EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — For the last couple months, the only thing we heard about rookie running back Jaydon Blue was what he needed to do in order to get back on the field. The last time Blue played prior to Sunday’s 34-17 loss to the New York Giants was Oct. 26 against the Denver Broncos. After that he was a healthy scratch.
Which is why Blue was asked after Sunday’s game if he made a statement in his final performance of his rookie season.
“I will say there are things I can get better at,” Blue said, “but I do think I did some things to remind people what I’m capable of.”
And remind people why the Cowboys had high hopes for him after selecting him in the fifth round out of Texas.
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Blue finished his season on a high note, rushing 14 times for 64 yards and a touchdown. Weirdly enough, he actually had 11 carries for 76 yards at halftime. After that, and with starting quarterback Dak Prescott out, the Giants keyed on Blue. He had five carries for -12 yards in the second half.
Still, there were plenty of positives to take away from Blue, who showcased the quick burst that fans had been waiting to see.
“I thought Jaydon Blue ran extremely well,” Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said. “I was really proud of him, getting his first touchdown.”
Blue said he ran hungry on Sunday. The time away from playing sparked that demeanor.
Playing in only five games this season was tough, Blue said. The competitor in him wanted to be out there. Not playing, however, taught Blue some lessons that he can bring forward.
“How to practice, man,” Blue said, “and just making sure that I prepare the right way and being consistent in everything.”
Schottenheimer insinuated multiple times that was something Blue needed to learn if he wanted to get back on the field. On Sunday, in his long awaited return, he showed some optimism that those lessons hit home.
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