Mike McCarthy: Rico Dowdle is the ‘Lead Back’ for the Cowboys
FRISCO, Texas – After a disappointing performance in their season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Dallas Cowboys are looking to make some changes. One of those changes could be a bigger role for running back Rico Dowdle.
Dowdle, a third-year player out of South Carolina, has been impressive in limited action this season. He has rushed for 38 yards on 10 carries, an average of 3.8 yards per carry. He has also caught two passes for 19 yards.
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said after the game that Dowdle “has to” get the ball more. “He’s the lead back,” McCarthy said. “He’s earned that role.”
Dowdle’s emergence could be a major boost for the Cowboys’ offense. The team struggled to run the ball against the Buccaneers, gaining just 68 yards on 20 carries. Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys’ lead running back, was held to just 52 yards on 12 carries.
Dowdle’s speed and agility could give the Cowboys a much-needed spark in the running game. He is a shifty runner who can make defenders miss in the open field. He is also a capable receiver, which could make him a valuable asset in the Cowboys’ passing game.
The Cowboys will face a tough test in their next game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals have one of the best defenses in the NFL, and they will be looking to slow down the Cowboys’ offense.
If the Cowboys are going to have any success against the Bengals, they will need to get Dowdle involved in the offense. He could be the key to unlocking the Cowboys’ potential on the ground.
Dowdle’s Background
Dowdle was a four-star recruit coming out of high school. He played college football at South Carolina, where he rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons.
Dowdle was drafted by the Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He spent his rookie season on the practice squad. He made the active roster in 2021, but he played in just six games.
Dowdle has shown flashes of his potential in his limited opportunities. He is a talented runner who could have a breakout season in 2022.
Cowboys’ Running Back Situation
The Cowboys have a crowded running back room. Elliott is the clear-cut No. 1 running back, but Dowdle, Tony Pollard, and Malik Davis are all capable of contributing.
Pollard is a speedy back who can be used in a variety of ways. He is a good receiver out of the backfield, and he can also be used as a returner.
Davis is a power back who can be used to wear down defenses. He is a good blocker, and he can also catch the ball out of the backfield.
The Cowboys have a lot of options at running back. Dowdle’s emergence could give them one of the most versatile running back groups in the NFL.
Conclusion
The Cowboys are looking to bounce back from their disappointing performance in Week 1. One way they could do that is by getting Dowdle more involved in the offense.
Dowdle is a talented running back who has shown flashes of his potential. He could be the key to unlocking the Cowboys’ offense on the ground.
The Cowboys will face a tough test in their next game against the Bengals. If they are going to have any success, they will need to get Dowdle involved in the offense.