The Dallas Cowboys' 1-2 start to the season has fans understandably frustrated with the defense imploding and familiar turnover issues haunting quarterback Dak Prescott. At the same time, there have been a handful of bright spots in the first weeks of the season, including running back Javonte Williams.
The ex-Denver Broncos RB has breathed life into the Dallas rushing attack, leaving every reason to believe that better days are ahead for the offense.
Cowboys RB Javonte Williams Deserves More Praise for Hot Start
Williams has totaled 227 yards and three touchdowns on 43 carries to begin his Cowboys tenure, also adding 59 receiving yards on 13 catches. His career-high 5.3 yards per carry gives Dallas a chance for a balanced attack, which is an exciting development after last year's backfield woes. That's why Williams' only averaging 14.3 carries per game has left the fan base confused.
The biggest reason that the veteran RB hasn't been getting his due attention is because of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. The Cowboys' defense has been scorched consistently throughout September, allowing 30.7 PPG (27th). Even factoring in the loss of Micah Parsons, the unit was never expected to be this bad.
Giving up 68 points in the last two weeks of the season does make it understandably difficult to appreciate Williams' production. Still, the ex-Bronco deserves credit for what an impressive turnaround it has been.
Williams went from being an offseason afterthought to a legitimate offensive contributor, whose success could help keep the Cowboys in the NFC Wild Card race. He's one of the few reasons why Dallas' season hasn't been a complete disaster so far, and America's Team needs him to do more of the same going forward.
Williams is on a one-year, $3 million deal that has been an incredible bargain in the first weeks of the season. If this level of play continues, it will be interesting to see how Dallas navigates retaining a player at a position where they have refused to spend a lot of money (Ex. Tony Pollard). Only time will tell if he'll become a backfield mainstay or a one-season wonder in the Lone Star State
Regardless, Williams' early success deserves more appreciation as the Cowboys turn their attention to the Green Bay Packers and the return of Micah Parsons in an important Week 4 showdown.