It’s no secret the Dallas Cowboys hope Jaydon Blue takes over the RB2 spot behind starter Javonte Williams. The former Texas running back has game-changing speed and big-play ability that would complement Williams’ physical style well. He was a complementary back in college, and he’s tabbed to be a complementary back in the NFL. It’s a match made in heaven.
Yet, Blue’s first season in Dallas proved to be a total disappointment. Critical aspects of the job fell on deaf ears and aside from a 16-carry performance in Week 18, Blue was basically a nonfactor in his rookie year.
Hope springs eternal in Year 2 for Blue. After saying the right things in the offseason and doing the right things early in training camp, Blue is back on track to be that RB2 he was always meant to be. But there’s one task, one unavoidable quality he has to prove before he can officially be given second-fiddle designation in Dallas, and that’s pass protection.
The NFL game is one of chess strategization. Offensive coordinators are trying to outsmart defensive coordinators, while defensive coordinators are trying to outsmart right back. Both sides will scheme ways to attack weakness and the only way of avoiding victimhood is to field as few weaknesses as humanly possible.
A running back with pass protection deficiencies can be hidden, at times, by either avoiding passing downs or becoming a receiver himself out of the backfield. But eventually the bill comes due and good defensive coordinators find ways to put those pass protection skills to the test. The Cowboys run a dynamic offense that adapts to defensive alignments. One play can turn into a new play in an instant, and every player needs to be wise enough to see it and capable enough to adapt to the new responsibilities.
Because one missed block can lose a game or end a season, RB2 has to be a player the Cowboys can trust in pass protection. Quarterback Dak Prescott has his own issues to deal with at the two offensive tackle positions; he doesn’t need to add an incapable blitz stopper to the mix.
The big runs and dazzling catches are great to see from Blue, but in order to really lay claim to the RB2 spot, he’ll have to show he’s a willing and able pass protector.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Here’s what Cowboys former 5th-round pick must do to earn game snaps
Reporting by Reid D Hanson, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Reid D Hanson, Cowboys Wire | USA TODAY Network
