It took every effort necessary for the Dallas Cowboys to come back from a 21-point deficit against the Philadelphia Eagles. It even required the Cowboys’ first-string running back to go outside his comfort zone.
Javonte Williams, who’s been the bell cow RB for most of the season, was top-five in rushing yards entering Monday Night Football of Week 12. Against the Eagles, he had to be much more than a rusher, and the Cowboys depended on him to play with more physicality.
Williams was depended on to pick up the blitz and block, and without that kind of effort, the Cowboys wouldn’t have gotten into the end zone to make it a one-score game.
Javonte Williams’ blocking was key to Cowboys win over the Eagles
It’s common to ask your running back to block every once in a while, but Williams took a lick going against Nolan Smith Jr. on the four-yard touchdown pass from Dak Prescott to Brevyn Spann-Ford in the third quarter. Williams fell immediately after the block due to the high impact of the hit.
Along with his 101 scrimmage yards, Williams continued to pick up the blitz and block for Prescott, giving him just enough time to hit his receivers. In the game of football, nothing is given, and Williams’ blocking was no small contribution at all, as he continued to show why he’s such a valuable part of the offense.
Hunter Luepke and Spann-Ford are the usual designated blockers, but Williams showed on Sunday why Cowboys fans can trust that Prescott will be protected on most dropbacks.
The RB room outside of Williams has been a mess, with Miles Sanders suffering a season-ending knee injury, and Malik Davis getting the nod over rookie Jaydon Blue as of late. Williams has been the one constant, both as a runner and in pass protection.
Williams is on a one-year, $3 million contract, but after telling Cowboys fans how much he loves playing in Dallas, he should stay here. He’s turned from one of the quieter free agent signings to someone who’s part of the winning formula in Dallas, and in more ways than one.
