Dowdle’s Breakout Season Just the Beginning: Rico Dowdle Leads Charge to Top 5 in…
For the third consecutive game in a row, Rico Dowdle hit over 100 rushing yards in a game. In fact, Dowdle stacked career rushing records game after game. After a season where he struggled to average even a 4.0, he’s cracking 6 to 7 yards per carry. Here’s what has changed for Dowdle and the Dallas Cowboys run game.
Rico Dowdle Finally Heating Up the Cowboys Run Game for Three Reasons
Offensive Line Struggles Repaired
Although the Cowboys offensive line has taken a hit this season, they’ve maintained their strength. In fact, they’ve improved in both pass blocking and run blocking. This has allowed Dowdle’s original 3-yard carries to turn into seven, eight, or nine-yard plays. In the past, the Cowboys line has struggled to hold it and shift defenses. Now, there isn’t so much of that. They’re moving seamlessly as a unit. And this is just the start. It’s bound to get better once starters heal up next season.
Dowdle is the Consistent Starter
Mike McCarthy began the season shuffling through running backs. He had a room full of guys with the potential to be what the Cowboys needed, but he wasn’t sure which one would pop. Dowdle has been plagued with injuries most of his NFL career. Because of this, he wasn’t immediately placed as a starter. Not to mention, the return of fan-favorite Ezekiel Elliott implied that Dowdle wouldn’t see the field as much.
Then entered McCarthy’s running back committee. The purpose was to help prevent one exhausted running back at the end of the season. However, this caused backs to play cold. They’d be taken out before they began to really move the ball. Picking Dowdle as the lone starter made the most sense because he kept providing the Cowboys with the best chance to win. He’s also the only running back on the roster with more than 100 yards in a single game this season.
