Malik Davis has surged ahead in the Cowboys’ RB2 race, pairing efficient rushing with trusted pass protection to force a difficult Dallas roster decision.
FRISCO - Malik Davis entered Dallas Cowboys training camp as a forgotten man in the team’s running back competition. Two preseason games later, the Cowboys’ RB2 job might belong to him.
Davis strengthened his case during Dallas’ 34-14 preseason win over the Arizona Cardinals, rushing for 29 yards on just five carries.
That followed a 39-yard performance on seven attempts against the Seattle Seahawks, giving him 68 yards on 12 preseason carries ... an impressive 5.7 yards per attempt.
The numbers matter, but Davis’ best play against Arizona might’ve come before he touched the football.
On Dallas’ first offensive snap, Davis recognized an incoming blitz and stopped the defender cold.
That’s the kind of assignment that earns a running back regular-season snaps, especially when Dak Prescott is standing in the pocket.
Davis then rushed for 21 yards during the opening drive before the Cowboys pulled him after only five carries. It certainly looked like Dallas had seen everything it needed to see.
Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah didn’t disappear from the competition.
Blue produced 75 yards on 15 carries against Arizona, displaying surprising power between the tackles alongside his familiar speed.
Mafah added a late 14-yard touchdown run and continued to show why his physical style could be useful in short-yardage situations.
Still, there’s a difference between flashing potential and earning trust.
As Monday's Dallas Cowboys Daily Blitz LIVE pointed out over at FanStreamSports.com, Davis knows the offense, protects the quarterback and consistently takes the yards available to him.
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has nicknamed him the “Holiday Killer” because of his history of delivering in games played on celebratory dates.
Now Davis might’ve killed the Cowboys’ backup running back debate, too.
Prescott said during the week that Davis “can’t be denied.” His abbreviated appearance against Arizona only strengthened that argument.
When a player exits early while his competitors continue collecting evaluation snaps, it often says plenty about where he stands.
Blue may eventually provide the biggest big-play threat, while Mafah offers intriguing power.
But if Dallas needed someone to replace Javonte Williams for an extended stretch tomorrow, Davis appears to be the most dependable choice.
The depth chart won’t make it official until the Cowboys say so. On performance, preparation and trust, however, Davis hasn’t merely joined the RB2 conversation.
He’s taken control of it.
