Did offensive coordinator Klayton Adams give a subtle hint that the Dallas Cowboys will try to run the football more this season? 

While appearing on a radio show, Klayton Adams shared some insights on the increased importance of the run game in the National Football League today. The offensive coordinator joined Brian Schottenheimer’s staff ahead of the 2025 NFL season. 

“When the pass rushers started getting paid the way that they did, it really changed the league, and it kinda changed the way the sport is played…,” said Adams. Given that pass rushers are being paid top dollar in the league right now, the OC emphasizes that passing the ball is becoming more difficult by the day. 

The Dallas running unit improved significantly in 2025 compared to 2024. The average yards per rush was up from 100 to 125. They had 18 rushing touchdowns last season compared to six from the previous year. 

“So it’s gotten much more difficult to protect the quarterback, that I think is the world we’re living in right now is,” said Adams. There might be more run plays to be called this season, coming from a much-improved rushing unit than last year.

Some of the highest-paid pass rushers in the league currently are Micah Parsons, Myles Garrett, Aidan Hutchinson, TJ Watt, and Nick Bosa, to name a few. Adams said, "There are a lot of these guys that are absolute aliens that are playing out there on the edge.”

How does the running unit look for the Dallas Cowboys ahead of the 2026 NFL season?

The leader of the pack, Javonte Williams, will return to the Cowboys and signed a new three-year $24 million deal. The running back rushed for 1,201 yards, with an average of 75.1 yards per game.

The running back also had 11 touchdowns in 16 games played this last season. This level of production will be crucial for the Cowboys' offense.

The remaining unit consists of Miles Sanders, Jaydon Blue, Malik Davis, Phil Mafah, and Hunter Luepke. After Williams, it was Malik Davis who made the most contribution with 250 yards on the season. The other backs have contributed in limited roles. 

It is looking unlikely that the Cowboys will invest in another running back at free agency; they have other issues to be worried about. 

Do you think Dallas will pass or run the football more? Let us know in the comments. 

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Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi