The Dallas Cowboys have found their stride on both sides of the ball, demonstrating balance and dominance in a commanding 30-14 win over the Carolina Panthers.
Rico Dowdle continued his stellar form, rushing for a career-high 149 yards on 25 carries, marking his third consecutive game surpassing 100 yards. This feat makes Dowdle the first Cowboys running back to achieve such a streak since Ezekiel Elliott in 2019. Dowdle credited the offensive line for their outstanding performance.
“Those guys are playing violent up front, they’re moving people off the ball,” Dowdle said. “They’re making my job really easy right now.”
Despite injuries on the offensive line, with Chuma Edoga briefly sidelined and T.J. Bass exiting with a thigh injury, the Cowboys’ ground game remained consistent. Head coach Mike McCarthy praised Dowdle’s hard-nosed running style and improved decision-making.
“He’s doing a really good job, breaks tackles, has a violent run style, but his courses and his decision-making have been excellent,” McCarthy said.
Dowdle now leads the league in rushing over the last three weeks, amassing 392 yards in that span. His season total stands at 880 yards, and the first-year starter is confident he’ll reach the 1,000-yard milestone.
On defense, Dallas proved resilient despite losing linebacker DeMarvion Overshown to a season-ending injury just six days prior. Eric Kendricks and Marist Liufau stepped up, combining for two of Dallas’ four turnovers. Liufau forced a fumble in the first quarter, while Kendricks snagged an interception off a deflected pass.
“It’s all about responding,” Liufau said. “It shows you how many competitors we have in the room.”
Liufau added five tackles to his impactful outing, continuing his strong play after recording 1.5 sacks the previous week. The defense also limited Carolina’s Chuba Hubbard to just 32 rushing yards, his second-lowest total of the season.
McCarthy commended both Kendricks and Liufau for their determination and preparation.
“What Eric Kendricks is, what he’s gone through, and for him to be here today speaks volumes about him as a man,” McCarthy said. “And then Marist, to be able to train at both positions and deliver, I’m just so proud of those guys.”
As the Cowboys sharpen their focus heading into the season’s final stretch, their improved balance on offense and defense positions them as a formidable contender.
