It took young Cowboys player one week of OTAs to completely change the narrative surrounding him
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer provided a glowing review of a young running back that really struggled to get on the field last year. And it’s a game changer for the offense.
One word plagued the rookie season of Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue last year: consistency.
By itself, it’s a positive word. But the context for Blue wasn’t in 2025. That’s because Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer consistently used it to explain o the media why Blue wasn’t playing. Even as a late-round pick, Blue appeared to be in line for a RB2 role behind Javonte Williams before spending most of the season as a healthy scratch.
But now, with Week 2 of Cowboys OTAs kicking off, things are already changing.
Brian Schottenheimer praises Jaydon Blue’s work
Talking to reporters on Tuesday, Schottenheimer had an early glowing review when asked about Blue.
“I think he’s doing great,” Schottenheimer said. “He came back with a different look than what he had his rookie year. I think most rookies have to figure it out.”
It’s a simple comment, but an important one given Blue’s struggles to even make the gameday roster in 2025. ESPN’s Todd Archer reported earlier in the year that Blue’s playing time was a result of maturity and trust issues.
“He and I had a very candid conversation at the exit interviews, and we just put it all out there, put all the cards on the table,” Schottenheimer added. “He didn’t like being inactive, and I was very honest with my opinion of why he was inactive.”
Per Schottenheimer, that conversation paid off.
“We had some really great conversations, and he took that, ingested it, took it in, and came back with a great look on his face, a great work ethic, and an intelligence level that is off the charts,” the Cowboys head coach said. “The guy is football brilliant. He really is.”
“I would say it’s night and day from where he was last year.”
Blue can be a ‘huge’ part of Cowboys offense
If Blue can parlay a strong start into a good, full offseason and preseason, there is an obvious role waiting for him in Schottenheimer’s offense. While Javonte Williams is the better overall runner and a true workhorse, he lacks something Blue has: speed and acceleration.
“Obviously you see (Blue’s) speed and explosiveness,” Schottenheimer said. “He’s going to be a huge part of what we want to do, but he’s got to continue to do his part, which he’s doing great right now.”
Blue could be a game changer for Dallas. Though Williams kept the Cowboys on pace by avoiding negative plays, the explosives lacked. Sure, the Cowboys ranked sixth in EPA/attempt and fourth in success rate. But their explosive rate was 27th in the NFL, per Sports Info Solutions.
Javonte Williams’ breakaway percentage (15+ yard gain) was 22nd in the NFL among qualifying running backs, per PFF. The hope with Blue should be raising the amount of triples and home runs while Williams keeps dominating with singles and doubles.
That’s for the Cowboys to worry about later. For now, Blue must stay on track in the offseason.