Charlotte, NC, October 13, 2025
News Summary
In a thrilling matchup, Rico Dowdle showcased his talent by leading the Carolina Panthers to a 30-27 victory against the Dallas Cowboys. Dowdle rushed for 183 yards and totaled 239 yards from scrimmage, marking his second consecutive week over 200 yards. Carolina’s rookie kicker secured the win with a field goal as time ran out, while quarterback Bryce Young had three touchdown passes, signaling a strong performance from both the offense and Dowdle, who also broke a franchise record.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Rico Dowdle had an exceptional performance for the Carolina Panthers, leading his team to a hard-fought 30-27 victory over the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday. Dowdle rushed for 183 yards and amassed a total of 239 yards from scrimmage, showcasing his offensive prowess against his former team.
This remarkable outing marks Dowdle’s second consecutive week of surpassing 200 yards from scrimmage, making him the first NFL player to do so since Dalvin Cook in 2020. Additionally, Dowdle’s cumulative total of 473 yards from scrimmage over the past two weeks has set a new franchise record for the Panthers.
In a pivotal moment, rookie kicker Ryan Fitzgerald nailed a 33-yard field goal as time expired, ensuring the Panthers secured the win. Carolina’s quarterback, Bryce Young, completed 17 of 25 passes for 199 yards and threw three touchdown passes, two of which were caught by rookie Tetairoa McMillan. McMillan, drafted as the No. 8 overall pick, caught his first two career touchdown passes in this match.
Dowdle not only excelled in rushing but also contributed significantly in the passing game, catching four passes for 56 yards and scoring one touchdown. This performance helped the Panthers improve to a 3-3 record overall, maintaining an impressive 3-0 record at home this season.
Dowdle’s total of 239 yards from scrimmage in this game broke the franchise record previously held by Christian McCaffrey, which stood at 237 yards. The Panthers’ rushing game dominated the Cowboys, outgaining them by a staggering 216 to 31 yards. Dowdle’s touchdown came on a 36-yard reception from Young, giving Carolina its first lead of the game after trailing 17-13 at halftime.
This victory also avenged the Panthers’ previous home losses against the Cowboys over the past two seasons. Young delivered a crucial fourth-down conversion, completing a 7-yard pass to Hunter Renfrow, allowing the Panthers to manage the clock effectively and set up the game-winning kick.
On the opposing side, Dak Prescott, quarterback for the Cowboys, finished the game completing 25 of 34 passes for 261 yards and three touchdowns. However, the Cowboys struggled in the running game, as their new lead running back, Javonte Williams, managed to gain only 29 yards on 13 carries.
This victory marked a significant milestone for the Panthers, as it was their first time being at least .500 since Week 10 of 2021. Dowdle’s remarks before the game about the Cowboys needing to “buckle up” have proven to be insightful as he delivered an outstanding performance on the field.
Game Summary
- Final Score: Panthers 30, Cowboys 27
- Key Player: Rico Dowdle – 183 rushing yards, 239 total yards from scrimmage
- Quarterback Stats: Bryce Young – 17/25 passes, 199 yards, 3 TDs
- Franchise Record: Dowdle’s 239 yards from scrimmage
Current Standings
- Panthers Record: 3-3
- Home Record: 3-0
Background Context
Rico Dowdle spent five years with the Dallas Cowboys before signing with the Panthers this season. His transition has proven successful, highlighted by his record-setting performances in recent games. The Panthers continue to build momentum under young quarterback Bryce Young, who has showcased significant improvement alongside a supporting cast that is beginning to find their rhythm.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Victory | Panthers 30, Cowboys 27 |
| Rico Dowdle’s Stats | 183 rushing yards, 239 total yards from scrimmage |
| Record Breaker | First player since Dalvin Cook in 2020 to achieve over 200 yards in consecutive weeks |
| Rookie Contributions | Tetairoa McMillan caught two touchdown passes |
| Franchise Record | Dowdle’s 239 yards from scrimmage set a new franchise record |
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Additional Resources
- Panthers.com: Rapid Reactions to Panthers Win
- NFL.com: Rico Dowdle’s 239-Yard Performance
- USA Today: Rico Dowdle Stats Against Cowboys
- Wikipedia: Rico Dowdle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Football League
Author: HERE Charlotte
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