The Dallas Cowboys are at a pivotal juncture this season, facing a challenging 3-6 record and enduring the sting of four consecutive losses. With key players like Dak Prescott sidelined for the season due to hamstring surgery and DaRon Bland out with a stress fracture, the team is in dire need of a resurgence. Amidst this turbulent backdrop, a new leader has emerged in their offensive arsenal: Rico Dowdle.
The Rise of Rico Dowdle
Rico Dowdle's journey to becoming the leading running back for the Dallas Cowboys is a narrative marked by resilience and perseverance. An undrafted free agent from the University of South Carolina, Dowdle has overcome challenges that would deter many. His career path has been shaped by overcoming injuries, including a significant hip fracture a few years back. Now, as the lead back, he has made significant strides with 374 rushing yards on 83 carries, maintaining a commendable average of 4.5 yards per carry, and securing three receiving touchdowns this season.
Reflecting on his progress, Dowdle shared, "Undrafted to now being the starting running back for America's Team. 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."
Challenges and Opportunities
Dowdle's emergence is timely for the Cowboys, whose offensive line is currently integrating rookies Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe amidst a thin defensive line. The departure of Tony Pollard to the Tennessee Titans has opened the door for Dowdle to solidify his role. Yet, the Cowboys' rushing performance, averaging just 83.7 rushing yards per game, indicates an area ripe for improvement being one of the lowest in the league. Coach Mike McCarthy recognizes this and has placed his trust in Dowdle's capabilities.
"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," affirmed McCarthy.
Aiming for Consistency
Rico Dowdle's Week 5 performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which included a career-high 87 rushing yards and a 22-yard receiving touchdown, showcased his potential. Dowdle emphasizes the importance of rhythm in his role, saying, "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."
Backup quarterback Cooper Rush echoes Dowdle's sentiment on his consistency and impact on the field, "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."
Looking Forward
As the Cowboys prepare to face the Houston Texans, whose run defense ranks 11th in the league, Dowdle's execution becomes crucial. The confidence placed in him is not just a testament to his skill but also an acknowledgment of his journey and potential to impact the team’s fortunes significantly. "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. That's a good accomplishment coming from my situation, undrafted and all the adversity I've been through," Dowdle expressed.
The Cowboys are poised to rally their efforts behind Dowdle, hoping his momentum not only helps end their losing streak but also reinvigorates their playoff aspirations. In a season where the stakes are high, Rico Dowdle stands ready to carry the torch forward, driven by pride and a proven ability to overcome adversity. For now, all eyes are on him to deliver when it matters the most.