The Cowboys head into Week 9 with a simple formula staring them in the face: lean on the run, and let Quinnen Williams wreck things up front.
That’s the setup against an Indianapolis Colts team that has had trouble stopping the run all season. The Colts are 27th in the league in run defense, giving up 131.8 rushing yards per game, and that opens the door for Dallas to make its ground game the centerpiece of the plan.
Javonte Williams looks like the obvious engine for that approach. Brian Schottenheimer’s play-calling should be straightforward here, with the Cowboys looking to run early and often.
Tyler Goodson could also be part of the mix, especially after the two of them combined for nearly 200 total rushing yards a couple weeks ago against the Eagles. But the expectation is that No. 33 drives the day and puts together his second 100+ rushing yard performance of the season.
It all comes back to the offensive line, which has been uneven at times but has shown its best version when asked to run block. If that group holds up, Dallas’ ground game should have the kind of day that tilts the game.
On the other side, Quinnen Williams is the defender who could change the shape of the matchup. After a somewhat slow start to the 2026 season, he’s been playing at an elite level lately. Last week against the Arizona Cardinals, he was dominant even in a losing effort, finishing with a couple of QB sacks.
This week gives him another chance to take over. The Colts’ offensive line has been struggling, especially on the interior, and Williams should have a clear target in rookie left guard Jalen Farmer.
Farmer, a fourth-round pick this year, stepped in after All-Pro Quenton Nelson was traded to the Seattle Seahawks a few weeks ago. That’s the kind of matchup Williams should be able to exploit early and often, and if he does, it could go a long way toward helping Dallas come away with the win.
In Other News...
Stephen A. Smith Just Put Dak Prescotts Leadership Under A Harsh Spotlight
Stephen A. Smith turned the spotlight back on Dak Prescotts leadership this week, using ESPNs First Take to question what the Cowboys quarterback is projecting after another stretch of disappointing results. Smiths criticism centered less on Prescotts play than on his demeanor, arguing that the team does not look nearly upset enough about losing and suggesting that the overall vibe around Dallas feels too relaxed for a club that keeps falling short.
Prescott has already dealt with public criticism in a very direct way, including an incident in which a stadium worker called him embarrassing after a game. He handled that moment with composure, but Smiths comments add another layer to the conversation around how the Cowboys franchise quarterback carries the burden of accountability when the losses pile up and the frustration around the team keeps growing. [Read more 🡒]
Cowboys Suddenly Face A Troubling Joey Porter Jr. Decision
Joey Porter Jr. has been navigating an ankle issue since joining the Cowboys, and the situation took another turn this week when he was downgraded to questionable for the Week 9 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts after limited practice work. Even with the injury hanging over him, Porter still traveled with the team, which at least leaves Dallas with some hope he can push through again after handling similar situations before.
Cobie Durant appears to be next in line if Porter cannot go, which adds another layer of uncertainty to a defense already trying to keep its footing. For the Cowboys, the decision is less about one players status than about how much they can trust a banged-up starter to hold up in a game that could force them to adjust on the fly. [Read more 🡒]
Jerry Jones Just Sent A Frustrating Deadline Message To Cowboys Fans
Jerry Jones offered a familiar kind of deadline-day message, and it was not the one Cowboys fans were hoping for. The owner and general manager said he feels good about the roster as it stands, even while acknowledging the defense has had its issues, and he sounded content with the direction the group is headed as Tuesdays NFL trade deadline approaches.
For a team that has often been active around the deadline in past years, the lack of urgency lands as a frustrating pivot. Dallas has already made one notable addition this season in cornerback Joey Porter Jr., but Jones latest comments suggest the Cowboys may be done shopping, leaving the roster to sort out its problems from within. [Read more 🡒]