Blue has shown some good signs this offseason, and while for some, he's been overtaken by Malik Davis, Jaydon still brings a lot to the table.
This offseason was a big one for Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue, especially after his so-so rookie season.
Having barely been sighted and told of all the things he needed to work on, Blue returned this offseason with the determination to be better, and for the most part, he has been.
With Javonte Williams as the starter, the backup position has been a fascinating storyline to follow, and right now, it is likely Malik Davis as RB2 if it were my decision. But it's not.
Blue showed what he was about in the 34-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals, rushing for 75 yards on 15 carries, which included two hurdles over Arizona defenders.
He ran hard, perhaps the hardest we've seen him all offseason, as he got a lot of work in the second preseason outing, with the coaching staff getting a good look at him in a real game.
But why should what he produced against the Cardinals give anyone on the staff confidence that he can translate that to when the regular season rolls around?
“Just trusting my preparation, trusting Coach [Derrick] Foster, Schotty, they play a big part in that," Blue said of his form. "At the same time, when I can play fast, I feel like I can play free. I feel much more comfortable in this system than I was last year."
Blue had a lot to prove this offseason after a rookie year that left many unsure what his future held with the franchise.
The reported lack of maturity, the need to lower his pad level, and the development of patience in running the football instead of using his blazing speed on every play made it a year of learning for Blue.
He now looks like a different person and player, which the Cowboys hope will be someone who can contribute to the offense each week.
But what steps did he and the coaching staff want to see Blue take in his second offseason?
"Just show their explosiveness," he added. "Not only that, but be able to pass, protect. They want me take this offense to the next level. I took a lot of that to heart, I have to get better if I want to have a role in this offense.
"That's just what I'm trying to do. Just trying to get better each and every day, every practice, every game, and just improve my game."
Blue has made positive strides this offseason, and time will tell if it is enough to win the RB2 role, but in reality, there is a place for Jaydon on this roster, and he's hell-bent on making sure he's the best version of himself.
It hasn't always been easy, but slowly, he's making the improvements in his game that the coaching staff wanted.
Now to see him with real NFL bullets flying.
