With a 3-6 record and a string of four consecutive losses, the Dallas Cowboys are navigating a turbulent season. Amidst the adversity, one name has emerged as a beacon of hope: Rico Dowdle. The undrafted free agent from the University of South Carolina has become a central figure in the Cowboys' offense, stepping into the role of leading running back—a position previously held by Tony Pollard, now with the Tennessee Titans.
The Rise of Rico Dowdle
Rico Dowdle's journey to becoming the Cowboys' leading rusher is a tale of persistence and triumph over adversity. Despite facing significant setbacks, including a career-threatening hip injury two years ago, Dowdle has consistently demonstrated resilience. This season, he carries 374 rushing yards on 83 carries, holding an average of 4.5 yards per attempt. Dowdle has also contributed three receiving touchdowns, underlining his versatility and value to the Cowboys.
Reflecting on his journey, Dowdle said, "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."
Endorsements from the Top
Dowdle's performance has not gone unnoticed by Cowboys' head coach Mike McCarthy, who highlighted Dowdle's importance to the team's offensive plans. "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," McCarthy emphasized.
Receiving such commendation from a coach like McCarthy is a testament to Dowdle's hard work and perseverance. "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.
Navigating a Challenging Season
The Cowboys, however, face numerous challenges beyond Dowdle's individual contributions. Star quarterback Dak Prescott is sidelined for the season due to hamstring surgery, and DaRon Bland's absence with a stress fracture further thins their ranks. The defensive line also appears stretched, necessitating strategic adjustments and an embrace of fresh talent. Rookies Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe are currently being integrated into the offensive line, a move that reflects the team's need to solidify its foundation amid adversity.
In spite of these challenges, backup quarterback Cooper Rush has praised Dowdle's efforts 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," Rush noted.
The Road Ahead
Next for the Cowboys is a matchup against the Houston Texans, whose defensive line ranks 11th in the league against the run. For a Cowboys team averaging just 83.7 rushing yards per game—the second-fewest in the NFL—breaking through the Texans' defense will be no small feat. Dowdle, however, remains unfazed and focused on his performance. "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," he explained.
With his sights set on consistent excellence, Dowdle is committed to capitalizing on his strengths. "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," Dowdle stated.
As the Dallas Cowboys brace for their upcoming battle against the Texans, the team's fortunes hinge significantly on Dowdle's ability to maintain his momentum and reliability amidst challenging circumstances. In a season beleaguered by injuries and defensive struggles, Dowdle’s emergence as a leading rusher represents a silver lining and a testament to resilience. With Dowdle at the helm of their rushing attack, the Cowboys retain hope for a turnaround as they seek to overcome their recent woes.