Brett's Cowboys Corner

The Cowboys heading th Carolina is becoming a common trip during their yearly schedule. This will be the third straight year meeting in Carolina. The last victory the Panthers had over the Cowboys was back in the season opener in 2018.

While Rico Dowdle is looking to incite revenge on Dallas for moving on from him so quick, he will try to build off a 200-yard rushing game last week. As the Cowboys gave up 113 rushing yards to Breece Hall last week. Dallas is looking to build with their dominant rushing attack led by Javonte Williams.

Dallas will have to overcome a long listed injury report once again. Cowboys will get back Tyler Guyton at left tackle and potentially their all-pro guard Tyler Smith.

DALLAS	CAROLINA
Ryan Flournoy: The best way to build off a great game, have another one. A big game would submit himself as a lock to get more reps.	Rico Dowdle: Building off a great performance, told Dallas to “Buckle up.”
Kenneth Murray: Returning from injury and taking over for an injured Jack Sanborn. Provide a needed boost for Dallas LBs.	Derrick Brown: A dominant inside force, could be a disrupter for the Dallas guards.
Trevon Diggs: Will need to shutdown the deep ball attempts, big opportunity for the downfield INT, a signature part of his game.	Tetairoa McMillan: The rookie wideout, looking to have his first big NFL game, and connect with Bryce Young deep.

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The Keys to Victory-

1 – Play Complimentary Football.

A big part of success in the NFL is the offense and defense supporting one another. The Cowboys offense has continued to be one of the highest scoring units in the NFL. Whereas the defense has struggled to stop most opponents.

In non-losing efforts by Dallas, the team scored 40, 40 and 37 points, which the defense allowed 37, 40 and 22. The defense has flashed with sacks and turnovers. But a focus needs to be minimizing points allowed.

Keeping the Panthers offense to under 20, which has happened in two of their losses this season (10-26 vs. JAX & 13-42 vs. NE). Limit the long drives.

2 – Williams Keeps Rolling.

It is clear that Dak Prescott is playing at a level where he leads this offense week in and week out. The emergence of Javonte Williams has been crucial in the success for the Cowboy offense. Helping work the clock and move the chains.

Williams is 3rd in rushing yards across the entire league going into week 6. He has gained 357 rushing yards after contact this season, the 2nd-most among running backs, trailing only Jonathan Taylor (372).

If the Cowboys can quickly get out to lead in this game, they will be able to lean on Williams to speed up the clock. While also utilizing the other backs, Jaydon Blue is expected to get some action this week as he did against the Jets.

3 – Don’t Let Carolina Figure Out the Deep Ball.

Bryce Young looked like he was settling in against Miami last week. But throughout the season he has struggled moving the ball downfield. Cowboys need to make Young regress on Sunday.

Carolina likes to try the deep ball but it rarely hits. He has completed 3 of 12 deep passes (20+ air yards) for 79 yards and 2 interceptions this season. One of those completions was to the 1st round pick rookie wideout Tetairoa McMillan

On paper this would be the week Carolina figures it out, as the Cowboys have given up the long ball.  The Cowboys defense has allowed league-highs in completions (11), yards (461), and touchdowns (5) on deep passes. No other defense league-wide has allowed more than 302 deep passing yards.

Though last week against the Jets, Dallas did not allow a single deep completion.

This feels like a game where Dallas should be miles ahead of Carolina, but let’s not overlook the fact that both teams have the same amount of wins. The Cowboys will need to get back into the winning side of the standings. A victory here would make Dallas 3-2-1, and on track for an opportunity to take 2nd place in the NFC East as they take on the Commanders at AT&T Stadium next week.