The Panthers ride to a 3-3 record on the back of a strong performance by Rico Dowdle!
The Carolina Panthers, having started their season with back-to-back losses to the Jaguars and the Cardinals, are 3-3 after 6 weeks of football. Most recently, they have pulled off consecutive wins over the Miami Dolphins and the Dallas Cowboys.
The Panthers are far from being a contending team, not only in the league but even in their division. Having struggled at the bottom of the league for the past few seasons, this season has renewed some hope, and running back Rico Dowdle has been the major contributing factor in the team’s somewhat current success.
In just his first season with the Carolina Panthers, former undrafted running back Rico Dowdle has put the team on his back in the past two weeks. And in doing so, the former Cowboy has joined a select group of players in a historic feat.
Last week against the Dolphins, Dowdle had 23 carries for 206 rushing yards along with three catches for 28 yards. Yesterday, against his former team, the Cowboys, Dowdle rushed for 180 yards from 30 carries and added a further 56 yards on 4 receptions. That means the sixth-year running back totaled 234 yards from scrimmage last week and 239 this week.
In doing so, Dowdle has become only the sixth player in the league since the start of the Super Bowl era to tally a total of 225 or more scrimmage yards and a touchdown in consecutive games. He is now in the elite company of players to have achieved this magnificent feat.
Other players to achieve 225 scrimmage yards and a touchdown in consecutive games
| Player | Team | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Dalvin Cook | Minnesota Vikings | 2020 |
| Le’Veon Bell | Pittsburgh Steelers | 2014 |
| Deuce McAllister | New Orleans Saints | 2003 |
| Marshal Faulk | St. Louis Rams | 2002 |
| Walter Payton | Chicago Bears | 1977 |
Turning in a special performance for the second game in a row, Rico Dowdle’s face was one of complete focus as Panthers’ kicker Ryan Fitzerald knocked down the game-winning field goal against the Cowboys. Dowdle could then be seen celebrating with immense joy as the kick went in, giving Carolina its third win of the season.
For an athlete, to come out on the winning side of any sport after an incredible performance is the most satisfying feeling. Dowdle was able to witness the epic moment on Sunday, and the victory was even more special as it came against his former team, which didn’t re-sign him in the offseason.
Earlier in the week, prior to the game, Dowdle had a message for his former team. Speaking to the media, Doodle said, “They gotta buckle up!” When asked after the game what message he now had for the Cowboys, Dowdle, without hesitation, replied, “They wasn’t buckled up!”
The Panthers will now get ready for their week 7 game against the winless New York Jets. They will fancy their chances against the Justin Fields-led team, especially after the way both teams performed on Sunday.
Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
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