Rico Dowdle Takes Charge as Cowboys Struggle
The Dallas Cowboys find themselves in challenging times with a 3-6 record, enduring a four-game losing streak that's cast a shadow over the season. However, amid adversity, one player is stepping into the spotlight—Rico Dowdle. An undrafted free agent from the University of South Carolina, Dowdle has emerged as the leading running back for the Cowboys, showcasing a blend of resilience and talent that offers a glimmer of hope for the team's fervent fan base.
With the Cowboys averaging a mere 83.7 rushing yards per game, the second fewest in the league, Dowdle's presence is being keenly felt. "Definitely, you have to get him the ball," said Coach Mike McCarthy. "That's my focus to continue to get him opportunities. He's the lead back. I thought he had a really good first half [against the Eagles], and I think that's really illustrated by the attempts. Rico needs to touch the ball."
In a season overshadowed by quarterback Dak Prescott's absence due to a hamstring surgery and DaRon Bland's stress fracture, Dowdle's contributions are more critical than ever. The Cowboys' defensive line remains thin, further emphasizing the need for players like Dowdle to step up on offense. Dowdle's journey from an undrafted player to the starting running back for America's Team is one of determination and grit. "It means a lot coming from Coach McCarthy," Dowdle remarked. "Showing that they got confidence, and they trusted me as the starting running back of the Dallas Cowboys. I take that with great pride. That's a good accomplishment coming from my situation, undrafted and all the adversity I've been through."
This season, Dowdle has accumulated 374 rushing yards on 83 carries, averaging 4.5 yards per carry, alongside three receiving touchdowns. His standout performance came in Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he recorded a career-high 87 rushing yards and a 22-yard receiving touchdown. Dowdle's journey hasn't been a smooth one. "Undrafted to now being the starting running back for America's Team," said Dowdle. "Definitely, I take great pride in that. That [injuries] was one of my things that was hindering me I guess when I broke my hip two, three years ago. Definitely gratifying. I've always had confidence that I would be able to go out there and get the job done."
Backup quarterback Cooper Rush echoed these sentiments, praising Dowdle's consistency and determination. "Yeah, Rico's running hard. He's running fast, running hard. He broke a couple long ones there for us last week. He's been doing that all year. He's been consistent, and we look forward to every time he touches it." However, the Cowboys clearly need to recalibrate their offensive strategy. The departure of Tony Pollard to the Tennessee Titans left a void that's yet to be filled, and the committee approach previously adopted hasn't borne fruit. Dowdle himself noted the need for consistency. "The committee approach was something that wasn't working for us, so I stood firm on wanting to find that rhythm since the beginning. You want to be able to get out there and get the bulk of the carries and find that rhythm. ... It's all about finding that rhythm."
Moving forward, Dowdle seems poised to embrace the challenges and responsibilities that come with being the lead running back. "Yeah, for sure, in my past, it was all about the injuries and things like that," he acknowledged, "but now I feel that I've got my body in the best shape and best position possible for me. So I definitely think I can go out there and operate at a high level of consistency."
As the Cowboys prepare to face the Houston Texans, whose run defense ranks 11th in the league, the team will rely heavily on Dowdle's ability to break through a stalwart defensive line. With rookies Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe still finding their places on the offensive line, the road ahead may be challenging for the Cowboys. Yet, with players like Dowdle taking charge and embodying a resilient spirit, there's optimism for brighter days ahead. Whether this translates into immediate victories remains to be seen, but Rico Dowdle’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder of perseverance and the potential for greatness even amid difficult circumstances.