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Rico Dowdle gives Panthers extra credit in NFL midseason report card

The Carolina Panthers are thriving thanks to running back Rico Dowdle.
Jeremy Brener|
Green Bay Packers' Edgerrin Cooper pursues Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle.
Green Bay Packers' Edgerrin Cooper pursues Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle. | Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers are catching more attention after their biggest win of the season in Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers.

The Panthers are sitting at 5-4 halfway through the season, which is why The Athletic gave the team an "A-" in their midseason grades.

"It was easy to discount their three-game winning streak in October as the result of an easy schedule (Dolphins, Cowboys, Jets). But Sunday’s win over the Packers should get everyone’s attention. Since Rico Dowdle took over at running back in Week 5, Carolina ranks fifth in the NFL in EPA per rush," The Athletic wrote.

Dowdle helping Panthers ace season

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle breaks away for a long gain against the Green Bay Packer
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle breaks away for a long gain against the Green Bay Packers | Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Chuba Hubbard wasn't playing up to the level he was at in the 2024 season, but Dowdle's resurgence following the former's injury has given the Panthers a reason to be contenders for the 2025 campaign. It's rare for one player to have such an impact, but Dowdle has been special all season long.

His 735 rushing yards rank third in the NFL behind James Cook of the Buffalo Bills and Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts, putting him in elite company. For someone who hasn't been a starter throughout the entire season, it only makes his accomplishments look more impressive.

Now that the Panthers are establishing Dowdle as their primary running back moving forward, it could lead to an even stronger rushing attack. But Dowdle's success isn't the only thing pushing the Panthers towards playoff contention.

The Panthers are also improving thanks to their defense, which held the Packers to just 13 points in their Week 9 win. The team ranks in the top half of yards allowed in the league, which needs to stay the same if the Panthers want to continue winning football games down the stretch.

Dowdle and the Panthers will look to continue their success in Week 10 when they take on the New Orleans Saints in an NFC South rivalry game. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET inside Bank of America Stadium. Fans can watch the game on FOX or stream it on FOX One.

Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle celebrates after a first down against the Green Bay Packers
Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle celebrates after a first down against the Green Bay Packers. | Jeff Hanisch-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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