The Cowboys have escalated their play each contest since the terrible performance in San Francisco in Week 5. They have gone 3-1 since, a close game in Philadelphia being their only loss. The offense has finally caught up to the defense and special teams, making them a formidable team for opponents.
This week is the type of game Dallas has struggled with in the past. An early game on the East Coast against an opponent who has no playoff chances but will look to play at a higher level in this game because of all the eyes the Cowboys bring to the table. They even had a few extra days to prepare as their Week 10 game was Thursday night. Mike McCarthy, Dan Quinn, and Dak Prescott must have the team ready to match the opponent’s energy.
The last game versus the New York Giants and this one against the Carolina Panthers are about more than just winning on the scoreboard. They are a chance to build momentum, and the definition of winning is more than scoring more points than the opponent. Getting Brandin Cooks involved in the offense, getting a bounce-back game for Terence Steele, or bringing back Michael Gallup’s confidence could be more of a win than just the final score. Here is how Dallas leaves Carolina with a victory and remains hot going into the upcoming Thanksgiving gauntlet.