The Dallas Cowboys are charging into the 2025 NFL season with a revamped ground game designed to dominate and complement other facets of the offense.
Under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, the Cowboys have assembled a dynamic trio of running backs poised to revitalize the offense and deliver consistent production.
Veterans Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams, along with rookie Jaydon Blue, will aim to balance the offense with their distinct skill sets.
Miles Sanders: The Reliable Playmaker
Miles Sanders, formerly of the Eagles and Panthers, brings veteran savvy and dual-threat versatility to the Cowboys.
As the projected starter, Sanders is expected to shoulder a significant portion of the workload and serve as a stabilizing presence for the offense.
2025 Projected Stats:
- 180 carries, 780 rushing yards, 6 rushing TDs
- 42 receptions, 320 receiving yards, 2 receiving TDs
With Schottenheimer’s balanced scheme, Sander is in prime position to return to his Pro Bowl form.
His vision, patience, and pass-catching ability make him the go-to back in two-minute and third-down situations.
Miles Sanders had this to say about joining the Cowboys,
“This is a fit for me, and I like what coach [Brian Schottenheimer] is doing, as far as identity. I came from stuff like that.
“I’m just ready to ball out and contribute to the team.”
Javonte Williams: The Power Back
Newly signed Javonte Williams offers toughness and grit between the tackles.
After overcoming injuries and finding his form under Sean Payton in Denver, Williams now brings his bruising style to Dallas.
He’s set to be a key figure in short-yardage and red-zone packages.
2025 Projected Stats:
- 150 carries, 690 rushing yards, 7 rushing TDs
- 20 receptions, 150 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD
Williams’ ability to wear down defenses complements Sanders perfectly, creating a thunder-and-lightning backfield that keeps defenses on their heels.
Javonte Williams said this about coming to Dallas,
“The sky’s the limit — I’ve been watching Miles since he was at Penn State, and then with the Eagles and a little with Carolina,” Williams said. “I’ve always respected his game, and I’m ready to get in here and compete with him, and grind.”
Jaydon Blue: The Breakout Rookie
The wild card in the backfield is Jaydon Blue, a fifth-round rookie from Texas with blazing speed and impressive hands.
Though he’ll begin the season in a change-of-pace role, Blue has the potential to evolve into a game-breaking weapon.
2025 Projected Stats:
- 75 carries, 380 rushing yards, 3 rushing TDs
- 25 receptions, 240 receiving yards, 2 receiving TDs
Expect the Cowboys to get creative with Blue in motion sets, screen plays, and outside runs.
His college tape shows a player who can score from anywhere on the field.
Jaydon Blue said this about playing in his home state,
“This means a lot, it still feels surreal to this moment,” Blue said. “I’ve always wanted to play in my home state, and for the Cowboys, especially America’s Team to be able to come draft me, it means a lot to me.”
A Balanced and Dangerous Trio
The Cowboys’ running back room in 2025 has something for every situation: a dependable lead back (Sanders), a physical finisher (Williams), and a versatile rookie with explosive upside (Blue).
Combined, they’re projected to total over 1,800 rushing yards and 18 total touchdowns—a significant upgrade over previous years.
With a new identity taking shape under Schottenheimer and the talent to execute it, this backfield isn’t just functional—it’s built to thrive.
Have you even watched Miles Sanders the last two seasons?
The last couple of years have been tough, plagued by injuries and a struggling offensive line. However, if we can secure a solid o-line and enjoy a season free from injuries, I truly believe Sanders can reclaim his impressive Eagles stats. You’re spot on, though; his performance over the past two years has been disappointing. But there’s still hope for a comeback!
Chuba Hubbard didn’t have a problem taking the job from Sanders and having a really good season behind that same offensive line Sanders couldn’t do anything behind!! That’s why nobody else thinks he’ll even make the team!! But like I said above, I guess we’ll have to wait and see!!
I don’t think Miles Sanders is even gonna make the 53 man roster, let alone be the starter!! But if he does end up on the roster, I doubt very much he’ll be the starter!! I think Javonte Williams will be the starter!! And the front office thinks that too…. That’s obvious by the contracts that was given to both of them!! Williams signed for double of what Sanders signed for!! And then there’s the fact that Dallas likes to keep all of their draft picks on the roster for at least a year or 2, which means Phil Mafah will make the team too!! So I think that leaves Miles Sanders as the odd man out!! Cause there’s already 3 RBs with Javonte Williams, Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, and there’s a chance we keep Hunter Luepke too since he can play so many different positions, we all know the front office likes versatility, and Luepke is that, so if they keep him too, there’s 4 RBs already, and I don’t see them keeping more than that so that leaves Sanders and Deuce Vaughn without a job!! I agree with you that Sanders can be better than what he has been the last couple of years, but I don’t see this front office picking him over Williams and there 2 draft picks this from this year!! And I don’t see them picking him over Luepke either since Luepke can play so many different positions, and help in so many different ways!! So I think we’ll have Javonte Williams, Jaydon Blue, and Phil Mafah as our top 3 RBs, and Hunter Luepke will be the FB/TE/special teamer/whatever else they want him to do!! And that will make up our RB room!! But that’s just my opinion!! Who knows, I could be wrong, but from what this front office has done for years now, what I said feels like what they would do!! But I guess we’ll just have to wait and see to find out for sure!!