After starting 0-2, the Panthers have won three of their last four to improve to 3-3 overall. On Sunday, the Panthers defeated the Dallas Cowboys and escaped with a 30-27 victory in a back-and-forth affair.
A big reason the Panthers have looked much better recently is the play of running back Rico Dowdle. Dowdle signed a one-year contract with the team in free agency and began the season as Chuba Hubbard’s backup.
However, Hubbard is currently injured and Dowdle made the most of his opportunity.
Through three quarters Sunday, Dowdle had 189 all-purpose yards. As ESPN’s David Newton noted, Dowdle had 423 yards from scrimmage over the past two weeks at the time, breaking a two-game record (416 yards) previously set by Christian McCaffrey.
Dowdle finished with 239 yards from scrimmage in Week 6, raising his two-week total to 473. The running back was the team’s leading rusher and receiver against the Cowboys. Dowdle ran 30 times for 183 yards and also caught four passes for 56 yards and a score.
Before the game against the Cowboys, Dowdle warned his former team to “buckle up.” Clearly, the broker was not lying. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer responded by saying his team would “bring our seat belts,” but Dowdle ended up having the last laugh.
Last season, Dowdle’s final year as a Cowboy, the running back rushed for 1,079 yards and two touchdowns. It was a bit surprising to see Dowdle have to settle for a one-year deal after that season, but the Panthers are definitely happy with their investment.
Through six games in 2025, Dowdle now has 472 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. The running back also has 12 receptions for 104 yards and a score, demonstrating his effectiveness in both phases.
Hubbard will eventually return to the fold, and when he does, it will be interesting to see if and how the game plan changes. It’s hard to imagine taking touches away from Dowdle right now, but Hubbard rushed for over 1,100 yards in his own right last season.
Next weekend, the Panthers are scheduled to face the 0-6 New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. With a win, the Panthers would surpass .500 for the first time in 2025. After the Jets, the Panthers have games against the Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers.