Rico Dowdle: Emerging Star on a Struggling Team
The Dallas Cowboys find themselves in an unenviable position with a 3-6 record, having dropped four consecutive games. Injuries have played a significant role in this downturn, with key players like Dak Prescott sidelined for the season due to hamstring surgery and DaRon Bland out with a stress fracture. Additionally, the Cowboys' defensive line has been stretched thin, intensifying their challenges on both sides of the ball.
In a season beset by hurdles, one player has emerged as a beacon of hope: Rico Dowdle. The undrafted free agent from the University of South Carolina has stepped into the spotlight as the Cowboys’ leading running back. This role came after the team's previous star, Tony Pollard, departed for the Tennessee Titans. Dowdle’s performance has been a silver lining in what has otherwise been a gloomy season for the Cowboys.
Dowdle has accumulated 374 rushing yards on 83 carries, averaging an impressive 4.5 yards per attempt. His contributions as a receiver have also been notable, including three receiving touchdowns this season. Reflecting on Dowdle’s contributions, Cowboys Coach Mike McCarthy emphasized the importance of involving the running back in their offensive efforts, stating, "Definitely, you have to get him the ball. 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."
For Dowdle, the transition from an undrafted player to the starting running back for "America’s Team" marks a significant journey. "It means a lot coming from Coach McCarthy. Showing that they got confidence, and they trusted me as the starting running back of the Dallas Cowboys. I take that with great pride," Dowdle shared. His journey has been marred by injuries, including a hip injury that lingered over the past few years. However, Dowdle feels he is finally in the best shape possible to perform at a high level consistently.
Backup quarterback Cooper Rush also lauds Dowdle’s consistent performance, noting, "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."
Dowdle’s career reached a high point in Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers when he achieved 87 rushing yards and a 22-yard receiving touchdown, underscoring his potential to be a critical player in the Cowboys' offense. Despite the team averaging only 83.7 rushing yards per game—the second fewest in the league—Dowdle's individual performances shine through, suggesting a wealth of untapped potential within the current lineup.
The integration of rookies Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe into the offensive line signifies a shift towards developing new talent, presenting further opportunities for Dowdle to anchor the ground game. His drive to lead is reflected in his recognition of past challenges, saying, "Yeah, for sure, in my past, it was all about the injuries and things like that, 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 take on the Houston Texans, who boast a run defense ranking 11th in the league, Dowdle’s role could be pivotal. His outlook remains resolute, focused on the rhythm and consistency required to carry a team in flux. "The committee approach was something that wasn't working for us, so I stood firm on wanting to find that rhythm since the beginning," Dowdle articulated. "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."
Rico Dowdle stands as a testament to perseverance and tenacity. From overcoming undrafted status and injury woes to leading the Cowboys' backfield, Dowdle embodies the resilience that can inspire a team seemingly entrenched in struggle. The remainder of the season will reveal if his stellar play can translate into much-needed victories for Dallas.