The Rise of Rico Dowdle: Dallas Cowboys' New Leading Man
FRISCO, Texas -- Amid a challenging season for the Dallas Cowboys, a new star is emerging in the battered ranks of America's Team. Rico Dowdle, the once-overlooked undrafted free agent from the University of South Carolina, is stepping into the spotlight as the Cowboys' leading running back. As Dallas grapples with a 3-6 record, having lost four consecutive games, Dowdle's ascent offers a glimmer of hope.
Stepping Up Amidst Adversity
With quarterback Dak Prescott sidelined for the season due to a hamstring surgery, and cornerback DaRon Bland out with a stress fracture, the Cowboys are trying to navigate a season riddled with injuries. The defensive line is thin, and rookies Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe are being integrated into the offensive line. In this backdrop of upheaval, Dowdle's presence has become more crucial than ever. Named the lead back by coach Mike McCarthy, Dowdle carries the weight of the Cowboys' ground game, registering a team-high 374 rushing yards on 83 carries, with an impressive average of 4.5 yards per carry.
Coach McCarthy is clear about his strategy. "Definitely, you have to get him the ball," he emphasized. "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."
Journey of Perseverance
For Dowdle, this opportunity is a moment of validation. Reflecting on his journey, he said, "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's path has been laden with obstacles, including a significant broken hip injury in 2021. Despite these challenges, Dowdle has maintained unwavering confidence in his abilities. "Undrafted to now being the starting running back for America's Team. Definitely, I take great pride in that," he shared. "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."
Emerging as a Key Playmaker
Dowdle's performance this season has been noteworthy. He leads the Cowboys not only in rushing yards but has also contributed significantly in the passing game, scoring three receiving touchdowns—the most for a Cowboys running back in the first nine games of a season since Emmitt Smith in 1996. Dowdle's career-high performance came in Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers with 87 rushing yards and a 22-yard receiving touchdown.
His consistent play has been vital for the Cowboys' offense, as backup quarterback Cooper Rush praised, "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."
Focus on Consistency
Finding a rhythm has been key for Dowdle, especially after the team's previous running back, Tony Pollard, departed for the Tennessee Titans. "The committee approach was something that wasn't working for us, so I stood firm on wanting to find that rhythm since the beginning," Dowdle explained. "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."
As he looks to solidify his role, Dowdle is confident in his physical readiness. "Yeah, for sure," he acknowledged when asked about handling a regular 20-carry load. "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."
With the Cowboys averaging just 83.7 rushing yards per game, the second-fewest in the league, Dowdle's performance will be central to any potential turnaround. As the Cowboys prepare to face the Houston Texans, whose run defense ranks 11th in the league, Dowdle will undoubtedly be a focal point in Dallas' offensive game plan.
The undrafted player who defied odds to become a starter now carries the hopes of a team in need of rejuvenation.