As always, a new NFL season brings high expectations from Dallas Cowboys fans-especially the hope of finally winning another Super Bowl. The last time the team hoisted the Lombardi Trophy was on January 28, 1996, in Super Bowl XXX, when they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17. Since that win, the Cowboys haven’t returned to the big game-meaning it’s been nearly 30 years without a championship.
One glaring weakness last season was the run game. While CeeDee Lamb notched his third consecutive 100-catch season and kicker Brandon Aubrey made history with 14 field goals of 50 yards or more, the offense lacked balance.
This overreliance on the passing game led to predictable play-calling that often faltered late in games. The unit ranked 26th in EPA per rush, and the offense’s one-dimensional approach ultimately contributed to the Cowboys falling out of playoff contention-ushering in a new era under head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
No running attack
“They have no running attack-let’s just be real about it,” said NFL analyst Denny Carter recently on an NBC show, referring to the rotation of Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders, and rookie Jaydon Blue.
It’s not just Carter expressing doubt. Fellow analyst and panelist Kyle Dvorchak also chimed in with tempered expectations, saying, “What do they have this year? One of the worst backfields in the NFL.”
So far, Jerry Jones hasn’t done much to improve the ground game. The team let Rico Dowdle-their only 1,000-yard rusher in 2024-walk in free agency to the Panthers, along with Ezekiel Elliott, who had returned on a one-year deal.
In their place, Dallas signed Williams and Sanders, both of whom have struggled to recapture their earlier form. Williams earned a 64.6 PFF rushing grade over his last three seasons in Denver, while Sanders has been in steady decline since his peak in 2022.
In the draft, Dallas selected Jaydon Blue in the fifth round-a quick, elusive back with potential as a receiving threat. However, he’s not built for a heavy workload at the pro level and isn’t suited to handle the physical demands of running between the tackles.
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