Just five weeks into the season, the Dallas Cowboys‘ offense has already taken center stage. The Week 5 win against the New York Jets. After the Week 5 win against the New York Jets, HC Schottenheimer finally seems to be settled with where the Cowboys are and what the future now holds for their offense from here on out.

Schottenheimer publicly spoke out about his running back rotation, or, more technically, its loss. As shared by the Cowboys beat reporter, Nick Harris, Schottenheimer professed his trust in one man to carry the load.

“Javonte [Williams] is the bellcow. He’s earned that. We believe in him, and that’s the way we’ll approach it moving forward,” Schottenheimer described, a change from the run-committee offense the Cowboys employed in the first part of the season.

In Week 5, the fifth-year running back rushed for 135 yards on the ground and a touchdown, leading the Cowboys to a victory over the Jets. According to PFF, he was the second-highest running back offensively (75.3) for the Jets game.

Apparently, earlier in his career, Williams was seen as being steady but unreliable. During his time with the Denver Broncos, the 25-year-old averaged a rush of 4.0 yards and scored a career low of 50.5 scrimmage yards per game in the 2024 season despite starting 11 games. These numbers fueled doubts when Dallas signed him as a free agent, but Schottenheimer promises there are no questions any longer.

“I have no questions about [Williams],” he said. “I don’t worry about Javonte.”

His 25-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter against the Jets, breaking through the first three tackles and dragging through contact, perfectly illustrates why Schottenheimer’s call is reasonable.

Williams’ presence balances the Cowboys. With Dak Prescott operating one of the league’s top-five scoring offenses, having a consistent ground game makes Dallas an improved all-around team, one that can dictate pace and reduce turnovers.

As Dallas was reveling in the splendor of its rejuvenated offense, there was an old name that stirred up trouble before Week 6.

Schottenheimer responds to the former Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle

Rico Dowdle, the erstwhile Cowboys’ running back who is now with the Carolina Panthers. Dowdle issued a challenge to his former outfit after a career game.

“They have got to buckle up,” Dowdle warned. “They didn’t keep me there for five years for no reason. But looking forward to playing those guys next week.”

Dowdle’s message comes after rushing 206 yards for one touchdown on 23 carries against the Miami Dolphins. Responding to Rico’s message, the Cowboys’ HC was quick to issue his own pointed reply.

“We’re gonna bring our seatbelts, Rico,” Schottenheimer said with a grin. “We’ll buckle up.”

Dowdle’s familiarity with the Cowboys’ defense may be a concern, but Schottenheimer’s staff has already demonstrated some changes. Dallas limited Breece Hall to 42 yards on the ground against New York by stuffing inside lanes and shutting down their linebacker run pursuit angles.

Now, with Week 6 football not too long away, do you think Rico will be too good for his former team?