Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle delivered a standout performance against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys, in a closely contested game on October 15, 2023. Dowdle’s impressive showing, which included a total of 239 scrimmage yards, helped secure a 30-27 victory for the Panthers, improving their season record to 3-3.
Prior to the matchup at Bank of America Stadium, Dowdle issued a warning to the Cowboys, stating they needed to “buckle up.” After the game, he expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, taking a moment to reflect on the significance of the win against his previous employer. “They wasn’t buckled up,” he remarked, as reported by David Newton of ESPN.
In the lead-up to the game, Cowboys defensive tackle Kenny Clark challenged Dowdle to “back it up,” adding to the anticipation surrounding the matchup. Dowdle did just that, rushing for 183 yards on 30 carries, while also contributing four receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown. Following the game, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott acknowledged Dowdle’s success, admitting that he “got the last laugh” that day.
Dowdle’s performance was not just a personal victory; it was significant for the Panthers as well. “I’ve been saying all week the main thing is I just wanted to get that win,” he stated. “Big, big for me, but also big for the organization. Getting to .500 and protecting the home field… just got to keep building.”
Dowdle played for the Cowboys from 2020 to 2024 before entering free agency. Last season, he rushed for 1,079 yards, prompting the Panthers to seize the opportunity to sign him. In the previous week, he had already made headlines by accumulating 234 total yards from scrimmage in a win against the Miami Dolphins.
The Panthers recognized the emotional stakes of the game for Dowdle. Quarterback Bryce Young emphasized the team’s commitment to supporting their teammate. “Rico is a competitor,” Young said. “We knew it was personal. We wanted to have his back. That’s our brother… If it’s personal to him, it’s personal to us.”
Looking ahead, the Panthers have a chance to improve their record further when they face the winless New York Jets on October 19, 2023. As of Monday morning, ESPN BET had Carolina as a 1.5-point favorite for that matchup.
With Dowdle’s momentum and the team’s growing confidence, the Panthers aim to build on their recent success as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
