November 10, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) plays against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle is a choice many fans disagree with, but his recent performance deserves applause. The former undrafted free agent out of TCU ran 12 times for 53 yards while averaging 4.4 yards per carry. On the outside, this statistic will go unnoticed, but it is the philosophy behind his lack of carries that makes him a winner.
Dowdle ranks 7th in NFL completion percentage, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Head coach Mike McCarthy has spoken at length about getting the running game going, but his style of play suggests his comments are merely lip service to appease the fan base.
Dowdle ranks 35th in rushing this season with 374 yards. He ranks 36th in runs scored with 83, suggesting that a higher number of runs would put him on par with the other leading running backs in the league.
A free agent at the end of the year, Dowdle could make the move into free agency and be a real find for someone ready to run the football.
