CHARLOTTE, N.C. — CeeDee Lamb took note of the unusual situation where the Carolina Panthers were being touted as favorites for an upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys, something that hadn’t happened in nearly two years. However, Lamb and his teammates ultimately proved the skeptics wrong.
“It was certainly mentioned,” Lamb remarked, beaming. “You can’t ignore the discussions surrounding your team. A shoutout to those who expected the Panthers to win, but they certainly missed the mark this time.”
The Cowboys comprehensively defeated the Panthers with a score of 30-14, thanks to Cooper Rush’s stellar performance, which included 214 passing yards and a career-high three touchdown throws. Dallas’ defense was relentless, forcing four turnovers from quarterback Bryce Young and sacking him six times. This victory marked Dallas’s third win out of their last four games.
Despite playing through sore shoulders, Lamb delivered an impressive performance with nine catches for 116 yards, concluding with a 14-yard touchdown grab. Additionally, running back Rico Dowdle achieved a personal best of 149 rushing yards on 25 carries, becoming the first undrafted running back to rush for over 100 yards in three consecutive games since Arian Foster in Houston. The Cowboys outperformed the Panthers in total yardage, amassing 410 yards compared to Carolina’s 235.
Young, who had shown signs of progress lately, completed 19 of 28 passes for 219 yards, including an impressive 83-yard touchdown pass to rookie Jalen Coker. He also managed to score a touchdown on the ground. However, his struggles continued as he fumbled twice and had two interceptions, lowering his record to 4-21 as a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Dallas’ defense displayed remarkable resilience after losing cornerback Trevon Diggs to a season-ending knee injury the previous week and following a tough loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. They held the Panthers to just 1 yard during the third quarter, showcasing their determination. “It reflects our perseverance,” said edge rusher Micah Parsons, who contributed two sacks. “As part of this team, we have each other’s backs. The record may not be ideal, but the camaraderie we share is special.”
Parsons also noted that shutting down running back Chuba Hubbard was a critical part of their strategy, which they executed by limiting him to only 32 yards on ten carries. The six sacks surrendered by the Panthers were their highest this season.
“When we are put into a position where we must play catch-up and rely on passing, it plays directly into their strategy,” acknowledged Panthers head coach Dave Canales. “It forced us into a style of play that we prefer to avoid.”
The Cowboys’ offensive performance is on the upswing with Rush stepping in after Dak Prescott’s season-ending hamstring injury. Following two scoreless possessions, the Cowboys proceeded to score on six out of their next eight drives. Their only setbacks were Rush’s turnover deep in Carolina territory and a missed 70-yard field goal attempt by Brandon Aubrey at the end of the first half.
In the first half alone, Lamb secured eight receptions for 104 yards as the Cowboys built a 10-0 lead. Dallas looked poised to extend their lead late in the second quarter when Rush mishandled a snap and fumbled, allowing Young to respond quickly with an 83-yard touchdown pass to Coker, narrowing the gap to just three points at the end of the half.
However, the Cowboys regained momentum in the third quarter. Osa Odighizuwa forced a fumble from Young on Carolina’s opening drive of the second half, leading to an 11-yard touchdown pass from Rush to Jalen Tolbert, pushing the score to 17-7. Rush later connected with Jalen Brooks for a 17-yard touchdown—a defining moment in his burgeoning career.
“Cooper’s touchdown passes were monumental,” coach Mike McCarthy remarked. “He made a crucial play extending a play and hitting JT in the end zone.”
Canales affirmed that Young will retain his role as the starting quarterback for the following week, emphasizing he noticed no decline in his confidence. “He had a determined look in his eyes,” Canales expressed. “I’m looking forward to maintaining an aggressive strategy and capitalizing on opportunities down the field.”
Injury updates include Cowboys offensive tackle Chuma Edoga, who sustained an ankle injury in the second quarter, while guard T.J. Bass exited in the fourth with a lower leg injury. For the Panthers, wide receiver Xavier Legette left the game in the third quarter due to a groin injury.
Next week, the Cowboys will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while the Panthers will take on the Arizona Cardinals in what will be their final home game of the season.
