Cowboys' New Star: Rico Dowdle's Rise and Impact on the Running Game
The 2024 Dallas Cowboys season has proven to be anything but predictable. Among the unexpected twists and turns, Rico Dowdle's ascent as a key contributor to the Cowboys' offense has garnered significant attention. As the team navigated through the early part of the season with a running back-by-committee approach, Dowdle's emergence as a major force has reshaped the dynamics of their ground game.
Rico Dowdle was not initially the star of the Cowboys' running game. In the first ten weeks, Dallas averaged a meager 83.7 rushing yards per game, placing them second to last in the NFL rankings for rushing yards. The shared workload had Dowdle carrying the ball 83 times, while Ezekiel Elliott had 54 carries, Deuce Vaughn 7, and Dalvin Cook 8. However, this approach left the Cowboys struggling to find consistent success on the ground.
The turning point came in Week 11 when Dowdle was designated the primary ball carrier, a decision that has since unleashed his full potential. In the subsequent weeks, Dowdle has amassed 357 rushing yards on 69 carries, dramatically elevating the team's ground game. His performances peaked in Weeks 13 and 14 with standout games against the New York Giants and the Cincinnati Bengals, where he ran for 112 and a career-high 131 yards, respectively.
Head Coach Mike McCarthy expressed his confidence in Dowdle, stating, "You always want to get a guy touches, especially more touches, with that kind of production." McCarthy attributes Dowdle's success to how seamlessly he fits into their offensive strategy, noting, "Well, I think it's a combination of things. He definitely fits the way we're running the football." Indeed, since Dowdle took over as the lead back, the Cowboys' rushing average has improved to 108.3 yards per game, positioning them in the middle of the NFL rankings in this period—an impressive leap from their initial standing.
Dowdle himself acknowledges the improvements. "We've been able to get the run going for sure," he remarked on the transformative shift in the Cowboys' approach. His rushing success rate of 54.6% ranks seventh in the NFL, underscoring his efficiency and effectiveness on the field.
Looking ahead, the Cowboys are set to face the Carolina Panthers, a team that has struggled significantly in defending the run, allowing an average of 170.1 rushing yards per game. Despite this favorable matchup, Dowdle remains grounded, emphasizing the importance of focus and execution. "We got to come out there, and let the game play itself. I don't really pay attention to the rankings in matchups," he said.
Dowdle's mentality and performance have infused the Cowboys with a new sense of optimism, as they seek to capitalize on his breakout. As the season progresses, the Dallas Cowboys will undoubtedly rely on Dowdle's continued excellence to maintain their momentum and improve their standing within the competitive landscape of the NFL.
Rico Dowdle's emergence is a testament to the power of opportunity and preparation, serving as a bright spot in the Cowboys' unpredictable season. With each game, he further asserts himself as a key pillar of their offensive scheme, and fans can't help but be excited about what lies ahead for both Dowdle and the Cowboys.