Dowdle got slowed down for the first time this season as a starter last week against the Saints, but the numbers suggest he’s in for a rebound.
The most pleasant surprise for the Carolina Panthers this year has been the breakout of their star running back, Rico Dowdle. After Chuba Hubbard’s calf injury sidelined him for a couple weeks, Dowdle established himself as one of the NFL’s most explosive and efficient rushers.
Panthers fans had to suffer through two games with a ridiculous split in the backfield with Hubbard an Dowdle alternating drives, but Dowdle is now starting and getting the bulk of the carries, as he should.
However, for the first time this season as a starter Dowdle got shut down last week by the New Orleans Saints, who selled out to stop the run. The result was just 53 yards on 18 carries.
This week Dowdle is likely in for a bounce-back performance, though. According to ESPN, the Atlanta Falcons have given up the most fantasy points to running backs since Week 7.
“Dowdle has been productive when given consistent volume. He has had five games with at least 18 touches, averaging 24.0 fantasy points in those outings. He now faces a Falcons defense that has allowed the most fantasy points per game to RBs since Week 7.”
The season-long numbers for Atlanta’s run defense aren’t great, either. Through 10 games they are allowing 146.4 rushing yards per game. Only the Buffalo Bills, New York Giants and Cincinnati Bengals are giving up more per week on the ground.
Then again, the Falcons might change things up and try to copy what worked well for New Orleans last week. If they also choose to sell out against Dowdle and force Bryce Young to beat them over the top, the Panthers are likely in for a long afternoon.
“We didn’t play our best tonight, and it’s frustrating. The injuries are piling up, but we can’t let that be an excuse. We’ve got to fight through it, especially when we have a chance to take control. We’ll need to learn from this and be ready for the road trip.”
— Jeremy Swayman, on the Bruins’ frustrating loss to the Hurricanes.
Boston Bruins fans were hoping for another strong performance on Monday night, but instead, their team fell flat in a
The Bruins entered the game already dealing with several key injuries. Elias Lindholm remains sidelined, and both
The turning point came in the
Despite having four power-play opportunities, the Bruins failed to capitalize. They registered just five shots during those man-advantage situations, and
The Bruins pushed hard in the
After the game, Jeremy Swayman voiced his frustration: “We didn’t play our best tonight, and it’s frustrating. The injuries are piling up, but we can’t let that be an excuse. We’ve got to fight through it, especially when we have a chance to take control. We’ll need to learn from this and be ready for the road trip.”
The Bruins will now embark on a four-game road trip, starting with a matchup against the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday night in Southern California. With their injury list growing,