The Rise of Rico Dowdle Bolsters Dallas Cowboys’ Rushing Attack
The 2024 NFL season has been a rollercoaster for the Dallas Cowboys, with many unexpected twists and turns defining their campaign thus far. A significant highlight has emerged in the form of running back Rico Dowdle, who has transformed from a part of a running back committee into a pivotal player in the Cowboys' offense.
At the season’s outset, head coach Mike McCarthy implemented a run-by-committee strategy as the Cowboys sought to balance their ground game. During the first ten weeks, the team found itself struggling, managing only 83.7 rushing yards per game, placing them at the second-lowest rank for rushing yards in the NFL. Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, Deuce Vaughn, and Dalvin Cook shared the workload, with Dowdle leading the charge with 83 carries, while Elliott, Vaughn, and Cook contributed with 54, 7, and 8 carries respectively.
Yet, it wasn’t until Week 11 that Dowdle was elevated to the primary ball carrier, a decision that proved to be a turning point for the Cowboys' season. McCarthy noted, "You always want to get a guy touches, especially more touches, with that kind of production." The results have been nothing short of remarkable. Dowdle has since accumulated 357 rushing yards on 69 carries, and his impact has been profound, contributing to an improved team rushing average of 108.3 yards per game ever since he took over the reins. This adjustment has lifted Dallas to the middle of the NFL pack in terms of rushing yards since Week 11.
Rico Dowdle’s performance hit a high note during Week 13 against the New York Giants, where he rushed for 112 yards, followed by a career-high 131 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14. The Cowboys’ fortunes have certainly been buoyed by Dowdle’s ground game ascendancy, which has seen his rushing success rate hit an impressive 54.6%, positioning him seventh across the league.
When asked about the impact of Dowdle’s contributions, McCarthy said, "Well, I think it's a combination of things. He definitely fits the way we're running the football." Dowdle himself mirrored this sentiment, adding, "We've been able to get the run going for sure." The synergy of his running style aligning with the Cowboys’ offensive line strengths has allowed Dallas to effectively reassess and recalibrate its ground attack strategy.
Looking forward, the Cowboys are poised to face the Carolina Panthers, who have been struggling against the run, allowing an average of 170.1 rushing yards per game. This matchup presents yet another opportunity for Dallas to capitalize on Dowdle's momentum and further establish their increasingly potent rushing threat. Dowdle, maintaining a determined focus, approached the upcoming game by stating, "We got to come out there, and let the game play itself. I don't really pay attention to the rankings in matchups."
As the Cowboys continue their 2024 journey, Dowdle’s rise from the shadows of the committee to a standout star offers a compelling narrative of adaptability and potential within the team. His emergence not only fortifies the Cowboys’ rushing attack but also signals a shift in league perception—a team once beleaguered by rushing mediocrity now emerging as a formidable force on the ground.
In a season characterized by unpredictability, Rico Dowdle stands as a beacon of inspiration for Dallas, and his performances could very well define the campaign’s outcome as they press forward. With each carry, he reinforces the strategy and seeks to instill hope in fans looking for a playoff run—a testament to the power of opportunity met with readiness.