Rico Dowdle delivered a remarkable performance, rushing for a career-high 206 yards as the Carolina Panthers clawed back from a 17-0 deficit to defeat the Miami Dolphins 27-24. This win is an even bigger moment for the Panthers. That’s just the fourth time in 117 tries that they have been able to pull off such a comeback from a 17-point deficit!
Dowdle had the play of the game in the third quarter. He had a thrilling 53-yard scamper for his first touchdown of the season, providing the Panthers their longest play from scrimmage this season. His determination and desire were evident as he ran for 100 yards after contact. This towering accomplishment certainly inflated his numbers for the game.
Even with calf cramps setting in late in the game, Dowdle showed poise and purpose. He drank pickle juice to help ease those painful cramps and get back on the field. “When we get to that second level, have a plan for how you finish,” said coach Dave Canales, highlighting Dowdle’s critical role in executing the running game strategy.
Prior to this game, Dowdle had rushed for just 83 yards on 28 attempts this year. His impressive outing against the Dolphins has shifted the storyline back toward what exactly he can do on the field. The running back had no doubt he would have shattered DeAngelo Williams’ franchise record 210 rushing yards set back in 2012. Cramps prevented him from reaching that mark.
Dowdle controlled the game with his breathtakingly long runs. He capped the victory with a key 1-yard TD run in the fourth that put the Panthers ahead for the first time. This play came right after an equally impressive 43-yard goal-line carry earlier in the quarter. That long run placed him in position to score his touchdown.
The story of how Dowdle got to this moment has proved just as fascinating. On March 28, 2018, McCaffrey signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract with the Panthers. Now he’s going to backup Chuba Hubbard, although performance incentives could raise his annual earnings to as much as $6 million. At the time Carolina signed him, Dowdle had just come off a breakout season in 2024 for the Dallas Cowboys where he put up 1,079 rushing yards. He had wanted to stay with the Cowboys, but was unable to come to terms financially with the Cowboys.
Dowdle is very much looking forward to facing his old team. We’re counting down the days until what’s sure to be an exhilarating rematch at Bank of America Stadium! The Panthers will hope to capitalize on this momentum as Dowdle seeks to maintain his record-breaking pace.
Leave a Reply