One of the biggest positives behind the Carolina Panthers' surge to the top of the NFC South this season is their rushing attack. And this doesn't happen without the supreme contribution of free-agent signing Rico Dowdle.
Dowdle took over lead-back duties when Chuba Hubbard got hurt and outperformed his teammate during a sensational few weeks as the bell-cow option. Things have evened out in terms of involvement between the two in recent weeks, but the former South Carolina standout remains an integral part of head coach Dave Canales' offensive game plan.
And a strong effort to finish the season won't just help Carolina's quest for the playoffs and a first NFC South championship in a decade, it'll also earn the veteran a ton of money along the way.