Rico Dowdle struggles against Tampa Bay

Dowdle rushed the ball 13 times for 23 yards in Sunday’s 26-24 win over Tampa Bay. He added three receptions on three targets for 28 yards.

Dowdle had emerged as an effective high-volume rusher in recent weeks, but he never got going on the ground in Sunday’s win. His longest gain as a rusher went for just six yards, while 10 of his attempts went for two yards or less. Dowdle managed to redeem himself a bit as a pass catcher by posting his most receiving yards since Week 9. Things won’t get any easier for him heading into a Week 17 matchup against the Eagles, but he should remain a focal point of the Cowboys’ offense .