The Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a precarious situation as they navigate a challenging NFL season, marked by a disappointing 3-6 record and a run of four consecutive losses. With star quarterback Dak Prescott sidelined for the season due to hamstring surgery, the Cowboys are relying heavily on a few key players to lead them back to success.
Emergence of Rico Dowdle
Stepping into the spotlight is Rico Dowdle, the once-undrafted free agent from the University of South Carolina, who has become the leading running back for the Cowboys. Despite this rough patch for the team, Dowdle's performance has been a beacon of hope. With 374 rushing yards on 83 carries, averaging 4.5 yards per carry, and three receiving touchdowns, Dowdle is proving his worth on the field.
Reflecting on his journey, 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."
Coach Mike McCarthy's strategy has been clear: prioritize Dowdle's involvement in the game. He expressed, "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."
Navigating Challenges
Even as Dowdle thrives, the Cowboys face challenges beyond the absence of Prescott. Injuries have thinned their ranks; DaRon Bland is out with a stress fracture, and the defensive line lacks depth. This has prompted the integration of rookies Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe into the offensive line, a move aimed at bolstering their ranks and providing the necessary protection on the field.
The transition hasn't been all smooth sailing, as the Cowboys' rushing statistics reveal. Averaging just 83.7 rushing yards per game, they find themselves with the second-fewest rushing yards in the league, a far cry from their historic dominance in this aspect. The departure of previous running back Tony Pollard to the Tennessee Titans places even more pressure on Dowdle to raise the team's game.
Dowdle acknowledges the shift in strategy, stating, "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."
Looking to the Future
As the Cowboys prepare to face the Houston Texans, whose run defense ranks 11th in the league, Dowdle's role will be pivotal. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush has witnessed Dowdle's impact first-hand, 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."
Amidst these challenges, Dowdle remains focused on personal growth and maintaining his form. "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," he explained.
For the Dallas Cowboys, the current season is marked by both adversity and opportunity. As they strive to reclaim their winning ways, Rico Dowdle's rise from undrafted status to key player symbolizes resilience and the potential for revival. Only time will tell if Dowdle's performance can catalyze a turnaround for the Cowboys, but as things stand, his story is one of determination, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of exellence.