Javonte Williams makes an explosive start with Cowboys
Javonte Williams has quickly established himself as a standout player in the early stages of his Dallas Cowboys career. This offseason, the Cowboys brought in several running backs to bolster their backfield, but Williams has clearly emerged as the frontrunner, leaving his competitors in his wake.
Historic Touchdowns
In just two games, Williams has already notched three rushing touchdowns, making a mark that hasn’t been seen since Marion Barber accomplished the same feat in 2008. This statistic underscores the significance of Williams’ performance, as it marks the first time in fifteen years that a Cowboys player has achieved this level of success so early in the season.
The Cowboys as a team have recorded a total of four rushing touchdowns thus far, with Miles Sanders contributing the other score. This uptick is notable, especially given that the Cowboys managed only six rushing touchdowns throughout the entirety of last season.
As ESPN’s Todd Archer pointed out, “That might not sound impressive to some folks, but the Cowboys had just six rushing touchdowns last season. Six. Javonte Williams has three, the most by a Dallas running back through two games since Marion Barber in 2008.”
Strategic Changes in the Offense
The shift in the Cowboys’ offensive strategy has played a pivotal role in their rushing success. New offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, who previously designed Arizona’s run game, has implemented changes that have allowed the Cowboys’ offensive linemen to be more mobile. Last season, the Cardinals managed 18 rushing touchdowns, showcasing the potential for an effective ground game.
Good red zone teams are adept at driving the ball into the end zone, and if the Cowboys can establish a consistent threat on the ground within the opponents’ 20, it will create additional space for Dak Prescott and his receiving corps.
Resilience Amid Challenges
Despite a loss in their season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, Williams showcased his talent and determination. The Cowboys rebounded with a dramatic overtime victory against the New York Giants in Week 2, further solidifying Williams’ role as a key contributor to the team’s success.
Notably, the Cowboys have yet to see rookie running back Jaydon Blue, a speedy talent from Texas, active on game day. Thus far, Williams has shouldered the majority of the workload, proving his capability to lead the backfield.
Future Outlook
As the season unfolds, the Cowboys will rely heavily on their running game to maintain its integral role within the offense. Williams’ early performances not only highlight his personal potential but also signal a shift in the Cowboys’ rushing attack, potentially leading to a more balanced and effective offensive strategy moving forward.
