The Carolina Panthers' loss to the San Francisco 49ers came with more questions about Rico Dowdle's usage. He's been the primary catalyst behind the franchise's turnaround this season, but the running back wasn't given much involvement by head coach Dave Canales amid the prime-time spotlight.
Dowdle got just six carries at Levi's Stadium. The former South Carolina standout averaged 6.3 yards per touch on the ground. And yet, Canales felt it was more prudent to put the game in quarterback Bryce Young's hands despite his early jitters.
It didn't work. Canales has taken some heat in the immediate aftermath of the defeat.