Get ready for a thrilling showdown as the Dallas Cowboys gear up to face the Carolina Panthers in a game that’s anything but ordinary. Here’s the kicker: for the third year in a row, the Cowboys are hitting the road to battle a non-division rival—a rarity in the NFL. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can they keep their winning streak alive against a team they’ve dominated in recent years? Let’s dive into the three keys to victory in this week’s Here We Goooo breakdown.
1. Reigniting the Dak-Ferguson Connection
Through five games, tight end Jake Ferguson has been an absolute beast, leading all NFL tight ends with 41 receptions—a whopping 12 more than his closest competitor. Yet, there’s a wrinkle: he and Dak Prescott have struggled to reconnect on their signature seam route, a play that earned Ferguson a Pro Bowl nod in 2023. From overthrown passes to Ferguson taking some hard hits, this once-reliable weapon has been MIA. But here’s the silver lining: the Panthers’ defense has been a tight end’s dream this season, giving up a league-high 401 yards and three touchdowns to the position. With CeeDee Lamb and KaVontae Turpin likely sidelined again, Ferguson is poised for a breakout game. And this is the part most people miss: while Ferguson’s stats against Carolina in the past two years (five catches, 55 yards) seem underwhelming, those games featured a more crowded receiving corps. This week, with fewer targets to compete with, Ferguson could shine brighter than ever.
2. Capitalizing on the Pass Rush Opportunity
The Cowboys’ pass rush is coming off a five-sack performance against the Jets, matching their season total in just one game. Now, they face a Panthers offensive line that’s been, well, less than stellar. Over the past two seasons, Dallas has sacked Bryce Young 13 times, and while Micah Parsons is no longer in the mix, Carolina’s edge protection remains a weak spot. Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu and right tackle Taylor Moton have combined for 43 quarterback pressures and three sacks allowed this season—both top-ten worst in the league. Moton’s elbow injury could sideline him, leaving backup Yosh Nijman, who’s allowed eight pressures on just 40 pass-blocking snaps, in the hot seat. The Panthers’ O-line has given up the sixth-most pressures and the eighth-quickest time to pressure this season. For a Cowboys defense seeking consistency, this is their chance to shine. But here’s the controversial question: Can they replicate their past success without Parsons leading the charge?
3. Stopping Rico Dowdle’s Revenge Tour
Former Cowboy Rico Dowdle has a chip on his shoulder, and he’s not hiding it. After a career-high 206-yard rushing performance last week, Dowdle is set to lead the Panthers’ backfield again, this time against his old team. The Cowboys’ run defense, however, has been a liability lately, giving up 308 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the past two games—the third-most in the NFL during that span. Dowdle knows the Cowboys’ defensive schemes inside and out, and while Dallas has the advantage of familiarity with his game, they’ll need to buckle up tight. As Coach Brian Schottenheimer joked, they’ll have their seat belts on for this one. But here’s the real question: Can the Cowboys stop Dowdle’s momentum, or will he run all over his former team in a revenge game for the ages?
This matchup is loaded with storylines, from Ferguson’s potential breakout to the pass rush’s chance at redemption and Dowdle’s revenge mission. What do you think? Will the Cowboys make it three straight wins against the Panthers, or will Carolina flip the script? Let us know in the comments—this is one game you won’t want to miss!
