Why the Dallas Cowboys Dominate the Carolina Panthers in Regular Season Matchups

Dallas Cowboys Seek to Extend Regular Season Dominance Over Carolina Panthers

The Dallas Cowboys will travel to face the Carolina Panthers in the upcoming 2023 NFL season in Week 11. The Cowboys will look to extend their dominance over the Panthers in regular-season matchups. The Cowboys have an overall record of 10-5 against the Panthers, winning 10 out of 13 total regular season games. Dallas, however, has lost both postseason matchups against the Panthers since their first meeting in 1996.

The First Meeting: A Loss for the Cowboys

The first meeting between the Cowboys and Panthers occurred in 1996, during the divisional round of playoffs. The Cowboys were the defending champions, having destroyed the Vikings the week before. However, the Cowboys’ offense struggled, settling for field goals on multiple drives after coming within the Panthers’ three-yard line. On the other hand, the Dallas defense held the Panthers to four field goals and a safety. Kerry Collins threw two touchdown passes, while Troy Aikman threw only one, leading to the Cowboys losing to the Panthers 26-17 and the end of their reign as champions. Eleven months later, the teams met again, with the Panthers winning 23-13.

Cowboys Take Control

The Cowboys lost their first two games against the Panthers but finally got into the win column in 1998. Jason Garrett replaced Aikman, throwing two touchdowns to help the Cowboys rally to a 27-20 win. Aikman won his first and only game against the Panthers in 2000, leading the Cowboys to a 16-13 overtime victory with a Tim Seder field goal. Quincy Carter recorded back-to-back wins over the Panthers, both times at Texas Stadium. Carter’s performance included throwing four touchdowns in two games, leading to one of the biggest victories being a 24-20 win in 2003.

Playoff Losses

John Kasay led the Panthers to a 29-10 win against the Cowboys in 2003 via five field goals. During this playoff game, Quincy Carter was held below 154 yards. This loss meant the commencement of a long win streak for the Cowboys against Carolina. Julius Jones helped the team achieve the streak by running through the Panthers for 194 yards and two scores in a 24-20 win in 2005. Jones contributed again in 2006 with 92 yards and a score in a 35-14 win. In 2007, Tony Romo hit Terrell Owens for a 10-yard scoring pass, and Marion Barber added a five-yard run for a score in the Cowboys winning 20-13.

Home Field Advantage at AT&T Stadium

The Cowboys have played the Panthers thrice at their new AT&T Stadium. After successfully defeating the Panthers 21-7 in 2009, the Cowboys lost 33-14 in 2015, before winning 36-28 in 2021. The last time the two teams played at Bank of America Stadium in 2018, Dallas lost 16-8 when Dak Prescott got sacked six times.

Editorial and Advice

Dak Prescott and the Cowboys will need to maintain their regular-season dominance if they hope to bring a Super Bowl back to Dallas. Winning their matchup against the Panthers in Week 11 will be crucial. However, the Cowboys should remember that regular-season records do not always guarantee a playoff win. Their two postseason losses to the Panthers show that anything can happen on the field, regardless of the regular-season record. The Cowboys should focus on preparing well for the game against the Panthers and taking them seriously, despite having an all-time winning record.

The Carolina Panthers have consistently improved in recent years, which makes this season’s matchup with the Cowboys more challenging. The Panthers have quarterback Sam Howell, who was drafted sixth overall by the Panthers in the 2023 draft, leading their team. Howell’s exceptional skills, combined with a good offensive line and great coaching staff, make the Panthers a formidable opponent. Therefore, the Cowboys’ defense will need to step up and be continually prepared to stop the Panthers’ offense and prevent the game’s outcome from slipping away.

The Dallas Cowboys should also focus on protecting Dak Prescott during this game. During the 2018 game against the Panthers, Prescott got sacked six times, which played a significant role in the Cowboys losing the game. The offensive line must ensure Prescott has enough time to throw the ball.

In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys have a good chance of winning their Week 11 game against the Carolina Panthers if they prepare well and do not take them for granted. Winning this game might aid the Cowboys in securing a playoff spot and ultimately bringing a Super Bowl back to Dallas.