In the absence of an injured Chuba Hubbard, running back Rico Dowdle has had a breakout impact for the Carolina Panthers, delivering back-to-back performances that have electrified the team’s offense and significantly altered the discussion surrounding the backfield. With Hubbard likely returning, who will get the majority of the touches against a New York Jets team that is struggling to do anything right at the moment?
Examining Rico Dowdle’s Breakout Impact
Catalyzing the Running Game
Before Dowdle took over as the primary ball carrier in Week 5 due to Hubbard’s calf injury, the Panthers ranked 23rd in the league in rushing, averaging 129.3 yards per game. With Dowdle leading the way in Week 5 and Week 6, the Panthers’ rushing attack skyrocketed to fourth in the NFL, now averaging 142.7 yards per game for the season so far.
Dowdle’s individual contributions during this two-game stretch are remarkable, accumulating 389 rushing yards and a touchdown on 53 carries, averaging an impressive 7.34 yards per attempt. His performance against the Miami Dolphins marked a career high of 206 rushing yards. In comparison, his 183 rushing yards against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys, demonstrated his ability to maintain a high level of production. Dowdle’s 473 scrimmage yards over these two games are the most in franchise history for any two-game stretch.
Providing Offensive Versatility
Beyond his prowess as a runner, Dowdle has also showcased his value in the passing game. In Week 6 against the Cowboys, he caught four passes for 56 yards, including a 36-yard touchdown grab that opened the second half.
This highlights his versatility and ability to contribute as a receiver, adding another dimension to the Panthers’ offense. His ability to perform both inside and outside the tackles, coupled with his strength and agility, makes him a threat every time he touches the ball. This versatility forces defenses to account for him in multiple facets of the game, opening up possibilities for other offensive players.
Potential Impact on Play Calling and Future Roles
Dowdle’s recent surge has presented Head Coach Dave Canales with a “riddle to solve” regarding the allocation of carries between Dowdle and a returning Hubbard. While Canales has been tight-lipped about the specific plan, Dowdle’s impact is undeniable.
Before Dowdle’s breakout, the Panthers ranked 21st in rushing attempts with Hubbard getting most of the work. In the two weeks with Dowdle as the lead back, the Panthers ran the ball 70 times, the most in the league during that period, indicating a clear shift towards a run-first approach. This increased commitment to the run has not only benefited Dowdle but has also eased the pressure on quarterback Bryce Young and the passing game.
Looking ahead, it’s difficult to imagine Dowdle not retaining a significant role in the Panthers’ offense. His performance has injected life into the team’s struggling offense and helped the Panthers secure two crucial wins. Fans are starting to bring up the “Double Trouble” days of Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams. This dynamic duo played together for five seasons and they both rushed for over 1000 yards in the 2009 season. While the league has changed drastically since then, many believe that the Panthers key to success is to bring this formula back now that they have two very talented backs.
While Hubbard is a talented back with a history of strong performances, the possibility of a “two-headed monster” backfield with both Dowdle and Hubbard splitting carries presents an exciting prospect for the Panthers’ offense, potentially keeping both backs fresh and providing a constant threat to opposing defenses. Dowdle himself has expressed enthusiasm for this idea, believing it will benefit both players and the team as a whole. Ultimately, how Canales chooses to utilize his two talented running backs will be a key storyline to watch as the Panthers continue their season.
Main Image: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images
