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The Dallas Cowboys are poised to revamp their rushing attack in 2025 under the guidance of new head coach Brian Schottenheimer. After a disappointing 2024 season where the team ranked 30th in yards per carry (4.0) and last in rushing touchdowns, the Cowboys have made significant changes to their running back room. By signing veteran free agents Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, and drafting rookies Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, Dallas has assembled a diverse group of backs that could form a formidable “3-headed monster” to power their ground game. This committee approach, leveraging the unique skill sets of Williams, Blue, and Mafah, may be the key to unlocking a dynamic and efficient rushing attack, reminiscent of Schottenheimer’s successful past offenses.
A Revamped Running Back Room
The Cowboys’ running game struggled mightily last season, with Rico Dowdle being the lone bright spot, amassing 1,079 yards on 235 carries. However, Dowdle’s departure to the Carolina Panthers in free agency left a void that Dallas was determined to fill. Instead of chasing a single workhorse back, the Cowboys opted for a multifaceted approach, bringing in a mix of experienced veterans and promising rookies to create a versatile and competitive backfield.
Javonte Williams: Signed to a one-year, $3 million deal, Williams brings a physical, three-down skill set. A former second-round pick by the Denver Broncos in 2021, he had a standout rookie season but has yet to fully recover from a 2022 knee injury. His ability to handle early-down work, excel in pass protection, and contribute as a receiver (52 receptions for 346 yards in 2024) makes him a strong candidate for the RB1 role. Schottenheimer values his high-character presence and intelligence, which align with the culture he’s building in Dallas.
Jaydon Blue: Selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Blue is an explosive speedster from the University of Texas. With a blazing 4.38 40-yard dash, he brings a home-run threat that the Cowboys lacked last season, ranking dead last in 20-plus-yard runs. Blue’s versatility as a runner and receiver (six receiving touchdowns in 2024, tops among FBS running backs) makes him a perfect fit for Schottenheimer’s vision of a dynamic, pass-catching back. Despite concerns about ball security and his smaller frame (5’9, 195 pounds), Blue is considered a steal and a potential starter by midseason.
Phil Mafah: Drafted in the seventh round from Clemson, Mafah is the thunder to Blue’s lightning. At 6’1 and 234 pounds, he’s a downhill bruiser who racked up 2,080 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns over the past two seasons. His physicality and contact balance make him ideal for short-yardage and goal-line situations, filling a role the Cowboys haven’t had since Ezekiel Elliott’s prime. Mafah’s pass protection skills and occasional receiving ability add further depth to his profile.
Schottenheimer’s Committee Approach
Brian Schottenheimer’s history as an offensive coordinator suggests he thrives with a committee approach to the running game. In 2009 with the New York Jets, his offense led the NFL in rushing yards, utilizing Thomas Jones (1,402 yards), Shonn Greene (540 yards), and Leon Washington (331 yards). Similarly, in 2018 with the Seattle Seahawks, Schottenheimer’s unit topped the league in rushing, with a balanced attack led by multiple backs. Both teams ranked in the top five in rushing efficiency, showcasing his ability to maximize diverse skill sets. The 2025 Cowboys, with Williams’ all-around game, Blue’s explosiveness, and Mafah’s power, seem tailor-made for this philosophy.
Schottenheimer has remained non-committal about naming a lead back, emphasizing competition during training camp. “It’s still too early,” he said. “I think what we definitely did was we improved the competition in that room.” This approach allows the Cowboys to leverage each back’s strengths: Williams for early downs and passing situations, Blue for big-play potential, and Mafah for short-yardage and goal-line work. The committee strategy also mitigates the risk of relying on a single back, especially given Williams’ injury history and the rookies’ unproven status at the NFL level.
Complementary Skill Sets
The strength of this potential 3-headed monster lies in the complementary nature of the trio’s abilities. Williams offers reliability and versatility, capable of handling a heavy workload while contributing in the passing game. Blue’s speed and receiving prowess add an explosive element, stretching defenses and creating opportunities for others, much like KaVontae Turpin’s role as a speedster in the receiving corps. Mafah’s physicality ensures the Cowboys can convert in critical short-yardage situations, an area of weakness in 2024. Together, they address the team’s previous shortcomings in big plays, short-yardage efficiency, and overall rushing production.
This approach mirrors the Cowboys’ successful 2009 season, when Marion Barber III, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice combined for a balanced and effective ground game. That year, Dallas made the playoffs, and Schottenheimer appears to be drawing on similar principles to rebuild the rushing attack. By rotating backs based on situational needs, the Cowboys can keep defenses guessing and maintain fresh legs throughout games.
Challenges and Competition
While the potential for a 3-headed monster is exciting, challenges remain. Williams must prove he can regain his pre-injury form, as his 3.7 yards per carry in 2024 raises questions about his effectiveness. Blue needs to address ball security concerns and adapt his smaller frame to the NFL’s physicality. Mafah, as a seventh-round pick, must demonstrate he can translate his college production to the professional level, particularly in pass protection and special teams to secure a roster spot.
Additionally, the presence of Miles Sanders and holdovers like Deuce Vaughn and Hunter Luepke complicates the roster battle. Sanders, another veteran signing, faces an uphill battle to make the roster, with some analysts suggesting he could be cut if outperformed by the rookies. Vaughn’s future is uncertain due to his lack of a defined role, while Luepke’s versatility as a fullback and special teams contributor gives him an edge. The competition will be fierce, and Schottenheimer’s ability to identify the right mix will be critical.
A New Energy in Dallas
Schottenheimer’s influence extends beyond scheme, as he’s instilled a renewed energy in the Cowboys’ locker room. Rookie Phil Mafah noted, “The coaches have so much energy on this staff. It allows the players to be themselves…We just feed off each other.” This culture, combined with a robust offensive line featuring first-round pick Tyler Booker, sets the stage for the running backs to succeed. If the line can improve on last season’s poor run-blocking performance, the trio of Williams, Blue, and Mafah could exploit the resulting lanes and punish defenses.
Outlook for 2025
The Cowboys’ running back room is undoubtedly deeper and more talented than in 2024, but its success hinges on Schottenheimer’s ability to harness the group’s potential. A 3-headed monster approach, leveraging Williams’ experience, Blue’s explosiveness, and Mafah’s power, could transform Dallas into a top-tier rushing team. While no single back may emerge as a traditional RB1, the collective impact of this trio could make the Cowboys’ ground game a force in 2025, setting the tone for a playoff push. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Oxnard to see how this intriguing backfield takes shape under Schottenheimer’s leadership.