Cowboys Unleash Their Top 5 Players to Revive the Run Game — Can These Stars Save the Season?
A major criticism of this year’s Dallas Cowboys has been their struggling run game. They currently rank last in the league for both rushing yards per game and yards per carry. Last season, Dallas ranked 14th in rushing yards per game, and in 2021 and 2022, they placed 9th.
This weak run game has limited the Cowboys’ offense, especially impacting their ability to use play action, a strategy they’ve relied on heavily in the past. This season, they’re using play action on only 18% of passing plays—their lowest rate since the Next Gen Stats began in 2016.
However, the season still has 10 games remaining, and there are players on the roster who could strengthen the rushing attack. Here are five players who could help improve the league’s worst running game.
Cooper Beebe – Beebe started his NFL career with significant pressure, taking over as starting center as a rookie and transitioning to a new position. He’s done well so far, bringing stability to the offensive line. But for effective rushing, the center must be a force at the line of scrimmage, not just reliable. Currently, Beebe is likely the fourth-best run blocker, which is expected for a rookie. With time and experience, he could become a top-two or top-three run blocker, reshaping Dallas’ rushing approach.
Deuce Vaughn – The Cowboys have been missing a creative playmaker in their run game, someone who can elevate the ground game regardless of the line’s performance. Deuce Vaughn has shown potential as this kind of player, but he’s only had seven carries for 20 yards this season and just 30 carries in his career. Limited touches have restricted his development, yet he may offer more than anyone else on the roster. It might be time to get creative with Vaughn and use him to stretch defenses.
Luke Schoonmaker – Drafted in the second round in 2023, Schoonmaker was expected to bring strong blocking skills that Dallas could rely on in the run game. However, he’s ranked 19th out of 24 total run blockers on the team, according to Pro Football Focus, the lowest among tight ends with 63 run-blocking snaps. If Dallas needs tight end support in the run game, Schoonmaker must improve his blocking efficiency to fulfill his potential as a second-round pick.
Zack Martin – It seems surprising to say this, but Zack Martin needs to elevate his performance. Has he been underperforming or a liability? Not exactly. However, he hasn’t been the dominant presence he’s known for, nor the reliable pillar on the offensive line he usually is. At one point, Martin was considered the top run blocker in the league, yet this season he may end with his lowest run-blocking and overall blocking grades of his career, according to Pro Football Focus. If Martin steps up his game, it could bolster confidence on the right side of the line, particularly with Terence Steele performing well in run blocking.
Rico Dowdle – Currently, the Cowboys’ team average is just 3.4 yards per carry, but only one running back on the roster is exceeding that mark: Rico Dowdle. Despite being the team’s top rusher, Dowdle hasn’t been given the workload of a lead back. The Cowboys are one of only two teams (alongside the Browns) that haven’t given a player at least 60 carries, while many primary rushers across the league have logged 80 to 100 attempts.