In a season marked by setbacks and challenges, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves navigating through turbulent waters with a 3-6 record and a four-game losing streak. The team is grappling with injuries, including the sidelining of Dak Prescott due to hamstring surgery and DaRon Bland's absence owing to a stress fracture. Coupled with a thin defensive line, these adversities have compounded the difficulties as the Cowboys aim to turn their season around.
Rico Dowdle: From Undrafted to Lead Back
Amidst the chaos, one player's journey serves as a beacon of persistence and determination. Rico Dowdle, an undrafted free agent from the University of South Carolina, has emerged as the Cowboys' leading running back. Dowdle's transition from an overlooked talent to the starting back of "America’s Team" is a testament to his resilience. "Undrafted to now being the starting running back for America’s Team. Definitely, I take great pride in that," Dowdle expressed. His story is not without its setbacks, notably a hip injury a few years back, but his confidence and commitment have never wavered. "I’ve always had confidence that I would be able to go out there and get the job done."
Dowdle's Impact on the Field
Dowdle's performance on the field has been a significant bright spot for the Cowboys. With 374 rushing yards on 83 carries, averaging 4.5 yards per carry, Dowdle is proving his worth as a reliable offensive piece. His career-high game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5, which featured 87 rushing yards and a remarkable 22-yard receiving touchdown, solidified his role as a critical asset for the Cowboys. What’s more, Dowdle has scored three receiving touchdowns this season, highlighting his versatility and capability as a dual-threat back.
Despite the team's overall struggle, Dowdle has consistently shown flashes of brilliance. "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," backup quarterback Cooper Rush remarked, underscoring Dowdle's unrelenting effort and consistency.
The Cowboys' Offensive Strategy
A crucial part of the Cowboys' offensive strategy is ensuring Dowdle gets enough opportunities to contribute. Coach Mike McCarthy emphasized, "Definitely, you have to get him the ball. That's my focus to continue to get him opportunities. He's the lead back. Rico needs to touch the ball." This focus reflects the team's commitment to leveraging Dowdle’s talents as they aim to find stability in their offense.
The departure of Tony Pollard to the Tennessee Titans has placed an even greater spotlight on Dowdle. As the Cowboys pivot away from the committee approach that previously hindered them, Dowdle has embraced the responsibility with open arms. "The committee approach was something that wasn’t working for us... 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," Dowdle shared, acknowledging the importance of having a singular lead back to maintain offensive continuity.
Challenges in the Rushing Game
While Dowdle has been a positive force, the Cowboys still face challenges in their ground game. Averaging 83.7 rushing yards per game, the second-fewest in the league, they are striving to bolster their rushing attack. This will be particularly essential as they prepare to face the Houston Texans, whose run defense ranks 11th in the league. Rookies Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe are being integrated into the offensive line, which is a strategic move aimed at fortifying the Cowboys’ blocking schemes and providing Dowdle with more running lanes.
In a season that often feels like an uphill battle, Rico Dowdle’s narrative is a story of hope and perseverance. His ability to rise above his undrafted status and injury woes to become a focal point for the Cowboys deserves recognition. As he continues to be a pivotal component in the Cowboys' offense, Dowdle encapsulates the grit and determination that this team will need to overcome its current predicaments.