The Carolina Panthers got some outstanding production from Rico Dowdle this season. He was aggressive, assured, and purposeful with almost every carry out of the backfield to take over the starting running back spot. But things tailed off in the end.
Dowdle was a non-factor in Carolina's narrow wild-card playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, mustering just nine rushing yards from five carries. He brought in one target for six receiving yards, which represented a damning indictment of how the coaching staff perceives his waning abilities.
This has not gone unnoticed by the player.