FRISCO — Rico Dowdle shined for the Dallas Cowboys despite Monday night’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. In fact, the fifth-year pro put together the best performance of his career, tallying 131 yards on 18 carries, good for a 7.3 yards per carry average.
Now that sort of efficiency cannot be expected every time out, but Dowdle has not disappointed since the Cowboys handed him the definitive No. 1 spot in the backfield. The last two weeks he has really hit his stride, setting career-best performances in both games.
On Thanksgiving Day he bullied the New York Giants’ defense for 112 yards on his 22 carries before posting the previously mentioned line on Monday night. While he may some he regression soon, it is questionable that will come this week.
The Cowboys visit the Carolina Panthers Sunday afternoon, fellow bottom-feeders in the NFC at 3-10. Carolina has started to find some momentum on the offensive side with Bryce Young of late, but their defense, specifically stopping the run, remains their biggest trouble.