As the Dallas Cowboys sit at 3-3, their hopes in the NFC East remain intact, but inconsistency on both sides of the ball raises doubts about their playoff viability. One area desperately in need of improvement is their running game, where they currently rank dead last in the NFL with only 463 rushing yards.
Rico Dowdle has emerged as the team’s most effective ball carrier, amassing 246 yards on 56 attempts, averaging 4.2 yards per carry. Yet, the Cowboys have repeatedly limited his opportunities, giving him fewer than 10 attempts in four of their six games. Dowdle’s best performance came in Week 5 when he rushed for 87 yards on 20 carries. However, inexplicably, he received only five attempts in Week 6, while former star Ezekiel Elliott was handed eight carries, resulting in just 17 yards.
Elliott’s performance this season has been disappointing, with 115 yards on 38 attempts and a career-low average of 3.0 yards per carry. This decline has led fans to call for more Dowdle and less Elliott, a sentiment that head coach Mike McCarthy seems to finally acknowledge.
In a recent press conference ahead of their Week 8 clash against the San Francisco 49ers, McCarthy stated, “Dowdle needs to touch the ball more.” It’s perplexing that it took this long for him to recognize what many fans have been shouting for weeks. While Dowdle may not be an elite running back, he has been the only consistent performer in the backfield.
Moreover, Dowdle’s impact goes beyond rushing; he has also contributed in the passing game with 131 yards and two touchdowns on 16 receptions. This versatility adds another dimension to the Cowboys’ offense, which desperately needs it.
Time to Activate Dalvin Cook?
#Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy says RB Rico Dowdle will get more touches moving forward.
Dowdle had his best game of the season in WK 5 vs. Steelers, but was limited to just five carries in Sunday’s loss to the Lions.
“He definitely needs to touch the ball more, without a doubt.” pic.twitter.com/mOmjd5zS6w
— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) October 24, 2024
In addition to increasing Dowdle’s workload, the Cowboys should consider activating Dalvin Cook. Signed to the practice squad before the regular season, Cook has yet to see the field. Instead, Dallas has relied on Elliott and Deuce Vaughn, who has managed only 20 yards on seven attempts.
While Cook may not be the player he once was—having rushed for 214 yards on 67 carries at a 3.2 yards per attempt average with the New York Jets—he still offers more production than both Elliott and Vaughn.
Although the Cowboys lack the talent to become a dominant rushing attack, making these adjustments could at least elevate them to a competent level. For a team struggling to find its offensive identity, that would represent a significant step forward compared to their lackluster performance in the first six games.
If the Cowboys are serious about making a playoff push, it’s time to reevaluate their running game strategy and put the best players on the field.
