Dave Canales' gamble pays off in Panthers' win over Packers

"It's usually the same situation where you get that first one and the feeling, and like I said, it just comes with trust and confidence," Dowdle said, per Kassidy Hill of Panthers.com.

Dowdle couldn’t take all the credit, as he made sure to give his offensive line its props for executing its assignments and allowing him to get to the second level. 

"Those guys up front, they've been doing a great job all season," said Dowdle. "Just allow me to get to the second level and executing their blocks at a high level. And we can do it against anybody. I don't really, I never really look at numbers like they're the top run defense. It's just, each week is its own. We take each week as its own. Looking at the film, I knew we'd have a chance to have a good one."

Rico Dowdle’s emergence will help the Panthers moving forward 

Dowdle’s performance and emergence as a top back will help the Panthers become more of a potential playoff team moving forward. With their win over the Packers, the Panthers now have a 24% chance to make it into the playoffs and sit behind the Chicago Bears, who are just outside the playoff picture with a 28% chance to get in. 

Considering quarterback Bryce Young's struggles, as he's thrown six interceptions to 11 touchdowns, making the run the focal point of the offense to set up the passing game could help improve his performance. Facing the 1-8 New Orleans Saints in Week 10, the Panthers could potentially have another big game running the ball, as the Saints allowed 171 yards rushing to the Los Angeles Chargers in their 34-10 loss on Sunday.