The Carolina Panthers played host to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6 and it was one of the most entertaining games of the early cycle.
The Cowboys had a 17-13 lead at halftime, and a 24-20 lead after three quarters, but a 10-point fourth quarter was enough to give the Panthers a 30-27 win. One of the biggest reasons the Panthers were able to win was the incredible play of running back Rico Dowdle.
Dowdle broke the Panthers' record for scrimmage yards over a two-game period. The running back has 473 scrimmage yards over the last two games, which broke Christian McCaffrey's previous record of 416 yards.
On Sunday, Dowdle rushed 40 times for 183 yards. The running back also caught four passes for 56 yards and one touchdown, and was the team's leading rusher and receiver.
There's probably no team Dowdle would have rather had this performance against than the Cowboys, considering the running back spent the first five years of his career with the team.
Ahead of this matchup, Dowdle warned his former team to "buckle up."
"They got to buckle up," Dowdle said, via ESPN. "I think they know for sure. They didn't keep me there for five years for no reason."
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said his team would bring their seatbelts, but clearly, Dowdle got the last laugh.
Now, after Dowdle's impressive performance on Sunday, the running back was asked about his comments.
"They wasn't buckled up," Dowdle said simply.
Since taking over starting duties from Chuba Hubbard, Dowdle has been one of the best running backs in the league. Hubbard should be back soon, but it's hard to imagine Dowdle not holding on to a large role even when the starter returns.
Although, Hubbard is a solid runner in his own right, and had over 1,100 yards on the ground last season. It's a good problem for the Panthers to have, as they had one of the worst offenses in the league last season.
With the win on Sunday, the Panthers improved to 3-3 on the season and have won of three of their last four games. With a win next weekend against the New York Jets, the Panthers would be over .500 for the first time in 2025.
The Cowboys, meanwhile, fell to 2-3-1 after the loss. The next games for the Cowboys on the schedule are Washington Commanders, Denver Broncos, and the Arizona Cardinals.