Last season was a forgettable one for the Dallas Cowboys as they finished 7-10, third in the NFC East, and missed the playoffs. Quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in Week 9, but was already having one of his worst career seasons even before that.
One of Dallas’ most desperate areas for improvement in 2025 is in their run game. They changed up their running back room a lot this season, though it remains to be seen how much it will actually improve. Besides fullback Hunter Luepke, the only remaining running back from last season is third-year veteran Deuce Vaughnwho was the RB4 most of the 2024 season.
Vaughn has had a lot of positive things to say about the upcoming 2025 season though, including what we can expect from Prescott and new head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s offensive scheme.
Deuce Vaughn optimistic about Cowboys in 2025
Deuce talks Dak
Prescott was recently listed as number 79 in NFL’s top 100 listand Vaughn – along with many others – thought he should’ve been much higher in the rankings. He noted that the injury partly contributed to the ranking, and that the 2025 season would be all the proof needed for why Prescott was snubbed.
“This upcoming season, I have a feeling he’s gonna be very very very high on that list whenever it comes back out,” said Vaughn. “Because of the player that he is and the way he’s come back from that injury.”
“We have nothing but faith and a whole bunch of love for Dak just for the player that he is, the teammate that he is, and the leader that he is,” said Vaughn. “So, I’m super excited for this upcoming season.”
Prescott is back and healthy, and expects to be a full-go when the Cowboys start training camp later this week.
Schotty’s offensive scheme
With Brian Schottenheimer promoted to Dallas Cowboys head coach after serving as offensive coordinator in 2023–2024, fans have been concerned that the offensive scheme may be too similar to what it’s been in the recent past. However, Vaughn hinted at meaningful changesexpressing excitement about the new direction.
“Schotty will have his markcoach (Klayton) Adams will have his mark on the scheme. I’m excited about it,” Vaughn said. “I won’t say too much, but I’m really, really excited for it. These OTAs and the minicamp process was really fun. It was nice to dive into the playbook.”
The real shift may come from newly hired offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, who brings a more creative run-game approach from his time with the Arizona Cardinals. Unlike the Cowboys’ reliance on zone runs, Adams favors gap schemes and counter plays – something Dallas rarely used. If implemented, these changes could rejuvenate a stagnant rushing attack.
For Vaughn, whose role in the offense is still uncertain, these adjustments may be key to earning a spot on the 2025 roster during training camp.
Vaughn’s spot on the depth chart
Vaughn is under pressure to step up this season. Despite being drafted in 2023 and showing promise in preseason games, Vaughn’s impact during the regular season has been minimal – just 68 offensive touches across two years.
Now entering his third season, Vaughn has another opportunity to prove himself, especially with the arrival of his former college offensive coordinator Connor Riley, now the Cowboys’ offensive line coach. With Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders ahead of him on the depth chart and limited roles on special teams, Vaughn must find a way to contribute consistently on offense or risk being left behind.
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