Rico Dowdle establishes himself as featured running back in win against the Steelers

The Dallas Cowboys escaped Sunday night with a 20-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road. While the Cowboys offense was able to move the ball down the field, their mistakes in the red zone cost the team opportunity at points. They turned the ball over twice, with QB Dak Prescott losing a fumble and throwing an interception.

With Dallas down 10-6 late in the third quarter, they were able to get some efficient running from running back Rico Dowdle, moving the ball down the field on an important drive. Like last week against the Giants, Dowdle was the first touchdown scorer for the Cowboys, hauling in a 22-yard touchdown pass from Prescott in the fourth quarter. Dowdle had his best game of the season, rushing for 87 yards on 20 carries. He also contributed 27 yards on two receptions and that touchdown.

The Cowboys have desperately needed some juice from their running back room this season as the team ranks near the bottom of the league in rushing yards and yards per carry.

While Dowdle has been the starting running back over the last few weeks, his efficient performance against the Steelers should separate him as the team's feature back. Head coach Mike McCarthy stated this offseason that the team would take a "by committee" approach this year. However, it's becoming increasingly clear that Dowdle is the most efficient rusher on the team. Veteran Ezekiel Elliott is averaging less than four yards per carry this season, and Deuce Vaughn doesn't have the size to be a bell-cow back at the professional level.

The Cowboys should increase Dowdle's carries throughout the season, as he is clearly their most explosive weapon out of the backfield. His impact as a rusher and receiver has been important for the team's success over the last two weeks.