Rico Dowdle, the running back for the Carolina Panthers, has recently made headlines for his impressive performance on the field. Joined by new head coach Dave Canales, Dowdle has grown to be a key cog of the Panthers’ offensive game plan. He’s produced this year—he’s particularly gained positive yardage between the tackles. This skill has been a huge weapon for the team, wielding a 3-0 record any time…wait, hold on.
In a recent notable performance against the Green Bay Packers, Dowdle showed his skills. He gained an eye-popping 126 of his 130 rushing yards between the tackles. This incredible success story is a microcosm of a bigger movement. His 291 rushing yards in the fourth quarter of one-score games this season are the most in the NFL. This number leads all NFL running backs, well ahead of second place — Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts — by 88 yards. It breaks Derrick Henry’s record set against the Baltimore Ravens by 163 yards.
Dowdle’s good string of performances has put him heavily on the radar. He currently ranks third all-time in the NFL for total rushing yards. With a cumulative 291 rushing yards, he is third behind only Taylor and James Cook III. Further, Dowdle ranks third among all running backs in expected points added at 19.3. It’s his efficiency that’s most notable, though, with an impressive average of 5.6 yards per carry. He ranks seventh in rushing carries, emphasizing his great productivity and monstrous workload.
The Panthers have statistically been a sieve on kick returns until Dowdle took over as the starter. His effect is strikingly opposite when he plays off the bench. The team has an equally impressive 3-0 record in games in which he starts. They are just 2–4 in those games when he has come off the bench. Indeed, this glaring reverse underscores Dowdle’s contribution to the team’s success all around.
Just a few plays later, Dowdle broke free for a thundering 19-yard run. This huge play then led up to the game-winning field goal. This crucial moment not only showcased his skills but highlighted his ability to perform under pressure. A quality that coach Canales greatly appreciates.
“I just love when he runs the ball,” – Dave Canales
Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Shane Canales recently described Dowdle as a player whose energy and aggression should cause problems for opponents. It was like aggression and violence toward the end of it, and that really does impact the ensemble,” he explained. It changes the entire sideline when they feel that kind of energy and that kind of violence. This energy is important not just for team morale and confidence, but to start creating the culture and identity that Canales wants this Panthers team to have.
“I think that the sky’s the limit for this group. This is going to be a very competitive team. I don’t think people are going to want to play us, by the style of football that we play. I’m expecting that,” Canales remarked.
This season, Dowdle is staging a repeat performance similar to his breakout last season. Back when he was playing for the Dallas Cowboys, he got to run for over 1,000 yards! His nonstop showcase of talent and willpower keeps the accolades and respect pouring in from throughout the league.
As the Panthers approach further NFC rivals in the distance, Dowdle is still intent-driven on following it up. “We’ve got NFC opponents for the rest of the season,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of each game in their quest for success.
Leave a Reply