Panthers' Rico Dowdle sends clear message to Cowboys after 200-yard performance

Mike Moraitis

Panthers' Rico Dowdle sends clear message to Cowboys after 200-yard performance image

Ahead of his first game against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys, in Week 6, Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle has a message for his ex-mates.

Dowdle, who took over lead-back duties from Chuba Hubbard after he was ruled out, went absolutely nuts in the Week 5 win over the Miami Dolphins, rushing for a career-high 206 yards and one touchdown. He also added 28 receiving yards in the 27-24 win.

The Cowboys let Dowdle leave in free agency despite not having any options behind him on the roster and the South Carolina product having a career year.

Rest assured, Dowdle likely has a chip on his shoulder going into the game against the Cowboys, and he made it pretty clear that is indeed the case after his postgame comments on Dallas after Sunday's win.

"They gotta buckle up. I think they know for sure," Dowdle said, according to ESPN's David Newton. "I been there (four) years, they didn't keep me there for (four) years for no reason... looking forward to playing those guys next week and we'll handle that when we get there."

While Dowdle is finding some success in Carolina when he gets his chances behind Hubbard, the Cowboys have struck gold with new starter Javonte Williams, who has been far better than expected after a disappointing tenure with the Denver Broncos.

Williams entered Week 5 ranked seventh in the NFL in rushing yards (312) and tied for second in rushing touchdowns. Williams had another big day in Week 5, tallying 16 carries for 135 yards and one touchdown.

Dowdle will definitely be on the field against Dallas next week, but it remains to be seen if he'll be serving as the lead back. That will depend upon if Hubbard is ready to return from his injury.

Regardless, Dowdle revenge game and words for his former team will add a little extra juice to the game in Carolina next week. 

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Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis is a freelance writer who covers the NFL for the Sporting News. Over his nearly two decades covering sports, Mike has also worked for Bleacher Report, USA TODAY and FanSided. He hates writing in the third person.