Panthers’ Rico Dowdle Hits Incentive Despite Loss

Although the Panthers fell short in their game on Saturday, running back Rico Dowdle had something to celebrate.

Dowdle’s four-yard rush during the third quarter against the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium pushed his season total past 1,350 scrimmage yards, earning him a $1 million bonus. Quite a feat, really.

Going into the game, Dowdle was a bit off the radar, just needing seven yards to hit the mark for those incentives.

He had the opportunity to earn an additional $250,000 with a touchdown but didn’t manage to get across the end zone.

When Dowdle first joined the Panthers this offseason, it seemed a bit optimistic to think he’d reach that milestone. After all, he was originally set up as a backup to Tuba Hubbard.

But things changed. Dowdle ended up starting 11 games this season, while Hubbard lost his spot due to ongoing calf issues.

As they headed into Week 18 against Tampa Bay, Dowdle boasted impressive stats: 1,066 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns from 229 carries, plus 277 receiving yards on 37 catches. Not too shabby at all.

Before Saturday’s match, the Panthers ranked 11th in the league for yards allowed per game. Still, they struggled significantly on the ground against Tampa, managing only 19 rushing yards total.

And it wasn’t just the rushing game that struggled; quarterback Bryce Young completed 24 of 35 passing attempts, racking up 266 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. Not exactly a standout performance.

The defeat now leaves Carolina’s playoff aspirations hinging on the result of Sunday’s Saints versus Falcons game. If the Panthers hope to reach the postseason for the first time since 2017, they need a win in Atlanta.

Coach Dave Canales summed it up pretty well after the game: “We’re all going to be in trouble. I hope the Falcons advance, but at least we still have hope. We need to focus on ourselves and ensure we play our best in the crucial moments.”