According to Panthers running back Rico Dowdle, the Dallas Cowboys forgot to buckle up before getting tossed around during Sunday’s game at the Bank of America Stadium. Following Carolina’s victory, Dowdle didn’t hold back. He let them know they didn’t buckle up enough!
Well, the message is clear: buckle up next time, Dallas Cowboys before facing the Panthers.
“They wasn’t buckled up,” Dowdle deadpanned.
Not even close.
Dowdle had a team-record 239 scrimmage yards against the team that chose not to re-sign him after the 2024 season, making him the seventh player in NFL history to have at least 230 scrimmage yards in consecutive games.
His 473 scrimmage yards the past two games smashed the team two-game record of 416 held by Christian McCaffrey and helped Carolina (3-3) reach the .500 mark for the first time since it was 5-5 in Week 10 of 2021.
Dowdle’s effort also opened up a conversation about who will start once Chuba Hubbard returns from a calf injury that has sidelined him the past two weeks.
“A great question,” coach Dave Canales said after Carolina improved to 3-0 at home this season with a road game against the 0-6 New York Jets next. “We’re going to figure that part out. But I know Rico is doing a great job, and he will be a big part of what we’re doing.”
The Cowboys (2-3-1) and their league-worst defense weren’t ready for Dowdle from the outset. Dowdle had 21 yards rushing on his first two carries and caught a 13-yard pass on Carolina’s fourth play to set up a field goal.
Moral of the story: If you’re going to face the Carolina Panthers, make sure you are fully prepared, especially with Rico Dowdle in the lineup.
