It could be a big day for the Dallas Cowboys' offense against the Giants. Not only is Dak Prescott riding a 13-game win streak over New York, but they also gave up a lofty 220 rushing yards in Week 1 against a Commanders team that isn't known for their ground game.
Running the ball will be key to limiting the Giants' pass rush. Javonte Williams ran hard and efficiently in the opener, but Cowboys fans are eager to see rookie Jaydon Blue take the field after he was a surprise healthy scratch versus the Eagles.
Schottenheimer said he needs to see more "consistency" from Blue, and that is clearly still the case as the former Texas Longhorn is inactive once again.
Full list of Cowboys' Week 2 inactives includes Jaydon Blue and DaRon Bland
While Blue is a healthy scratch, DaRon Bland is out with a foot injury suffered in practice this week. Here are the Cowboys' inactives for Week 2:
- DaRon Bland
- Jaydon Blue
- Mazi Smith
- Shemar James
- Ajani Cornelius
- Hakeem Adeniji
- Trevor Keegan
"Young players, it hits at different times," Schottenheimer said of Blue. "He’s extremely talented. … You have to earn your chance to get out there. There has to be consistency."
It's unclear what Schottenheimer means by "consistency," but given the summer report that described Blue as "borderline lazy," it's fair to question whether he needs to improve on the nuances of the position. That could mean mastering the playbook, becoming a more willing pass-blocker, or simply being in the right spot as a checkdown option for Prescott.
Whatever it is that's keeping Blue from making his NFL debut, it clearly isn't talent. He proved over the summer that he's the most talented running back on the roster. With an improved run scheme and interior offensive line, it's fun to think about what Dallas' ground game will look like with Blue serving as the change-of-pace back behind Williams.
That will unfortunately have to wait. Schottenheimer is standing on business about players having to earn their role. It's clear Blue still has some work to do.