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Panthers RB Rico Dowdle issues challenge to Cowboys ahead of Week 6 game

Rico Dowdle is looking forward to leading the Carolina Panthers against the Dallas Cowboys.

Jeremy Brener

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle runs against the New England Patriots.
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle runs against the New England Patriots. / Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
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Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle is riding momentum after a career performance in a win against the Miami Dolphins in Week 5.

Dowdle ran the ball 23 times for a career-high 206 yards and a touchdown as the Panthers beat the Dolphins 27-24 at Bank of America Stadium. Dowdle should continue the lead back role for Week 6 against his former team — the Dallas Cowboys.

"They gotta buckle up," Dowdle said via FOX Sports reporter Sheena Quick. "I think they know for sure. I've been there five years. They didn't keep me there for five years for no reason. I definitely say that, but looking forward to playing those guys next week. We'll get to it."

Dowdle played five seasons for the Cowboys at the beginning of his career and ran for over 1,000 yards last year. He's grown in every year of his career, putting him arguably in his prime for his first season with the Panthers.

The Panthers are going to need him to have another big game against the Cowboys in order to grab a win.

“It’s huge. When you are able to rush for that amount, be that productive in the run game ... that makes your job easier as a quarterback,” Young said via Associated Press writer Steve Reed. “They have to respect that stuff. It’s something we know we’re capable of. It’s on us to continue to excel there.”

The Panthers might not be able to count on Dowdle for 200-yard rushing performances every week, but it's clear that the offense needs to let him loose.

Dowdle and the Panthers will kick off against the Cowboys on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET inside Bank of America Stadium.

Rico Dowdle seen during wam ups of a game between Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons
Rico Dowdle seen during wam ups of a game between Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons. / Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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