Overview

• Rico Dowdle told his former team to “buckle up” after his 206-yard performance against Miami and reaffirmed the message midweek.
• Kenny Clark answered with “He got to back it up. Prove it,” as Dallas defenders downplayed the talk and pointed to trench play.
• George Pickens said the Cowboys are “buckled up every week,” while Sam Williams and Kenneth Murray said the on-field answer comes Sunday.
• Dowdle started in Week 5 for the Panthers and is expected to start again with Chuba Hubbard sidelined, per team and media reports.
• Dallas’ run defense has been cited around 23rd in the NFL, adding intrigue given Dowdle’s surge and his five-season history in Dallas, including a 2024 breakout.