Former Dallas Cowboy Rico Dowdle unleashed a record-breaking performance against his old team, amassing over 200 yards from scrimmage for the second straight week, as the Carolina Panthers defeated the Cowboys 30-27 on a last-second field goal by rookie Ryan Fitzgerald.
The Carolina Panthers secured a dramatic 30-27 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, largely fueled by a revenge-fueled, record-breaking performance from former Cowboy running back Rico Dowdle. Dowdle, who warned his old teammates to 'buckle up,' delivered 183 rushing yards on 30 carries and caught four passes for 56 yards and a touchdown, accumulating 239 yards from scrimmage. This marked his second consecutive game with over 200 scrimmage yards, setting a new Panthers franchise record and making him the seventh NFL player in 20 years to achieve this feat. Quarterback Bryce Young completed 17 of 25 passes for 199 yards and three touchdowns, with two going to rookie Tetairoa McMillan, who overcame an early dropped pass that led to a Cowboys interception. The Panthers, now 3-0 at home, won the back-and-forth contest on a 33-yard field goal by rookie Ryan Fitzgerald as time expired, capping a 71-yard, 15-play final drive. Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 261 yards and three touchdowns, with George Pickens catching nine passes for 168 yards and a score, but the Cowboys were significantly outgained on the ground (216-31). Young praised Dowdle's personal motivation, while Prescott acknowledged his former teammate's dominant performance. The Panthers will next visit the New York Jets, while the Cowboys host Washington.
