Blue had an up-and-down rookie season, but could he finally realize his potential in Year 2?
Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue's rookie season can easily be described in one word: inconsistent.
After seeing the field in a limited capacity early in the season, Blue was only sighted once after Week 8, and that was in the season finale in Week 18.
So what happened during that time?
Brian Schottenheimer and the Cowboys did their best to coach up Jaydon to be the best version of himself.
Not only that, our own Mike Fisher revealed some of the things that Blue struggled with. One was his inability to slow down and allow his offensive line to open running lanes.
Often, he would try to force it with his home-run speed, but the run would go nowhere.
That doesn't fly in the NFL.
So it was a season of learning for Blue. And the Week 18 game against the New York Giants proved that he can be a usual weapon for Schottenheimer in 2026.
Blue's speed, ability to wriggle through the defensive line, and hit the gas pedal were on show at MetLife Stadium.
Such was his performance that it was enough for fans to say, "We've got something here."
That brings us to this upcoming offseason and Jaydon's second-year leap. We often heard former head coach Mike McCarthy talk about it.
A player takes a big step in his development and becomes a bigger part of the team.
Is that what Dallas can expect from Blue?
Fish stated the Cowboys envision a "Thunder and Lightning" combination from Javonte Williams and Blue in 2026, so the second-year back is in Schotty's plans.
But how big a leap does Blue need to have?
Based on his rookie season, a rather substantial one.
The offseason will tell us a lot. And even in Oxnard last season, Blue was beginning to heat up, but an injury halted his progress.
If, and that's a big if, Blue can get another full offseason under his belt. Continue to learn from Williams and improve on the "consistency" Schottenheimer wanted from him. Jaydon could have a second-year leap that makes him a key piece of the offense.
Is that asking a little too much? I don't think so.
The talent is clearly there. Blue is just learning what it means to be a professional, and he took his lumps in 2025.
But as he turns for Year 2, the training wheels have to come off, and a leap in development has to happen.
If it does, Blue could be a nightmare weapon to contain.