The 2024 Dallas Cowboys have witnessed a rollercoaster season, characterized by unpredictable twists and a surprising star emerging from within their roster. Rico Dowdle, once an overlooked name, has gradually found his footing on the Cowboys' running back roster after the team's experimental committee approach in the early season failed to produce the desired results.
The Early Season Struggles
The Cowboys' rushing game struggled to gain momentum in the first ten weeks, as the team operated with a running back-by-committee approach. With an average of just 83.7 rushing yards per game, Dallas ranked second to last among NFL teams. Over this period, Dowdle carried the ball 83 times, while veterans like Ezekiel Elliott contributed with 54 carries, followed by Deuce Vaughn's 7 and Dalvin Cook's 8.
Dowdle Emerges as a Key Player
In Week 11, the Cowboys made a strategic shift by designating Dowdle as the primary ball carrier—a decision that has greatly benefited their offense. Since taking on the lead role, Dowdle amassed an impressive 357 rushing yards on 69 carries. Of particular note, he showcased his potential with standout performances, rushing for 112 yards against the New York Giants in Week 13 and achieving a career-high of 131 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14.
Head Coach Mike McCarthy expressed his satisfaction with Dowdle's contributions, noting, "You always want to get a guy touches, especially more touches, with that kind of production." Clearly the strategy of granting Dowdle more opportunities has paid off in spades for the running game.
Improved Team Performance
Since Dowdle became the primary focus in the Cowboys' rushing attack, the team's average improved significantly to 108.3 yards per game. While this places them in the mid-tier of NFL rushing stats, this development marks a notable improvement from their earlier struggles, hinting at a more balanced offensive strategy moving forward.
"We've been able to get the run going for sure," Dowdle commented, reflecting on the upturn in fortunes for the Dallas rushing offense. His focus remains on taking what comes in each game: "We got to come out there, and let the game play itself. I don't really pay attention to the rankings in matchups."
Looking Ahead
As the Cowboys gear up for their upcoming match against the Carolina Panthers, there is a palpable sense of optimism within the team. The Panthers have shown vulnerability in their rush defense, allowing an average of 170.1 rushing yards per game. This scenario presents a potentially favorable matchup for Dallas, and could provide Dowdle another opportunity to shine.
Coach McCarthy explained the synergy between the team's current strategies and Dowdle's style of play, saying, "Well, I think it's a combination of things. He definitely fits the way we're running the football." With the Cowboys' running game gaining momentum, there is much anticipation to see how Dowdle will fare against Carolina's porous defense.
In an unpredictable season where adapting to challenges is essential, the Cowboys seem to have found a hidden gem in Rico Dowdle. His recent performances have not only reinvigorated the team's ground attack but also inspired the belief that Dallas could emerge as a formidable force in the weeks to come.