The Carolina Panthers have to feel good about how they've been performing lately.
After starting out 0-2, the Panthers have won three of their last four to improve to 3-3 overall. On Sunday, the Panthers took down the Dallas Cowboys and escaped with a 30-27 win a back-and-forth affair.
A big reason why the Panthers have looked so much better recently is the play of running back Rico Dowdle. Dowdle signed a one-year deal with the team in free agency and began the season as the backup to Chuba Hubbard.
However, Hubbard is currently injured, and Dowdle has taken full advantage of his opportunity.
On Sunday, through three quarters, Dowdle had 189 all-purpose yards. As ESPN's David Newton pointed out, Dowdle had 423 scrimmage yards over the last two weeks at that point, which broke a two-game record (416 yards) previously set by Christian McCaffrey.
Dowdle ended up with 239 scrimmage yards in Week 6, bringing his two-week total to 473. The running back was the team's leading rusher and receiver against the Cowboys. Dowdle rushed 30 times for 183 yards and also caught four passes for 56 yards and one score.
Ahead of the game against the Cowboys, Dowdle warned his former team to "buckle up." Clearly, the running back wasn't bluffing. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer responded by saying his team would "bring our seatbelts," but Dowdle ended up getting the last laugh.
Last season, Dowdle's final year as a Cowboy, the running back rushed for 1,079 yards and two scores. It was a bit surprising to see Dowdle have to settle for a one-year deal after that campaign, but the Panthers are definitely happy with their investment.
Through six games in 2025, Dowdle now has 472 rushing yards and two rushing scores. The running back also has 12 catches for 104 yards and one score, demonstrating his effectiveness in both phases.
Hubbard will eventually return to the fold, and when he does, it will be interesting to see if/how the gameplan changes. It's hard to imagine taking touches away from Dowdle at this point, but Hubbard did rush for over 1,100 yards in his own right last season.
Next weekend, the Panthers are slated to take on the 0-6 New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. With a win, the Panthers would move above .500 for the first time in 2025. After the Jets, the Panthers have games against the Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers.