A couple of strong games for the Dallas offense without star wideout Ceedee Lamb is giving fans the sense that the Cowboys are getting it together.
They’ll have another chance to show that in Week 6 against the Carolina Panthers when the teams meet Sunday afternoon in Charlotte, N.C.
The Cowboys (2-2-1), fresh off a 37-22 road victory against the New York Jets, have demonstrated the ability to click in coach Brian Schottenheimer’s offense.
Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott is second in passing yards (1,356) and tied for third in touchdown passes (10), with just three interceptions. George Pickens has averaged 15.5 yards per catch for the Cowboys.
“Dak is doing an incredible job of reading progressions,” Schottenheimer said. “And the first open guy is going to get the ball and I think that’s what you’re seeing.”
That’s evident with four different players finishing as the top receiver for Dallas across the last four games. Ryan Flournoy racked up 114 receiving yards last week.
With a perfect record at home, the Panthers (2-3) aim to continue riding the momentum that developed during last week’s comeback victory against the Miami Dolphins.
Carolina still needs to improve its slow starts. Other than a shutout of the Atlanta Falcons, the Panthers have endured miserable first halves this season.
Panthers running back Rico Dowdle, who was the NFC Offensive Player of the Week after gaining 206 yards on the ground against Miami, could move back to a second-string role if Chuba Hubbard returns from a one-game injury absence.
Coach Dave Canales said the staff will make the situation work out, though he didn’t commit to rotating running backs or sticking with one primary ball carrier.
“It’s a great feeling for me,” Canales said. “I look down at the call sheet, I don’t have to worry about who’s in there. It allows us to continue to play our brand of football.”
Dowdle is in his first season with the Panthers after four campaigns with the Cowboys.
“There are going to be emotions, but we have to set those things aside,” Canales said of the connection between Dowdle and this week’s opponent.
It might be more important for the Panthers to crank up their passing attack. Dallas ranks last in passing defense, allowing 284.6 yards per game through the air.
The Cowboys have a sturdy offense on the ground with Javonte Williams posting 89.4 rushing yards per game. He gained a season-high 135 yards against the Jets.
Schottenheimer said there’s a physical element to the offense that’s paying off.
Carolina’s defense has been working on altering rushing stunts and finding new avenues into the offensive backfields.
“That’s a group that needs to continue to grow to make an impact with a pass rush,” Canales said.
Schottenheimer said there are encouraging developments regarding some injured Cowboys, but he’s not certain those will equate to players being ready to face the Panthers. Offensive tackle Tyler Guyton returned to the practice field Wednesday after finishing up concussion protocol.
Sunday’s game will be the fourth road contest for Dallas. The Cowboys are 12-5 all-time against Carolina, and have won seven of 10 all-time visits to Charlotte.
