How 4 Cowboys players who broke out this offseason can contribute in 2023
By Matt Germack
1. Rico Dowdle
Malik Davis was the expected RB2 heading into training camp, but Dowdle surged into the role with a strong showing in the preseason. He looked shifty, patient and wasn’t afraid to punish defenders — a great compliment to the finesse of Tony Pollard.
It’s hard to remember what life was like without two star tailbacks, but before Pollard, Elliott was the bona fide bellcow back. Pollard probably won’t rack up the 300+ carries Zeke did in 2016, 2018 and 2019, but he’ll headline the backfield. Deuce Vaughn will also require situational touches, further cutting into Dowdle’s workload.
Alfred Morris carried the ball 69 times in 2016, and Rod Smith toted it 44 times in 2018. Expect a similar role for Dowdle — who will likely serve as more of a breather for Pollard than the change-of-pace role Pollard served for Elliott.
He also remains a valuable asset on special teams. He played in 48% of special teams snaps as a rookie in 2020, and jumped to 67% over his injury-shortened 2022 campaign. That likely won’t change, regardless of his role in the offense.
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