Saints Andrew Dowell Talks Leadership, Special Teams, and Linebacker Competition
Andrew Dowell, 26, recently re-signed for a 1-year, $940K deal with the New Orleans Saints. The linebacker has been with the team since 2019 and slowly evolving into a special teams ace following the same footsteps of All-Pro J.T. Gray and retired Saints linebacker Craig Robertson.
November 27, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Andrew Dowell (50) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
DOWELL'S INFLUENCES
Dowell told New Orleans media that he "modeled" himself after Craig Robertson. "Seeing how he carried himself around the building. That's something that I tried to emulate for the team in my current role."
J.T. Gray's leadership and dedication to special teams have strongly influenced Dowell. "I want to take a stride in being a leader in the special teams game, being right there under J.T."
Oct 9, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Pete Werner (20) reacts after sacking Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY SportsOct 4, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Demario Davis (56) after the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
DOWELL'S FIT IN THE LINEBACKING CORPS
Dowell had 34 game appearances and 730 special teams snaps in three seasons with New Orleans. Dennis Allen has inserted Andrew into regular-season defensive action in the previous two seasons. Last year, Pete Werner's injury allowed Kaden Elliss and Dowell to gain the trust of linebackers coach Michael Hodges.
While his playing time has been sparse over his career, Dowell has produced 22 tackles and two forced fumbles on defense.
This season, he has high goals as a linebacker. "As far as at the linebacker position," Dowell cited. "That's a position that I want to make more strides. And this year, I want to continue to develop. I want to show that I'm a guy that when needed, if needed, I can be out there. They can trust me to be out there, make a play, and do what is asked of me."
DOWELL LEARNING FROM DEMARIO DAVIS
Being in the linebacker's room and learning from an All-Pro linebacker like Demario Davis has impacted Dowell. "The biggest thing for Demario is kind of how he carries himself. I sit right next to him in the meeting room. So anytime he's jotting a note down, I've been peeking over and seeing what he wrote down. He shares things with me as well. So just Demario, moving to the mic position from when he was formerly at the will. Demario has even taken strides in his leadership. And he's becoming even more vocal and more team leader, and just having him on the New Orleans Saints, from the offense, defense, special teams, and kicking game, is very impactful for all of us."
April 5, 2023; Saints linebacker Andrew Dowell talks with local media about re-signing with the team.; Credit: New Orleans Saints PR
WHAT'S NEXT FOR ANDREW DOWELL?
Dowell wants the Saints to "get back to the top of the division." He met new defensive coordinator Joe Woods "passing in the hallway" when he re-signed with New Orleans. Andrew noted, "I'm kind of familiar with him, as far as his track record with the Browns and everything. So just kind of looking forward to working with him throughout the offseason and into the season as well."
The Michigan State product intends to become one of the leaders at linebacker and on the special teams' units. He said something I liked. "Just a tenacious player." My favorite word is tenacious. For the New Orleans Saints to win the division and enter the 2023-24 postseason, they will need a player like Dowell. He is willing to support and serve the greater cause while striving to become his best and deliver on every play.
The competition to back up Demario Davis and Pete Werner will be very competitive in training camp, especially after Kaden Elliss' departure in free agency. Dowell must contend with Zack Baun, Nephi Sewell, D'Marco Jackson, and Ryan Connelly. As expected, the Saints scouts will bring in more talent at linebacker over the next few months before the start of training camp.
Will Dowell crack the lineup and gain the No. 3 linebacker spot this season?
We shall see.
