The Cowboys had a good run game in 2025 with Javonte Williams, but what does it look like in 2026?
As surprising as it is, the Dallas Cowboys finished the 2025 season with a top-10 run game.
Javonte Williams was the main destroyer, rushing for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns to have a career-best season.
Dallas averaged 125.6 rushing yards per game, its highest since 2022 under Brian Schottenheimer and offensive coordinator Klayton Adams. Williams was the bellcow with 252 attempts, and it is here where we have a problem.
For the most part, Javonte didn't have a dependable backup.
The next best was Malik Davis (52 attempts, 250 yards, 2 TDs), and he came off the practice squad (after coming off the couch). Jaydon Blue was too inconsistent to warrant consistent playing time, with sources telling us his pad level and lack of patience on runs being two big reasons he sat out most of the year.
So, as we head into the offseason, what do the Cowboys envision their run game to look like in 2026?
Williams is the most obvious key piece, with Cowboys COO Stephen Jones stating re-signing him is a top priority.
But behind him? Our own Mike Fisher delivers this after talks with sources inside The Star.
“They believe that the combination of Blue and Javonte, who they love, that's going to be, to use their term, 'Thunder and Lightning,” Fish said. “That doesn't discount the idea of drafting a running back. There’s all kinds of possibilities out there, but their vision right now, if they did Javonte and Jaydon, 'Thunder and Lightning,' they'd be fine.
"Just keep helping Jaydon Blue learn. By the way, having him hang around with Javonte, it's a pretty good idea.”
Williams and Blue as the running back tandem behind Dak Prescott in 2026 is exactly what Cowboys Nation hoped for in 2025.
But with another full offseason set to be priceless for Blue to learn from Williams both on and off the field.
We saw things come together in Week 18 against the New York Giants for Jaydon. His lightning-quick feet and home-run threat were on show. Granted, 16 carries for 64 yards and a TD don't scream "star," but he did have a 27-yard run, which got Cowboys Nation excited.
So, the plan appears to be clear, at least right now. Have Javonte as the starter and Blue as the quick change-up.
"Thunder and Lightning.'' Coming to a field near you in 2026.