Cowboys Find Unexpected Star in Rico Dowdle Amid Unpredictable Season
The 2024 Dallas Cowboys season has been anything but predictable, with a surprising twist emerging in the form of Rico Dowdle. Initially adopting a running back-by-committee approach, the Cowboys found themselves struggling on the ground, ranking second to last in the NFL for rushing yards during the first 10 weeks. Averaging a modest 83.7 rushing yards per game, the team desperately needed a change. Enter Dowdle, who, according to Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, “definitely fits the way we're running the football.”
Beginning as part of a multi-back system, Dowdle carried the ball 83 times in the initial part of the season, a period during which his teammates Ezekiel Elliott, Deuce Vaughn, and Dalvin Cook had limited touches with 54, 7, and 8 carries respectively. By Week 11, however, a shift occurred. With Dowdle made the primary ball carrier, the Dallas offense found new vigor and improved to an average of 108.3 rushing yards per game since making the adjustment. This mid-season change has elevated the Cowboys' rushing rank to a respectable mid-tier position within the NFL.
A Star is Born
Rico Dowdle’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. Over the span since being appointed the lead back, he amassed 357 rushing yards on 69 carries, showcasing not only skill but consistency. Dowdle’s standout performances against the New York Giants and the Cincinnati Bengals — where he ran for 112 and a career-high 131 yards respectively — solidified his status as a crucial asset for the Cowboys. His rushing success rate of 54.6% is currently the seventh-best in the league, underscoring his effectiveness on the field.
Dowdle has expressed his focus on allowing the game to unfold naturally, saying, “We got to come out there, and let the game play itself. I don't really pay attention to the rankings in matchups.” Yet, despite his modesty, there’s no denying the impact his presence has made. His breakout performances are a testament to his adaptation to the Cowboys' run strategy, aligning seamlessly with Mike McCarthy’s vision.
The Upcoming Challenge
Looking ahead, the Cowboys face the Carolina Panthers, a team allowing an average of 170.1 rushing yards per game. This matchup presents a potentially fruitful opportunity for Dowdle and the Dallas rushing attack to capitalize on their recent momentum. As McCarthy noted, “You always want to get a guy touches, especially more touches, with that kind of production.” Given the Panthers' current struggles against the run, Dowdle's continued involvement could be the deciding factor for the Cowboys to gain an edge in the forthcoming clash.
For Cowboys fans, the evolution of their ground game through Dowdle’s emergence brings a renewed sense of hope and expectation. As the season progresses, maintaining this upward trajectory will be key for Dallas in their pursuit of playoff contention. With a long road still ahead, the Cowboys will look to build on their newfound rushing proficiency, driven by Dowdle’s unexpected yet welcomed rise to stardom.