Jerry Jones pleased with emergence of running back Rico Dowdle, Cowboys' 1-2 punch

Ten games into the season and the Dallas Cowboys have finally found their 1-2 punch at running back. In the team’s 49-17 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday, backup running back Rico Dowdle showed everyone why the Cowboys have valued him so highly despite limited production through his first four seasons.

Dowdle posted a career-high 79 yards on 12 carries in the win against the Giants. The former South Carolina star also scored the first rushing touchdown of his career.

Cowboys team owner Jerry Jones expressed his delight in Dowdle’s breakout game on Tuesday on 105.3 The Fan.

“He’s a violent runner,” Jones said. “He runs with great skill… I’m so proud for him. He’s finally put together the running back he can be. He’s outstanding. It just really gives us a 1-2 punch in there.”

Dowdle, a former undrafted free agent out of South Carolina, didn’t record a snap for Dallas last season. However, in 2020, he had seven carries within 15 game appearances. During the 2021 season, the Cowboys had to place the running back on injured reserve due to a hip fracture he suffered in the preseason. Then, prior to the 2022 season, he also had a knee scope that kept him out of OTAs.

Discussing his running style this week, Dowdle had a hard time describing it. However, he does know it works well with Tony Pollard’s.

“All of us in the backfield are different backs, and [Tony and I] both have potential to break big plays,” Dowdle said. “We complement [each other] real well.”

“I’m just me,” he added. “I’ve got it all… It’s something I’ve always put pride [into] — being a physical back, a strong runner downhill that goes north and south. I also have the ability to make guys miss in space as well.”

Dowdle shining in fourth season with Dallas

Dowdle’s hard running also earned him high praise from Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. The skipper may just consider upping his snap count next weekend when Dallas travels to face the Carolina Panthers.

“I love Rico’s run style. He runs so damn angry, it’s beautiful,” McCarthy said after the game on Sunday. “That’s the young man we saw as a rookie. Some players do it, you go through an injury phase. Sometimes they have one or two things back-to-back. That’s really just his situation. You’re seeing a young man finally get some opportunities… I’ve always been high on Rico. It’s awesome to see him have some success.”

The run game as a whole was dominant throughout the Week 10 matchup. Pollard, Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn and even Dak Prescott contributed to the 168 yards gained against New York. The Cowboys are currently 12th in the league in total rushing yards this season.