Rico Dowdle Gets Honest About Panthers’ Run Game Struggles

For the first time in a while, the Carolina Panthers were back on primetime television. Unfortunately for them, they didn’t do much to justify why.

They simply couldn’t get anything going in the loss to the San Francisco 49ers, especially on the ground. With that in mind, team star running back Rico Dowdle called out the team for their lack of consistency:

“Just inconsistent. Been the case whole year. Just gotta find a way to keep going up. Just gotta stay positive. Get to the next game. Try to go 1-0 next week,” Dowdle said.

Rico Dowdle on #Panthers inconsistency and lack of run game vs the 49ers. pic.twitter.com/krdYdgIdiw

— Sheena Quick (@Sheena_Marie3) November 25, 2025

Dowdle only had six carries for 38 yards, with fellow running back Chuba Hubbard logging three carries for 16 yards. As a whole, they had 230 total yards, with just 69 coming on the ground.

Dave Canales’ offense had usually been more efficient, and this was one of their worst performances of the season. As a whole, they had just 12 first downs, went 1-of-7 on third down, threw two picks, and only had the ball for 22:18 minutes.

Despite the shortcomings, the Panthers are still sitting on a respectable 6-6 record. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are falling back to Earth after a strong start to the season, mostly because of injuries, so they should have a chance to come out of the NFC South division.

Unfortunately for them, things won’t get much easier next week. They will head back home to host the red-hot Los Angeles Rams, arguably the best team in all of football right now.

They will need to do a better job of establishing the run to have a chance in that game against a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Needless to say, it will be much easier said than done.

The post Rico Dowdle Gets Honest About Panthers’ Run Game Struggles appeared first on The Cold Wire.