Brett's Cowboys Corner

The Cowboys beat the Panthers 30-14 in a nearly perfect fashion as they officially eliminate Carolina’s last bit of playoff hopes.

Dallas got Ceedee Lamb going early on, quick targets that led to an early score. Parsons moved all over the field and picked up some pressures and two sacks. But the standout, Rico Dowdle added another career day to his resume.

Running Back Battle

The competition of Hubbard vs Dowdle in this game was going to be key in how the final score played out. Both teams defenses have been known to let running backs have success on them this season.

While a lot needs to be and will be attributed to the Cowboys defense, holding Hubbard to 10 carries and 32 yards. Rico Dowdle has surpassed 100 yards rushing in each of the last three games. Which hasn’t been done in Dallas since Zeke in 2019.

Also he became the first undrafted player with three straight 100+ rushing-yard games since Arian Foster in Weeks 5-8, 2014.

Career high 25 carries, 149 rushing yards, averaging 6 yards per attempt. The Cowboys dominated on the ground with Dowdle. He continues to make a case that maybe the Cowboys running back conversation in 2025 should start with Rico.

Defensive Line

It seems the conversation of Mike Zimmer’s job has been swaying more toward keeping him around, and these past few weeks have really helped the argument.

The defensive line has been a much better run stopping unit, but began unlocking themselves as next level pass rushers. Even the guys who aren’t talked about as much like Carl Lawson and Chauncey Gholston have been grading high per PFF. Both having a sack Sunday.

Parsons lining up all over the field, being used creatively as a rusher has helped him take the next step, but also allowing others around him to find free rushes at the QB, like CB Jourdan Lewis who picked up a sack.

Even guys like Osa Odighizuwa, who normally start fading away in impact late in the season. Osa had a sack and a forced fumble Sunday.

Defensive Backs

This group stood out as a unit. Forcing turnovers, adding to the sack total, and not being killed by Adam Thielen.

Other than the one busted coverage before halftime, that led to a 83 yard TD. This group limited the big plays and kept the game manageable for the Dallas offense.

Problems That Need to Be Fixed

There are two problems that are killing the team and its momentum. Now regardless of your goals this season. These are things that need to be fixed and can’t roll over into 2025.

Penalties, this has always been a problem under Coach McCarthy. We kill ourselves with avoidable penalties. Rush and Lamb immediately connect on a 25 yard pass, and its negated because the left tackle doesn’t line up correctly. Unacceptable.

14 accepted penalties, losing 99 yards total.

The other issue is having dumb turnovers. Especially in the redzone.

These can be unforced errors too. Cooper Rush has had a problem handling the shotgun snap and has put a few on the ground. But there are so many things wrong with, Rush running the read option and when he tries to keep it, fumbling it on the fake exchange.

Why is Cooper Rush running a read option? What is Trey Lance for?

To Look Forward too

Otherwise, it is nice to see Rush as a passer start to become more confident and develop is relationship with Lamb.

Rush completed 7 of 10 passes over 10 air yards for 119 yards, and has thrown 5 TD passes over 10 air yards over his last 2 games after throwing just 2 in his first four starts this season.

As for Lamb, he recorded 9 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown against the Panthers, with 105 of his receiving yards coming in the first half.

As for Lamb, it is clear his dominance as the primary receiver makes him worth every penny. Unfortunately, he is the only option at this point, especially looking ahead to 2025.