Javonte Williams, a dynamic running back, has captured the attention of NFL fans with his powerful running style and resilience. After a promising rookie season and a challenging recovery from a major injury, his 2024 season with the Denver Broncos and later the Dallas Cowboys sparked debates about his role and future. This article explores Williams’ 2024 stats, his career trajectory, and what lies ahead. With fresh insights and detailed breakdowns, we’ll unpack his performance, challenges, and potential, ensuring you get the full picture of this talented athlete.
Early Career: A Rising Star in Denver
Javonte Williams burst onto the NFL scene in 2021 after the Denver Broncos selected him in the second round of the draft. Coming out of North Carolina, he showcased a blend of power, agility, and vision that made him a fan favorite. In his rookie year, he rushed for 903 yards on 203 carries, scoring four touchdowns. Additionally, he caught 43 passes for 316 yards and three scores, proving his versatility. His ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact earned him comparisons to elite running backs.
However, his second season in 2022 took a devastating turn. A torn ACL early in the year sidelined him, raising questions about his ability to return to form. Despite the setback, Williams worked tirelessly to rehabilitate. By 2023, he returned to the field, though his explosiveness seemed diminished. He averaged just 3.6 yards per carry, a stark contrast to his rookie efficiency. Nevertheless, his determination set the stage for a critical 2024 season.
The 2024 Season: A Tale of Two Teams
The 2024 NFL season marked a pivotal chapter for Williams. He began the year with the Denver Broncos, aiming to reclaim his status as a lead back. However, midseason changes and a move to the Dallas Cowboys reshaped his role. Let’s break down his performance, game by game, and analyze his contributions on both teams.
Denver Broncos: A Rocky Start
Williams entered 2024 with high expectations. Broncos head coach Sean Payton praised his offseason weight loss and improved burst during training camp. Fans hoped he’d rediscover his rookie-year magic. In 17 games with Denver, Williams carried the ball 139 times for 513 yards, averaging 3.7 yards per carry. He scored four rushing touchdowns and added 52 receptions for 346 yards, showcasing his pass-catching prowess.
Early in the season, Williams showed flashes of brilliance. In Week 5 against the Las Vegas Raiders, he rushed for 26 yards on a single carry and flexed to the Denver crowd after a 17-yard pickup. Against the New Orleans Saints in Week 7, he delivered a standout performance, scoring two touchdowns—one on a 5-yard rush and another on an 8-yard run. His 13-yard spin move against the Saints highlighted his agility, while a 14-yard touchdown run against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 11 demonstrated his bruising style.
However, consistency eluded him. In Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks, he managed only 23 yards on eight carries, overshadowed by teammate Jaleel McLaughlin. A Week 12 loss to the Raiders saw him gain just -2 yards on eight attempts, reflecting the Broncos’ unpredictable backfield rotation. By midseason, Denver shifted to a committee approach with McLaughlin and rookie Audric Estime, reducing Williams’ touches. His snap count dropped to as low as 7% in some games, limiting his opportunities.
Transition to Dallas: A New Opportunity
In a surprising move, the Dallas Cowboys signed Williams to a one-year, $3 million contract in free agency, with incentives up to $3.5 million. The Cowboys, seeking depth behind Rico Dowdle, viewed Williams as a low-risk addition. His arrival sparked debates among analysts, with some questioning whether he could outperform Dowdle or reclaim a lead-back role.
Unfortunately, Williams’ time in Dallas proved less fruitful. In limited action, he struggled to earn consistent carries, as the Cowboys leaned on Dowdle and explored draft prospects. His stats with Dallas remained modest, with no significant standout games. Pro Football Focus graded his overall performance at 61.6, ranking him 41st among 47 running backs. His rushing grade of 60.4 placed him last in the category, reflecting his diminished role.
Despite the challenges, Williams’ pass protection skills shone. Denver’s general manager George Paton once called him “one of the best pass protectors in the league,” and this trait carried over to Dallas. He also recorded a career-high 52 catches, proving his value in the passing game. However, his 3.7 yards per carry and lack of explosiveness raised concerns about his long-term fit.
Statistical Breakdown: By the Numbers
To understand Williams’ 2024 season, let’s dive into the numbers. Below is a detailed look at his key stats, drawn from reliable sources like ESPN, NFL.com, and Pro Football Focus.
- Rushing Attempts: 139 carries (606 career total)
- Rushing Yards: 513 yards (2,394 career total)
- Yards per Carry: 3.7 (3.9 career average)
- Rushing Touchdowns: 4 (11 career total)
- Receptions: 52 (152 career total)
- Receiving Yards: 346 (1,043 career total)
- Games Played: 17 (54 career total)
- PFF Overall Grade: 61.6 (41st among HBs)
- PFF Rushing Grade: 60.4 (47th among HBs)
- PFF Receiving Grade: 64.3 (23rd among HBs)
Williams’ 513 rushing yards led the Broncos, but his efficiency lagged. His 3.7 yards per carry marked a slight improvement from 2023’s 3.6 but fell short of his 4.4 rookie average. His four touchdowns tied his career high, with notable scores against the Saints, Falcons, and Browns. In the passing game, he thrived, setting a personal best with 52 catches. A 34-yard reception against the Baltimore Ravens and a 25-yard gain against the Kansas City Chiefs highlighted his receiving skills.
However, advanced metrics painted a mixed picture. His rushing grade of 60.4 reflected struggles to break tackles and create big plays, a far cry from his rookie-year dominance. His receiving grade of 64.3 showed competence but not elite production. Fantasy football managers felt the impact, as Williams scored double-digit half-PPR points only three times, making him a touchdown-dependent flex option.
Challenges and Setbacks
Williams faced several hurdles in 2024. First, his recovery from the 2022 ACL tear continued to affect his explosiveness. While he regained burst in training camp, game-day results varied. Analysts noted he lacked the tackle-breaking ability that defined his rookie season. Second, Denver’s backfield committee diluted his workload. Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime often outperformed him in efficiency, leading to fewer carries.
Moreover, the Broncos’ offensive scheme under Sean Payton prioritized versatility. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix’s emergence shifted focus to the passing game, reducing run-heavy sets. Williams’ snap share dwindled, especially late in the season. In Dallas, he faced similar issues, competing with Dowdle and a youth-driven offensive strategy. These factors combined to limit his production and fantasy value.
Strengths and Highlights
Despite the challenges, Williams showcased strengths that kept him relevant. His pass protection remained a standout trait, earning praise from coaches and teammates. In Week 7 against the Saints, he stonewalled blitzers, giving Nix time to make plays. His receiving ability also shone, with seven catches for 29 yards in a loss to the Chargers. These moments underscored his value as a three-down back.
Additionally, Williams delivered clutch performances. His two-touchdown game against the Saints energized Denver’s offense, while his 14-yard touchdown against the Falcons showed his physicality. A 20-yard burst against the Saints on Thursday Night Football, captured on Prime Vision, reminded fans of his potential. These highlights, though sporadic, kept hope alive for a resurgence.
Fantasy Football Impact
For fantasy football players, Williams’ 2024 season was a rollercoaster. Early projections pegged him as a potential RB2, given his lead-back role in Denver. However, his inconsistent touches and low yards per carry frustrated managers. Experts like Andrew Erickson of FantasyPros noted his touchdown-dependent production, advising caution. In Week 12, he scored but gained just -2 yards rushing, encapsulating his boom-or-bust nature.
In Dallas, his fantasy value plummeted. With Dowdle as the primary back and the Cowboys eyeing draft prospects like Ashton Jeanty, Williams became an afterthought. Posts on X projected him for 740 rushing yards and six touchdowns in 2025, but these assumed a healthier workload. For now, he’s a risky flex option at best, reliant on goal-line opportunities.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Williams?
As Williams enters the 2025 offseason, his future remains uncertain. His one-year deal with Dallas expires, making him a free agent. At 25, he’s young enough to rebound, but his 3.7 yards per carry and injury history raise red flags. Teams seeking a versatile, pass-protecting back may take a chance, but a lead-back role seems unlikely.
The Cowboys could re-sign him as a backup, especially if they draft a rookie. Alternatively, a team like the Chargers, who signed Najee Harris, might pursue him for depth. His pass-catching and blocking skills make him a fit for pass-heavy offenses. If he lands with a run-focused team, he could approach his rookie-year numbers. Regardless, Williams must prove he can regain his pre-injury burst to secure a long-term role.
Comparing Williams to Peers
To contextualize Williams’ performance, let’s compare him to other running backs in 2024. Josh Jacobs, after joining Green Bay, averaged 4.5 yards per carry and ranked among the top 25 backs. Jahmyr Gibbs of Detroit dazzled with 5.0 yards per carry and dual-threat production. In contrast, Williams’ 3.7 yards per carry and 41st PFF ranking placed him in the lower tier.
However, his receiving stats rivaled those of backs like Aaron Jones, who caught 47 passes for the Vikings. Williams’ 52 receptions outpaced Najee Harris (36) and Rachaad White (45), highlighting his niche. If he improves his rushing efficiency, he could climb the ranks in 2025.
Fan and Analyst Reactions
Fans and analysts remain divided on Williams. On X, some praised his work ethic and pass protection, projecting a bounce-back year behind a stronger offensive line. Others criticized his lack of explosiveness, with one post calling him “a shadow of his rookie self.” Skip Bayless and Michael Irvin expressed concerns about his fit in Dallas, questioning whether he’d outshine Dowdle.
Analysts like Maurice Jones-Drew ranked him outside the top 25 running backs, citing his committee role. Yet, his Week 7 heroics against the Saints earned accolades, with NFL.com highlighting his “refusal to go down.” These mixed sentiments reflect the uncertainty surrounding his trajectory.
FAQs
What were Javonte Williams’ key stats in the 2024 NFL season?
Malik Beasley Javonte Williams recorded 139 carries for 513 yards, averaging 3.7 yards per carry, and scored four rushing touchdowns in 17 games. He also caught 52 passes for 346 yards, setting a career high. His performance included standout games against the Saints and Falcons, though he struggled with consistency.
Why did Williams move from the Broncos to the Cowboys?
Curtis Blaydes The Broncos shifted to a backfield committee with Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime, reducing Williams’ role. Denver opted not to re-sign him, and the Cowboys signed him to a one-year, $3 million deal to add depth behind Rico Dowdle, viewing him as a low-risk addition.
How did Williams’ ACL injury affect his 2024 performance?
Kel’el Ware Williams’ 2022 ACL tear diminished his explosiveness, impacting his ability to break tackles and create big plays. While he regained some burst in training camp, his 3.7 yards per carry and 60.4 PFF rushing grade reflected ongoing recovery challenges, limiting his effectiveness.
To read more, Click Here
Leave a Reply