0). Fast forward to today, and they average the sixth-most at 5.1 yards per carry. Of course, scheming and blocking also have to do with that, but Williams is making the most of every ounce of space he gets.
The former Denver Broncos running back is averaging 75.5 rushing yards per game and 4.6 yards per attempt. He has 151 rushing yards on 33 carries, and he ranks near the top of the league in several advanced, rushing-related stats. On top of that, he's also made an impact as a pass-catcher, hauling in 20 receiving yards.
His versatility has been a welcome addition to this once-stagnant offense, and while he does have a couple of goal-line carries, one of his three rushing touchdowns (which is one more than what Rico Dowdle had in 16 games last season) came with a 30-yard explosion.
There were some doubts about whether rookie Jaydon Blue would ultimately take his spot as the lead back, but he's been inactive for the first two weeks of the season, all while Williams looks like a rising star.
The Cowboys rolled the dice when they signed Williams to a one-year, $3 million contract that can be worth up to $3.5 million, based on incentives.. The former second-round pick got off to a promising start to his career, but a torn ACL and LCL in his second season stalled his development.
If Williams keeps this up, he will be looking at a massive raise in his next contract.