Rico 'Runs Angry!' Cowboys Coach Mike McCarthy Reacts to RB Dowdle

"I love his running style,'' Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy says of Rico Dowdle. "He runs angry. He pass protects with a lot of urgency; he sticks his nose in there.''

FRISCO - Based on the snaps and comments given by the Dallas Cowboys, the running back competition for work behind Tony Pollard remains a work in progress.

We know about Tony Pollard, the Pro Bowler who like many other Cowboys stars, has not and will not play in the preseason; he will carry the regular-season load.

And yes, Deuce Vaughn has stolen the show with headline-grabbing runs like his 14-yard touchdown scamper against the Seahawks. Rico Dowdle, however, is in a battle with Vaughn for the No. 2 running back spot on the depth chart after another solid outing, finding the end zone against the Seattle Seahawks Saturday.

What does coach Mike McCarthy think of Rico's latest work?

"I love his running style,'' McCarthy said. "He runs angry. He pass protects with a lot of urgency; he sticks his nose in there.''

That sounds sort of like an endorsement of what a No. 2 back should do ... right?

Dowdle played on the Cowboys' first offensive drive and put together a few solid runs that averaged over six yards per carry. Only three of Dowdle's eight carries didn't go for at least four yards, as he finished with 38 yards in three intermittent first-half drives.

Dowdle accounted for Dallas' first of two touchdowns Saturday, running a route to the flat and taking the quick throw from quarterback Cooper Rush six yards into the end zone.

"I made the most of the opportunities that I got," Dowdle said, adding that he thinks his was a "smooth'' performance. "There's always room for room for improvement. Another week to go."

The only error the fourth-year all-carrier out of South Carolina made was getting beaten by an "up-and-under" move that resulted in a blocked punt and Cowboys safety.

Dowdle said Dallas has six running backs that "all can play," but the way it's shaking out in the preseason - and based on McCarthy's "angry'' remark - he'll be one of the ones that makes the cut and contributes in a big way behind Pollard.

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