Don’t look now, but the Dallas Cowboys have quietly built one of the NFL’s most efficient ground games – and that’s no small feat in today’s pass-happy league.

The centerpiece? Running back Javonte Williams, who’s been everything the Cowboys hoped for and more when they brought him in. He’s currently second among all running backs in rushing success rate at 65.1%, and he’s added value to nearly every carry, piling up 61 rushing yards over expected – good for seventh in the league.

In other words: Williams is doing the dirty work and doing it exceptionally well. He’s the kind of north-south runner who thrives between the tackles, drags defenders for extra yardage, and sets the tone between the lines.

But even the most productive downhill backs need a complement – someone who brings that top-end speed, the ability to hit the edge and tilt the field in one snap. And right now, that element is missing from Dallas’ backfield.

Miles Sanders was supposed to be part of the solution. So far, he hasn’t been.

He’s struggled to find rhythm, and his tendency to bounce runs outside instead of sticking to the designed lane has cost the offense. His vision hasn’t matched the way this offensive line is opening up creases in the zone run game.

To put it plainly: Sanders isn’t offering the juice this offense needs in the second gear.

That’s where Jaydon Blue enters the conversation – or at least, should.

Despite rumblings and rising fan interest, Blue has yet to make his NFL debut. He’s been a healthy scratch, week after week. But according to offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, the rookie back is knocking on the door.

“Jaydon’s actually put together a couple really good weeks of practice,” Schottenheimer said during a recent radio appearance on 105.3 The Fan. “We challenged him… and he’s been terrific. Unfortunately, we’ve been a little bit heavier on the defensive side when you look at the roster construction on game day.”

Translation: The defense is banged up, and the Cowboys have been forced to keep more bodies active on that side of the ball. That’s valid. The cornerback room is dealing with injuries – even with DaRon Bland returning from a foot issue – and linebacker and defensive tackle rotations have been shuffled to patch things up.

But from a pure football perspective, it’s hard to ignore what Blue could offer this team right now. He’s not expected to be a polished every-down back – that’s what Williams is here for.

But Blue’s big-play speed could be the perfect complement to Williams’ sledgehammer style. While defenses get worn down by Williams’ physicality, Blue could be that lightning bolt waiting to crack the game wide open.

It’s classic “thunder and lightning” – the kind of 1-2 punch that keeps defenses guessing and takes advantage of tired legs in the fourth quarter. Williams wears you out.

Blue runs past you. Right now, the Cowboys only have half of that equation.

And here’s the thing: with Dak Prescott playing at an MVP level and the offensive line generating push in the run game – even if they’ve been inconsistent in pass protection – the time couldn’t be better to expand the ground game’s potential. Add to that George Pickens stepping up in a WR1 role while CeeDee Lamb nurses an ankle sprain, and suddenly Blue profiles as exactly the kind of X-factor this offense could use.

All signs point to Jaydon Blue being active soon. When that happens, don’t be surprised if he quickly shows why Cowboys fans have been calling his name.

This offense is already humming. Adding a sparkplug could take it to another level.

And if Blue really is ready – if he’s passed the tests in practice and done everything that’s been asked – then it’s time the Cowboys unleash him.

Because sometimes, all it takes is one play to change everything.