An Unpredictable Turnaround: Rico Dowdle's Rise in the Cowboys' Offense
The 2024 Dallas Cowboys season was initially marked by unpredictability, particularly on the ground. With a running back-by-committee strategy early in the season, the Cowboys found themselves struggling in terms of rushing performance. Averaging merely 83.7 rushing yards per game, they ranked second to last in the NFL. Yet, as the season progressed, an unexpected star emerged from their ranks: Rico Dowdle.
In the opening weeks, Dowdle was part of a crowded backfield. Sharing responsibilities with Ezekiel Elliott, Deuce Vaughn, and Dalvin Cook, Dowdle managed 83 carries while Elliott had 54, Vaughn 7, and Cook 8. It was a strategy that reflected the team's uncertainty about a primary rushing option. However, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy recognized potential in the talented Dowdle.
"You always want to get a guy touches, especially more touches, with that kind of production," McCarthy noted, supporting his decision to designate Dowdle as the primary ball carrier starting Week 11. This shift not only came as a vote of confidence but also marked a turning point in the Cowboys' offensive approach.
Since taking over lead responsibilities, Dowdle has been nothing short of stellar. He has racked up 357 rushing yards on 69 carries since Week 11, driving the Cowboys' rushing average up to 108.3 yards per game. This improvement situates them squarely in the middle of NFL rankings for rushing yards over this period, a significant leap from their previous standing.
Among his standout performances, Dowdle rushed for 112 yards against the New York Giants in Week 13, followed by a career-high of 131 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14. These impressive outings underscore his capability as a reliable workhorse for the squad. His success hasn't gone unnoticed, as Dowdle's rushing success rate of 54.6% ranks seventh in the NFL.
Dowdle attributes this success to an alignment of factors within the team's game plan. "We've been able to get the run going for sure," he remarked, reflecting a confidence that has become infectious within the team. McCarthy concurs, "Well, I think it's a combination of things. He definitely fits the way we're running the football," he commented, highlighting the synergy between the player and the team's evolving tactics.
Looking ahead, Dowdle and the Cowboys will face the Carolina Panthers, a team that has struggled defensively, allowing an average of 170.1 rushing yards per game. Despite the apparent mismatch, Dowdle maintains a level-headed approach: "We got to come out there, and let the game play itself. I don't really pay attention to the rankings in matchups."
This newfound dynamic seems poised to carry the Cowboys through the remainder of the season, shifting from their initial unpredictability to a more focused and effective game plan. It remains to be seen how extensively Rico Dowdle will influence their fortunes, but one thing is sure—his ascent has injected a fresh yet powerful dimension into the Cowboys' offense.
The upcoming game against the Panthers offers another chance for Dowdle to validate his status as a vital cog in Dallas's machine. With the backing of a coach who is keenly aware of his abilities and a team that benefits from his contributions, Dowdle stands ready to make further impact. As the season unfolds, his performance will be one to watch, alongside the evolving narrative of a Cowboys team that has started finding its stride on the other side of unpredictability.