Cowboys and Panthers Meet in High-Stakes Running Back Showdown

FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers are set to clash on Sunday afternoon in Charlotte, featuring two of the NFL’s top running backs. The Cowboys (2-2-1) are bringing in Javonte Williams to face former Cowboy Rico Dowdle, who now plays for the Panthers (2-3).

Dowdle, who turned 27 in 2024, joined the Panthers this offseason on a one-year, $2.75 million contract after his previous team, Dallas, opted not to renew his contract. He’s coming off a career-best performance in a 27-24 win against the Miami Dolphins in Week 5, where he rushed for 206 yards and a touchdown on just 12 carries. Dowdle’s 9 yards per carry average earned him the title of NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

With fellow running back Chuba Hubbard sidelined due to a calf injury, Dowdle will take on the lead role for Carolina against his former team. Conversely, Dallas chose to sign 25-year-old Williams, who’s recovering from significant knee injuries sustained in 2021. So far this season, Williams has dazzled with 5.7 yards per carry, the fourth-best in the NFL, and tied for second in rushing touchdowns with five.

Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer reflected on Dowdle’s departure, stating, “Rico is a really skilled runner, great vision. It was a tough decision to let him go, but we feel confident in Javonte’s capabilities.”

Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott is currently leading the league in multiple passing categories, including attempts and completions. This is challenging news for the Panthers, who possess the lowest quarterback pressure rate (25.6%) in the NFL this season.

Wide receiver George Pickens is also making headlines, tied for second in the NFL with five receiving touchdowns through five games. With CeeDee Lamb ruled out due to an ankle sprain, Pickens will be targeted more heavily against the Panthers’ Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn.

As the Cowboys prepare for the match, they focus on halting Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, who has struggled this season with four games under 200 passing yards. Young is looking to find his rhythm after facing several challenges, including a change in coaching staff.

Dallas’ defense, fresh off a five-sack performance against the Jets, is preparing for a different challenge with the agile Young. Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa shared, “We need to adjust our tackling approach against such a smaller, athletic quarterback.”

As both teams aim to establish their running game, predictions hint towards a close matchup. Local experts forecast a score of Cowboys 34, Panthers 20.