Cowboys' $3 Million Investment Dominates NFL, Leading Key Categories Early
When the Dallas Cowboys signed Javonte Williams to a one-year, $3 million deal in March, many assumed it was the first step of many in their quest to address the running back position. Higher regarded free agents were still available, and the draft class was as deep as it’s ever been at the position. Williams was probably nothing more than a complementary piece, many believed.
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As the offseason unfolded it became apparent Williams was no complementary piece, rather he was the lead horse. Dallas added additional runners to the stable but none of them carried the same weight or pedigree as Williams did. It was Williams or bust in Dallas, and for a while there, it felt like “bust” was the odds-on favorite regarding outcomes.
Then a funny thing happened: Williams played well. Really well, actually. Two weeks into the young 2025 season and Williams is producing like the top RB in the NFL. The 25-year-old veteran is currently leading the NFL in EPA/play and total EPA. His yards after contact are top 10 and his Pro Football Focus rushing grade ranks second, only behind Alvin Kamara.
Williams’ 10 first downs tie him for No. 1 in the NFL, and his elusive rating, which measures RB impact independent of the blocking in front of him, has him No. 9 overall. Williams even has a top-10 pass protection grade going, which is important because the Cowboys are currently dealing with a significant pass protection situation at offensive tackle.
Prior to the season, the sticky stats (aka stable metrics) told us Williams was a low-level rusher who would very likely only gain what the blocking in front of him provided. While much of his various top 10 rankings fall into the team stat category, it’s clear Williams is providing some of his own juice to the cocktail as well. Yards after contact and elusive rating both fall on Williams’ side of the ledger, meaning he’s adding significant value to the Cowboys running game in 2025.
Granted, this is only two games into the season and much can change between now and the end of the year, but it’s important to give credit where credit is due and Williams deserves credit for what he’s achieving.
Brock Purdy REFUSES to Let Turf Toe Sideline Him: “If I Can Walk, I Can Play” – Ready for Cardinals Showdown
In a bold declaration that will have 49ers fans buzzing, quarterback Brock Purdy has confirmed that despite battling a painful turf toe injury, he’s ready to lead San Francisco into their Week 3 divisional clash against the undefeated Arizona Cardinals. Purdy, known for his toughness and determination, made it clear: if he can walk, he can play.
“I’ve been grinding all week, doing everything I can to be ready,” Purdy said confidently. “If I can walk, I can play. That’s just who I am.”
The 49ers head into this critical matchup with a perfect 2-0 record, but the road ahead won’t be easy. The Cardinals, also undefeated, stand as a formidable challenge, making this game crucial for both teams’ postseason aspirations. Purdy’s resolve and leadership will be key as he attempts to guide his team past the fierce competition.
With his battle against turf toe intensifying, Purdy’s status remains a hot topic, but there’s no question about his commitment to his team. “I’m playing no matter what,” he added. “I’ll be out there doing whatever it takes to win.”
As the 49ers prepare to face off with their division rivals, all eyes will be on Purdy to see if he can deliver another standout performance while playing through injury—proving once again why he’s the quarterback to watch this season.
