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Cowboys news: Recapping training camp practice #2
Dallas Cowboys Training Camp Day 2 Notes: Javonte Williams is being asked to do something he didn't do enough of last year and more – Mauricio Rodriguez, A to Z Sports
The Cowboys offense has shined through two training camp practices.
Javonte Williams as a pass catcher changes things
There has been a clear focus by the Cowboys in these first couple of practices to develop the screen game, and that could be huge for the offense.
Granted, screens can get predictable if you go about them the wrong way. Cowboys fans, media, and content creators know that all too well from years past. However, it has been a long time since running backs posed a legitimate threat in Dallas' passing game, and that might change in 2026.
The Cowboys are trying to get Williams more involved as a receiver. One play stood out from Thursday's practice: Dak Prescott found Williams on a screen, and safety Caleb Downs came crashing down as a blitzer. The full view wasn't available, but it looked like Downs was caught off guard by the play.
Here's the thing about Williams as a pass catcher: if he can contribute in the receiving game, the value you're getting out of him goes up a notch. Last season, as good as Williams was running the ball, he was a non-factor through the air. Out of 51 running backs with minimum targets, Williams ranked dead last in EPA per target and dead last in yards per route run. His success rate came in 48th out of 51. He was essentially a checkdown catcher who gave you a completion but no damage after the catch.