CHARLOTTE,. N.C. (AP) — Rico Dowdle made an impressive debut as a starter for the Carolina Panthers, rushing for 206 yards against the Miami Dolphins. He predicted to teammates last week that he’d run for 180 yards, but exceeded his own expectations. Dowdle’s performance included runs of 53 and 43 yards, nearly breaking the franchise’s single-game rushing record. Despite early turnovers, the Panthers stuck with the run game and rallied for a 27-24 win. Dowdle even suggested a key play that set up a field goal. With Chuba Hubbard’s status uncertain, Dowdle’s role looks set to expand. He faces his former team, the Dallas Cowboys, next Sunday.… Continue Reading