'Beautiful' Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle 'Runs So Dang Angry!' - Dallas Coach McCarthy
The Dallas Cowboys' 49-17 win over the New York Giants saw several players return to form, most notably Brandin Cooks and Michael Gallup, but running back Rico Dowdle might have just made head coach Mike McCarthy think about his playtime going forward.
Having been used sparingly throughout the season as Tony Pollard has gotten most of the carries (135), against the Giants, Dowdle took on the "Ezekiel Elliott" role and was a good helper in the running game.
Dowdle had a career day as he rushed for 79 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries as his violent and angry running style was a sight to behold.
“I love Rico's runs,” McCarthy said. “He runs so dang angry it's beautiful.''
The "Dine and Dash" term of last season with Elliott and Pollard saw the pair work in tandem really well. Elliott was the pounding hammer, and Pollard was the lightning-quick change-up that defenses struggled to contain.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy loved Rico Dowdle's performance against the Giants on Sunday.
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Now, with Dowdle showing he can perhaps carry an increased workload (it's one game, so we will let the cake bake on crowning him), McCarthy says that what we saw Sunday was Rico finally getting his chance on the field after injuries hampered his development.
"You're just seeing a young man just finally getting some opportunities," McCarthy said. "You got to remember he returned the kickoff for a touchdown in his rookie year, so I've always been high on Rico, but it's awesome to see him have some success.”
Added Dowdle: "It means a lot. Just to get out there and get opportunities to show what I can do. That's all I've always wanted."
The running game has come under intense scrutiny this season (rightly so) as Pollard seems to have struggled (only one 100-yard game and just twice over 70 yards).
But now, with Dowdle showcasing what he can do alongside Pollard, "TP'' could be used a bit more sparingly to keep his Pro Bowl teammate fresh, and we saw what Pollard did last season opposite Elliott.
Has Dallas found another tandem to use to complement the offense? While it is just one game, it sure feels that way.
Dowdle has grabbed his opportunities with both hands, and in the process, with his "beautiful, angry runs," he might have just won himself more snaps in the Texas Coast Offense.
