There were loads of concerns for the Dallas Cowboys before opening kickoff in 2024. Even though they smoked the Browns on the road, they never had an established run identity. Ezekiel Elliott wasn't the same player, while Tony Pollard's departure paved the way for Rico Dowdle to become the lead back.
Of course, none of that was Dowdle's fault. The run game was among the worst in the NFL; 27th to be exact.. Zack Martin and Dak Prescott suffering season-ending injuries wasn't in the script, but the issue of having no identity in the backfield eventually caught up.
According to Pro Football Focus, the issues are far from over, as Dalton Wasserman ranked Dallas' running back unit dead last in the league.
PFF ranks Cowboys dead last in NFL for RB units
This is almost no surprise at all, but to beranked 32nd puts the cherry on top. Even after signing veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, fans are right to have reservations about the backfield.
"Williams struggled in Denver, recording just a 64.6 PFF rushing grade over the past three seasons," Wasserman wrote. "Sanders has yet to rediscover the high level of production he showed in 2022 with Philadelphia. Fifth-round rookie Jaydon Blue could provide a boost with his speed and receiving ability, but he’s never been a workhorse type of back. Dallas’ running back situation could become a major issue during the 2025 season."
Former Cowboys scout Bryan Broaddus has already warned fans about his concern for Williams and Sanders, going as far as to say that he feels "absolutely good" about Hunter Luepeke and Blue as his safe spots on the running back depth chart.
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Luepke is the typical third-down blocking tailback, and his experience with Dak Prescott and the offensive line will be sorely needed. Another name to watch that could sneak up the depth charts is seventh-round pick Phil Mafah out of Clemson.
In any era of NFL football, you have to be able to run the football. PFF's ranking just confirms the same nightmare that haunted the Cowboys in 2024, and it doesn't look it's anywhere close to ending.
Hopefully new offensive coordinator Klayton Adams and new offensive line coach Conor Riley are able to scheme past the talent deficiencies.