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Why Cowboys Can Easily Overcome Biggest Offseason Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Jun 8, 2025 12:06 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys' run game last season left a lot to be desired, and it wasn't until Rico Dowdle was handed the starting job that things started to trend upward.

But Rico is now with the Carolina Panthers, and a new-look running back room under Brian Schottenheimer is headlined by Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams, not to mention speed merchant Jaydon Blue.

Some think that group is an upgrade, but CBS Sports has called Dowdle Dallas' biggest offseason loss, with question marks over whether Williams or Sanders can produce as he did.

"Dallas spent much of last season splitting carries between running back Dowdle and the much-less effective Ezekiel Elliott," CBS Sports writes. "The Cowboys signed the similarly ineffective Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders before drafting Jaydon Blue in the fifth round this offseason. There are still some pretty significant questions at the position after Dowdle was quite effective down the stretch of the season. He averaged 4.7 yards on 17.6 carries per game once he became the full-time lead back."

For how bad the run game was last season, Rico still managed over 1,000 yards, so that is the benchmark for this new crop.

Sanders has already shown he can reach those heights, and has flashed at OTAs and might be the clubhouse leader for the starting role, while Williams, who led the Broncos in yards and attempts last season, could also feature.

But the biggest reason why we think Dallas can cover its "biggest loss" is twofold.

The offensive line with Cooper Beebe and Tyler Guyton is expected to improve, while Terence Steele also played some solid football down the stretch.

However, the addition of first-round pick Tyler Booker, who will step in for the retired Zack Martin, who played injured last season, will be a big key here. But so too with the influence of Klayton Adams and Conor Riley, both of whom have good resumes, building top run games.

So yes, Rico was a loss, but with Sanders, Williams, a "better" offensive line and coaching group, the Cowboys' biggest offseason loss likely won't be felt as much as some think.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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