Game Reset
- Carolina Panthers (3-0) at Dallas Cowboys (2-1)
- AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
- Sunday, Oct. 3 | 1 p.m. | FOX
- Roster | Depth Chart | How to Watch
History: Panthers vs. Cowboys
- Carolina is 5-9 all-time against Dallas, winning the last two games in the series in 2018 and 2015. Carolina is 2-4 all-time at Dallas.
- Current Streak: Panthers W2
- Last matchup: Carolina won 16-8 on 9/9/18
- Sunday marks just the seventh time in 15 games that the teams have played on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Notable Connections
Panthers
- Left tackle Cameron Erving played for Dallas in 2020
- Tight end Tommy Tremble's father, Greg Tremble, was on the Cowboys roster in 1995 for Super Bowl XXX
- Kicker Zane Gonzalez is originally from Deer Park, Texas
- A number of players and staff, including head coach Matt Rhule, spent time at Baylor
Cowboys
- Quarterback Will Grier was drafted by Carolina in 2018 and played two years in Carolina
- Safety Jayron Kearse and defensive end Carlos Watkins played at Clemson
- Safety Israel Mukuamu played at South Carolina
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.
On Monday, Dak 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.
After a pass-heavy attack in Week 1, the rushing attack took over with Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard in Weeks 2 and 3. 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.
| Category | Panthers | Cowboys |
|---|---|---|
| Offense | ||
| Total Yards/Game | 390.3 (10th) | 416.7 (5th) |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 105.7 (t-14th) | 139.3 (4th) |
| Net Passing Yards/Game | 284.7 (8th) | 277.3 (10th) |
| Sacks Allowed | 6 (t-11th) | 7 (t-17th) |
| Third Down Efficiency | 42.5 (t-11th) | 53.8 (4th) |
| Points/Game | 23.0 (16th) | 30.0 (t-6th) |
| Defense | ||
| Total Yards/Game | 191.0 (1st) | 402.0 (t-26th) |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 45.0 (1st) | 70.3 (6th) |
| Passing Yards/Game | 146.0 (1st) | 331.7 (31st) |
| Sacks | 14 (1st) | 4 (t-29th) |
| Third Down Efficiency | 21.2 (1st) | 40.0 (t-17th) |
| Takeaways | 3 (t-17th) | 8 (1st) |
| Points Allowed/Game | 10.0 (2nd) | 23.0 (13th) |
Stat Nuggets To Know
Team
- Carolina's defense once again leads the NFL in yards allowed (191.0), rushing yards allowed (45.0), passing yards allowed (146.0), sacks (14) and third down percentage (21.2). The 573 total yards allowed is the fewest by a 3-0 team since 1992.
- The Panthers have yet to trail an opponent in a game this year, the only team in the NFL that can boast that.
- Carolina's run defense has made initial contact with rushers 0.22 yards behind the line of scrimmage, best in the NFL. The team has yet to allow a rushing TD from a running back this season.
- As the team leads the NFL with 14 sacks, nine different players have contributed to that total, the most in the league.
- Through three games, Carolina has a +34 point differential in the first half, second-best in the NFL.
- Carolina and Dallas are two of just three teams that have run at least 90 rushing plays and 100 passing plays this season.
- Carolina has averaged a time of possession of 35:12, second-best in the NFL, while 74 total first downs tie for fourth in the league.
Individual
- Quarterback Sam Darnold is averaging 296.0 passing yards per game and a 99.0 passer rating. His three rushing touchdowns tie for the most in the NFL among all rushers and his personal season high.
- Wide receiver DJ Moore is currently eighth in the NFL with 285 receiving yards and fifth with 22 receptions. His 16 receiving first downs are tied for second in the NFL.
- Linebacker Haason Reddick ranks third in the NFL with 4.5 sacks. He has recorded a sack in one of every 13.5 passing rushing snaps. In 2020 and 2021, Reddick has six strip-sacks which leads the NFL.
- Defensive end Brian Burns has 3.0 sacks which ties for eighth in the NFL. He has recorded sacks in five consecutive games played, dating back to 2020.
- Linebacker Shaq Thompson currently leads the team with 20 tackles. According to PFF, he's allowed an opposing passer rating of just 39.3 in pass coverage snaps, best among qualified NFL linebackers.
- Defensive tackle DaQuan Jones has eight QB hurries, according to PFF, tied for seventh among interior defensive linemen.
Milestones in Reach
DJ Moore
- Needs 462 receiving yards to pass Wesley Walls (3,902) for fourth place in Panthers history.
Haason Reddick, Brian Burns
- Each need 1.0 sack at Dallas to become the first pair of Panthers teammates with at least one sack in four consecutive games.
- They would become the fifth pair of teammates in NFL history (since sacks became official in 1982) to each record sacks in first four games of a season.
Haason Reddick
- Needs 1.5 sacks to tie Lamar Lathon (1996, 6.0) for the second-most sacks in a season's first four games in Panthers history.
Brian Burns
- Needs one sack to tie Kevin Greene (1998) for the longest streak of games (6) with at least 1.0 sack in franchise history.
- Needs 1.5 sacks to pass Kris Jenkins (20.5) for seventh among defensive linemen in Panthers history
Shaq Thompson
- Needs 15 tackles to pass Chris Gamble (493) for fifth all time in Panthers history.
Donte Jackson
- Needs five interceptions to pass Richard Marshall/Doug Evans (14) for fifth all-time in franchise history
Jeremy Chinn
- Needs 30 tackles to pass Will Witherspoon (157) for the most tackles in the first two seasons by a non-middle linebacker.
Carolina is 5-9 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)
