CHARLOTTE - Word on the street is, the 'Boys are back.
The proprietors of Jerry's World made a statement on Monday Night Football as they took over first place of the NFC East with a win over Philadelphia.
After a close loss to Tampa Bay on opening night, Dallas (2-1) has impressive wins over the Chargers and Eagles and has the NFL world talking about a potential return to the playoffs — where Dallas hasn't advanced past the divisional round since losing to Carolina after the 1996 season.
But it's early yet. So let's dive into what you need to know about this Cowboys squad.
DAK IS BACK
It's no secret that the Cowboys' success largely rides on the production and health of quarterback Dak Prescott. On Monday, Prescott played his first game at home since suffering a gruesome ankle injury against the Giants in Week 5 last season.
Prescott was masterful against the Eagles, throwing for 238 yards and three touchdowns on 21-of-26 passing for a passer rating of 143.3. It marked the third-highest passer rating in a single game in his career.
This season, Prescott has completed 77.5 percent of his passes with a +10.0 completion percentage above expectation (via Next Gen Stats), second in the NFL behind Teddy Bridgewater.
BALANCED ATTACK
Dallas has shown that they can adjust their game plan depending on what the defense gives them. In Week 1 against the tough Buccaneers run defense, Prescott threw 58 times (compared to just 18 rush attempts) and nearly led Dallas to victory in the closing minutes.
In wins over Los Angeles and Philadelphia, the rushing attack took over with Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard. Pollard has been an important change of pace to Elliott, and the two backs have totaled 169 yards and 166 yards in the last two games, respectively.
Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb makes the big, splashy plays for the Cowboys on the outside, but watch out for Dalton Schultz at tight end. Schultz led the team with six receptions and two touchdowns on Monday, his second six-catch game of the year.
Of course, Amari Cooper is always a threat for a big game, although he's averaged just 25.0 yards over the last two games after exploding for 139 yards and two touchdowns in the opener.
DEFENSE BASED ON DISRUPTIVE PLAYS
The Cowboys defense hasn't shut teams down across the board. In fact, they've surrendered 402.0 yards per game (26th) and 23.0 points per game (13th).
But they have been disruptive at the right times.
Their six interceptions and eight total takeaways are tied for the league high, as Dallas has now gone seven games with at least two or more takeaways, the longest active streak in the NFL.
Cornerback Trevon Diggs had a 59-yard interception return for a score last night. It marked Diggs third interception this season and his sixth pick in the first 14 starts of his career dating back to 2020.
While the Dallas front harassed quarterback Jalen Hurts into some tough plays on Monday, they've largely been unable to get production behind the line of scrimmage. Dallas ranks 28th with nine tackles for loss and is 29th with just four sacks.
Carolina is 5-11 all-time against Dallas, winning the last two in the series.
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Dallas Cowboys qurterback Troy Aikman is sacked by Panthers' Les Miller (69) during first half action in their NFL Divisional playoff at Charlotte's Ericsson Stadium Sunday Jan. 5, 1997. Carolina defeated Dallas 26-17. (AP Photo/Doug Mills)
Dallas Cowboys' Tony Romo (9) scrambles as Carolina Panthers' Thomas Davis (58) defends during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) is grabbed by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Bobby Carpenter (54) during an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Steve Beuerlein (7) sends a pass downfield during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Oct. 11, 1998, in Irving, Texas. Beuerlein, the Panthers back up quarterback, started the game after quarterback Kerry Collins benched himself on Wednesday. Collins did not make the trip to Texas. In the background is Cowboys tackle Leon Lett (78) and defensive end Kavika Pittman (97). (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)
Carolina Panthers tight end Dante Rosario (88) during an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ralph Lauer)
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) is tackled during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) hands the ball off to Dallas Cowboys running back Felix Jones (28) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in Charlotte.(AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) works against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Cole Beasley (11) celebrates a touchdown with teammates against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Rod Smart (32) hurdles Dallas Cowboys' Michael Bates (29) during the third quarter at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Jan. 3, 2004. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Louis Murphy (83) runs after making a catch against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ernie Mills (85) pulls in a pass in the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers for 29 yards Sunday afternoon, Oct. 11, 1998, in Irving, Texas. Defending for Carolina is safety Brent Alexander (46). Dallas won 27-20. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) runs up field against Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) works against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in Charlotte, N.C. The Cowboys won 19-14. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) bobbles a touchdown pass as Carolina Panthers defensive back Josh Thomas (22) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in Charlotte, N.C. There was no touchdown on the play. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
The Dallas Cowboys are seen at the line of scrimmage against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in Charlotte, N.C.(AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (82) is carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Dallas Cowboys' Terrell Owens (81) reaches for a pass as Carolina Panthers' Ken Lucas (21) defends during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) holds onto the ball as Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason jumps over him during an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ralph Lauer)
Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) tries to run past Dallas Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins (21) during an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ralph Lauer)
Dallas Cowboys running back Felix Jones(28) is tackled during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) reacts after a touchdown catch during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ralph Lauer)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) runs past Dallas Cowboys' Keith Davis (29) and Terence Newman (41) during the fourth quarter of the Cowboys' 20-13 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) looks to throw a pass during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
Dallas Cowboys' Patrick Crayton (84) runs past Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall (31) and Jon Beason (52) during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Dallas Cowboys' Richie Anderson (20) is up-ended by Carolina Panthers' Will Witherspoon (54) in the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 29-10 win at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Jan. 3, 2004. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
FILE Carolina Panthers running back Stephen Davis carries the ball during the NFC Wild Card game against the Dallas Cowboys in this Jan. 3, 2004 file photo, in Charlotte, N.C. Former Pro Bowl running back Stephen Davis agreed to a contract with St. Louis on Friday after playing last season with Carolina. The Rams plan to use him as a backup to Steven Jackson. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Dallas Cowboys' Terrell Owens (81) pulls away from Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall (31) as Owens runs for a touchdown after a catch during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox, center, is dunked by his players after the Panthers defeated the Dallas Cowboys, 29-10, at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Jan. 3, 2004. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Dallas Cowboy quarterback Troy Aikman is knocked down by Carolina Panther Lamar Lathon during the 3rd quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game played at Ericsson Stadium, in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Jan. 5, 1997.(AP Photo/Doug Mills)
Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox, center, congratulates defensive end Julius Peppers (90) after Peppers' interception in the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 29-10 win over the Dallas Cowboys at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday Jan. 3, 2004. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kevin Dyson tries to stay inbounds during the NFC Wild Card game against the Dallas Cowboys in this Jan. 3, 2004, in Charlotte, N.C(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Carolina Panthers tight end Wesley Walls (85) cries out in celebration of the Panthers 26-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Jan. 5, 1997 during the NFC Divisional Playoff. (AP Photo Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers runningback Anthony Johnson (23) carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Divisional Playoff in Charlotte, N.C. Sunday Jan. 5, 1997. The Panthers won 26-17. (AP Photo/Peter Harris)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) breaks away from dallas Cowboys' Roy Williams for a 70-yard gain in the first quarter at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday Jan. 3, 2004. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panther running back Anthony Johnson (23), runs the ball as Dallas Cowboy's Shante Carver (96), and Panther Howard Griffith (30) look on during the third quarter of te NFC Divisional Playoff game played at Ericsson Stadium, in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Jan. 5, 1997.(AP Photo/Peter A. Harris)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman walks off the field at Texas Stadium, Monday night, Dec. 8, 1997, in Irving, Texas, after the Cowboys lost to the Carolina Panthers 23-13. ( AP Photo/LM Otero)
Dallas Cowboys Michael Irvin sits in pain after injuring his shoulder in the first quarter against the Panthers in their NFL Divisional playoff at Charlotte's Ericsson Stadium Sunday Jan. 5, 1997. 1997(AP Photo/Doug Mills)
