CHARLOTTE, NC – The Dallas Cowboys secured a dominate 30-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, at Bank of America Stadium, putting an end to Carolina’s rare status as betting favorites. This win brings the Cowboys’ record to 6-8, while the Panthers drop to 3-11. Rico Dowdle (who played his College ball right down the road in Columbia) turned in his third consecutive 100-yard rushing performance with a career high 149 rushing yards.

QB Cooper Rush and CeeDee Lamb are finally finding their rhythm, with his effort, Lamb went over 1,000 yards for the fourth straight season, making him just the second Cowboys receiver ever to achieve that feat.

Key Statistics:

• Cooper Rush (QB, Cowboys): 18/29 for 214 passing yards and 3 TD passes.
• CeeDee Lamb (WR, Cowboys): 9 receptions for 116 yards with 1 touchdown.
• Rico Dowdle (RB, Cowboys): 25 carries for 149 rushing yards.
• Bryce Young (QB, Panthers): 19/28 for 219 passing yards with 1 touchdown pass and 1 TD run, 2 interceptions, 6 sacks taken.

Keys to the Game:

• Early Lead: The Cowboys took an early lead when Rush found CeeDee Lamb for a 14-yard touchdown. Lamb’s performance was big for Dallas, amassing 116 yards receiving.
• Turnover Advantage: The Cowboys’ defense was aggressive, forcing four turnovers from Young. A critical moment came when Osa Odighizuwa stripped the ball from Young, leading to a quick Cowboys’ score with Rush throwing to Jalen Tolbert for an 11-yard touchdown, making it 17-7.
• Panthers’ Highlights: The Panthers cut the lead to 10-7 before halftime with Young connecting with rookie Jalen Coker for an 83-yard touchdown, the longest of Young’s career. This was set up but a costly red zone fumble by Cooper Rush.
• Defensive Standout: The Cowboys’ defense, despite missing key players, managed to sack Young six times, with Micah Parsons leading the charge with two sacks. Parsons’ constant pressure was key in disrupting the Panthers’ offense all day.
• Winning Scoring Drive: In the fourth quarter, Rush connected with Jalen Brooks for a 17-yard touchdown, adding to the Cowboys’ lead and essentially putting the game away.
• Late Game Efforts: Panthers’ Young managed a late rushing touchdown, but it was too little too late against the Cowboys’ defense, which held the Panthers at 14, securing the win.

Wrapping Up Week 15:

The Cowboys got their third win in the last four games. The Cowboys looked more like the teams from the past three seasons, winning in dominating fashion Sunday. It was the Cowboys’ most impressive win since Week 1 and just the third time that they’ve scored 30 points all year, all of which have been wins. The Cowboys head back to Texas to prepare for their next game against playoff hopeful Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Panthers host Arizona Cardinals next Sunday.

Photos courtesy of Fox, CBS, AP, ESPN, Yahoo Sports, NBC, and the NCAA. 

“Cowboy Regg” – Co-Host of the “Sons of the Star” Podcast. The podcast is available on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. 

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