By dividing repetitions between their two best running backs, it appeared as though the Cowboys had discovered the advantages of having a dynamic tandem at the position. However, that lesson didn’t apply as well in 2023. Tony Pollard was the main attraction, along with Dowdle, who was quite effective in his few stints. Even so, Dowdle’s career highs remained in the number of attempts (89), running yards (361), total yards (505), and touchdowns (four).
Even so, there’s been enough footage of a now-healthy Dowdle to recognise his potential as an RB2. He still has a lot to show moving forward and goes into this summer with a chip on his shoulder.
Drafted in the second round by the Cowboys in 2013, Escobar played four years with the Cowboys, before playing one season in Baltimore. Escobar also had brief stints with the Browns, Dolphins and Chiefs. He had 30 career receptions and eight touchdowns – all with the Cowboys.
Tragically, this year the Cowboys have lost numerous former players, coaches, scouts and members of the support staff.
Among the deaths this year include Escobar, Hall of Famer Rayfield Wright, Ring of Honor member Don Perkins along with Dan Reeves, Marion Barber and Ralph Neely. The Cowboys also lost former scouting director Larry Lacewell, former offensive coordinator Ernie Zampese, former RB coach Gary Brown and Marylyn Love, who served as Jerry Jones’ assistant for over 40 years.
It felt as if the Cowboys had learned the benefit of having a dynamic tandem at running back, as in splitting reps between their top two talents at the position, but any lesson learned there didn’t translate well in 2023. It was mostly Tony Pollard’s show and Dowdle, though very productive in his limited reps. Dowdle still had career-highs in attempts (89), rushing yards (361), total yards (505) and touchdowns (four).
Still, enough has been put on film from a finally-healthy Dowdle to allow appreciation of his potential as an RB2. He enters this offseason still carrying a chip on his shoulder and plenty to prove going forward.
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