Since Dowdle’s illness caused him to miss the game against the San Francisco 49ers, he has been second in the league in rushing yards to MVP candidate Saquon Barkley. Dowdle has 392 yards over the last three games, the most since Ezekiel Elliott in 2018. Dowdle has been one of the most productive runners in the league since being used as the lead back. On Sunda he had a career-high in attempts (25) and yards (149), and continued to increase his per-attempt average, getting to six yards an attempt against the Panthers. He is only 120 yards from his first 1,000-yard season. He wasn’t just a good rusher versus Carolina. His blitz pick-up set up the game’s first score, Rush hitting Lamb for the 14-yard TD. Three more games of 100 yards and a few more touchdowns, and Dowdle could be looking at his first significant payday. The fans can only wonder what would have been if he got 15 or more attempts every game in 2024. You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or YouTube on the Across the Cowboys Podcast.
‘Something we’ve got to work on’: Cowboys QB Cooper Rush near top of league in this one dubious stat
‘Something we’ve got to work on’: Cowboys QB Cooper Rush near top of league in this one dubious stat Todd Brock There’s been plenty to like about Cooper Rush’s play during his latest stint as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback. Since Dak Prescott went down in Week 9, Rush has gone 3-3 as the starter, completing 60% of his passes, averaging just over 200 yards per game and- perhaps most important- tossing nine touchdowns to only two interceptions. It hasn’t been terribly sexy, but he’s filled in admirably. Just this week, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer praised the veteran’s experience, calm demeanor and leadership, even his contributions in helping the running game finally get going after a slow start in 2024. There is one big-ticket item Rush needs to get a handle on, however: keeping a handle on the ball. The 31-year-old has been credited with nine fumbles since taking over in Dallas, a total that’s third-most in the league. Some have come on shotgun snaps. Others have come on a bad under-center exchange, and Schottenheimer was quick to point out that not all nine fumbles have necessarily been Rush’s fault alone. No matter who is to blame, it’s dangerous every time it happens. Rush had two fumbles on Sunday against Carolina, including a botched red-zone play-action option to Rico Dowdle that turned into a Panthers touchdown just one play later. Since taking over for Prescott, Rush has had at least one fumble in every game except one this season. And though the team has lost possession on just three of them, it’s something Schottenheimer acknowledges needs to stop. “There’s a technique that you use in terms of where the ball is extended and how you have to ride it,” he explained to reporters this week. “It’s very technical, but [Cooper] was great; he communicated right after the drive and said, ‘It caught Rico’s hip. It’s on me.’” But Schottenehimer also shared some of the responsibility for what has become a troubling trend. “We emphasize it, but obviously we’re not doing a great enough job coaching it. We’ve got to coach it better.” [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] Again, Rush’s nine fumbles are currently tied for third-most in the league. While it’s fewer than Kirk Cousins and even Baker Mayfield (who the Cowboys will face in Week 16) and the same as guys like Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, and Lamar Jackson, Rush’s nine fumbles have come on literally half as many snaps as each of those other passers. Even the Colts’ Anthony Richardson, who also has nine fumbles this year, has played 100 more snaps than Rush. “I don’t know what’s happening,” Rush said Sunday after the team’s 30-14 win in Charlotte. “I’ve got to figure that one out, the zone-read stuff.” Schottenheimer admitted plays like that one are especially tricky for a backup who’s amassed more time holding a clipboard than staring down live defenses on gameday. “There’s a decision, right?” the OC explained. “‘Do I hand it? Do I keep it? Do I pull it? Do I pull it and throw?’ There’s a lot of things going through his mind. [It’s] something we’ll certainly continue to emphasize and drill even more.” This week would be a good time for Schottenheimer and Rush to incorporate those added ball-security drills; Tampa Bay is tied for second place leaguewide in fumble takeaways. “The fundamentals need to get better and [are] something we’ve got to work on,” Schottenheimer said. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Did the Cowboys O-line improve or are they just facing poorer defenses?
Did the Cowboys O-line improve or are they just facing poorer defenses? reidhanson After weeks of struggles, the Cowboys offensive line seems to finally be putting things together. The beaten and bruised, mismatched and mangled unit appears to be playing their best ball of the season and it’s no coincidence it’s resulted a fair degree of team success along the way. Through weeks 1-11, the Dallas rushing attack ranked in 17th success rate (39 percent) and 25th in EPA/play (-0.136). In the four weeks that followed they have been fourth in success rate (46.3 percent) and 13th in EPA/play (-0.069). It marks a significant improvement and explains why the Cowboys have gone 3-1 behind a quarterback who ranks just 25th in EPA/dropback + CPOE composite score (measures impact and accuracy). The question at hand is has the Cowboys offensive line finally worked things out with their run blocking or is this just a result of playing poorer competition? Over the past four weeks the Cowboys have played the Commanders, Giants, Bengals and Panthers with the combined record of 20-36, likely explaining Dallas’ 3-1 record during that stretch. The run defense rankings of these teams were similarly poor, ranking 25th, 24th, 30th, and 31st respectively in EPA/rush and 21st, 28th, 30th and 32nd respectively in rushing success rate against. It’s also worth considering the number of adjustments the Cowboys have made to their line throughout the season. Tyler Guyton has been in and out of the lineup. Before landing on IR, Asim Richards and Zack Martin were in and out as well. Brock Hoffman has split time between guard and center. T.J. Bass has bounced from left guard to right guard and Chuma Edoga has made some spot starts along the way. Overall, there have been 11 different combinations of linemen in Dallas. Of the five that started on Sunday, only two were starters in Week 1 and there’s a good chance only one, Tyler Smith at LG, will be at his same starting position in 2025*. So, it isn’t like the Cowboys suddenly found the perfect combination. *Note: this assumes the possibility Martin moves on, Terence Steele is cut, Cooper Beebe starts at center, Guyton starts at LT and Hoffman replaces Martin at RG in 2025. For as much fun as it’s been seeing the Cowboys thrive running the ball these last four weeks, it’s no coincidence it has lined up perfectly with the decline in quality of opponents faced. The Cowboys offensive line and Rico Dowdle still deserve credit, but the credit comes with an asterisk at this point. Related article [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Cowboys Headlines: Parsons addresses trade rumor; updates on Lawrence, Diggs; UDFAs carrying team
Updates: D-Law’s status; Lawson’s best? :: The Mothership Link Mike McCarthy says DeMarcus Lawrence is unlikely to suit up for Week 16; his 21-day practice window hasn’t even been activated yet. It remains undetermined if he’ll be medically cleared to play again this season at all. Carl Lawson, meanwhile, has stepped up in the D-line rotation. Mike Zimmer called Lawson’s effort in Sunday’s win “his best game he’s played.” Four takeaways and 6 sacks: Cowboys defense ‘set the tone’ in stifling Panthers :: The Athletic Link In a decisive third quarter, Carolina had one single rushing yard and minus-six passing yards for a net total of minus-five yards. During that same 15 minutes, the Cowboys extended their 10-7 halftime lead to 24-7. Six sacks and four takeaways with a rotating cast of players in new roles only speaks to the unit’s overall improvement. Parsons hopes this upswing will carry over to 2025: “You know how much better of a team we’ll be if we say, ‘Damn, we went 9-8 and we missed 10 starters and we playing this good?’” Dallas Cowboys’ Micah Parsons responds to latest trade rumors: ‘No hard feelings’ :: USA Today Link Stephen Jones hinted over the weekend that the team’s annual financial balancing act could leave Parsons, due an extension this coming offseason, the odd man out. The edge rusher explained that he didn’t take the comments as any sort of message. “There are no hard feelings in this business, whether I’m here or anywhere else,” Parsons said. “Obviously I’ve stated that I wanted to be here. But at the end of the day, I understand the business side.” Underrated Cowboys star prices himself out of Dallas with latest dominant game :: The Landry Hat Link Osa Odighizuwa has been on fire this season. Luckily for him, it’s also a contract season. One of the most dominant interior defenders in the league this year, Odighizuwa is set to hit free agency in the spring and may have already locked up a massive payday for himself. Only Chiefs superstar Chris Jones (66) and Broncos standout Zach Allen (56) have more pressures this season than Odighizuwa (51) this year. The former third-round pick also ranks second in QB hits, third in pressure rate, and top 10 in hurries. If the frugal Cowboys want to sign the best D-tackle in free agency this offseason, they don’t have to look far; he’s already in their locker room. Report: Cowboys could be without CB Trevon Diggs for quite some time :: Cowboys Wire Link Stephen Jones said Diggs is dealing with “a very legitimate injury that’s gonna take him some time to recover from.” He thinks the cornerback could be be ready by Week 1 next fall, but one insider reports that Diggs “could possibly miss most of next season.” The team may have had some issues with how Diggs attacked his 2023 rehab, per Clarence Hill Jr. Now Diggs is looking at another stint of “up to eight months.” No updates on Lewis, Bass injuries :: Tommy Yarrish Cowboys’ Rico Dowdle: ‘Definitely can get’ 1,000 yards after 3rd straight triple-digit outing :: Cowboys Wire Link One of the best backs in the league over the past three weeks, Dowdle is now just 120 yards away from his first 1,000-yard season. He and his O-lineman teammates are confident they can get there, maybe even this week. But Tampa Bay may have something to say; no team has hit triple digits against them since Week 9. How one touchdown play sums up the Dallas Cowboys’ late season success :: Fort Worth Star-Telegram Link The Cowboys love the “next man up” mentality. On their third-quarter touchdown pass play to Jalen Tolbert, there were an incredible seven of them in the offensive lineup. Cooper Rush, Rico Dowdle, Brock Hoffman, T.J. Bass, Terence Steele, Hunter Luepke, and Brevyn Spann-Ford all joined the team as undrafted free agents. Now they’re, in large part, helping to carry the team. “When you got guys that are hungry and didn’t get all of the glitz and glamour coming into the league,” Hoffman said, “guys that are undrafted have to fight every day.” Cowboys-Panthers postgame analysis :: Cowboys Wire Cowboys’ Brandon Aubrey given chance to make NFL history with 70-yard FG vs. Panthers :: CBS Sports Link Aubrey got the chance to break the NFL record with a 70-yard field goal try in Charlotte. The kick sailed very wide left, but that’s not to say Aubrey doesn’t have 70 in him. After all, the kick came on the road, outdoors, and in cold temperatures with a wind to contend with. Cowboys’ Mike Zimmer: Travis Hunter’s two-way versatility a ‘good problem to have’ in NFL :: Dallas Mornig News Link Zimmer knows Coach Prime and his ex-Jackson State players well, including Hunter. The Cowboys likely won’t have a shot at the Heisman winner, who’s projected by most to go No. 1 overall in the draft, but the defensive coordinator says the team who selects Hunter “might get two players at one (spot)… So you waste one draft pick and get two players.” Jerry Jones is our Bum Steer of the Year! :: Texas Monthly Link The magazine’s so-called “highest dishonor” of the year goes to the Cowboys owner, thanks to a long list of lowlights, including the team’s epic playoff collapse against Green Bay, his refusal to spend money on staff and players, his verbal temper tantrum over local radio comments, his constant public undermining of coaches, and his ridiculous comments and overall stance on the sun glare at AT&T Stadium. (Jones was co-winnner of the award back in 2010, too.)
Winners and Losers: Dowdle delivers, defense dominates as Dallas isn’t done
Winner: Rico Dowdle Dec 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle (23) runs out of a tackle by Carolina Panthers linebacker Claudin Cherelus (53) during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle continued his hot streak against the Panthers, rushing 25 times for 149 yards, both season highs. A week after averaging a staggering 7.3 yards per carry, the lead back turned in another strong day, gashing Carolina for six yards a touch. That marks three straight games in which the RB has run for over 100 yards and the first time for Dallas since Ezekiel Elliott did so in weeks six through eight back in the 2019 season. In fact, Elliott accomplished the feat three times in his career, doing it once in 2017, 2018, and 2019. A free agent at year’s end, Dowdle should have plenty of suitors. The 26-year-old runner comes with five years of experience and only 273 carries in the NFL. Dowdle can match Elliott’s only four-game 100-yard streak against Tampa Bay. Elliott accomplished that in Weeks 3 through 6 during his rookie season and never did it in five straight games. Dowdle could eclipse that feat before the season ends. Loser: Late-clock pass defense OXNARD, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 8: Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer of the Dallas Cowboys paces the sideline during a joint practice with Los Angeles Rams at Cowboys training camp on August 8, 2024 in Oxnard, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) With under 31 seconds remaining before halftime, Dallas held a comfortable 10-0 lead when Bryce Young found receiver Jalen Coker, who had gotten behind the defense, for an 83-yard touchdown pass. Carolina went into halftime down 10-7 and ready to receive the opening kickoff after stealing the momentum heading into the break. The touchdown was reminiscent of the play against Washington where Commanders QB Jayden Daniels hit receiver Terry McLaurin for an 86-yard TD with 21 seconds remaining, pulling Washington within one. Luckily for the Cowboys, Washington kicker Austin Seibert missed the game-tying PAT. Just as fortunate, the Carolina game was just at the midway point and the Cowboys pulled away early, making it a footnote but one that now has occurred to Dallas twice this season. Winner: CeeDee Lamb Dec 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) scores a touchdown as Carolina Panthers safety Jordan Fuller (20) defends in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb entered the game needing 27 receiving yards to become the second wideout in team history to record four straight 1,00-yard seasons. With 9:01 remaining in the second quarter, Lamb nearly tripled what he needed, gaining 70 yards through the air at that point. He would finish the day catching nine passes for 116 yards or half of all aerial production for the Cowboys. Lamb would also add a 14-yard touchdown, giving him 37 for his career and one away from tying former Dallas wideout Terrell Owens for ninth on the Cowboys’ all-time receiving TD list. In a season where Dallas has created more questions than answers, Lamb proved he is worth every penny of his mega contract extension no matter who is throwing him the football. With 480 receptions, Lamb is within striking distance of Cowboys Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith, who sits in fifth place in team history with 486 catches. Lamb has averaged 6.7 receptions a game, meaning he could also catch (no pun intended) the original number 88 in Cowboys Hall of Fame receiver Drew Pearson, who finished his Dallas career hauling in 489 passes. Winner, stud, put him on the list as he is him. Loser: Wideouts not named CeeDee Lamb Dec 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Brooks (83) catches a touchdown pass as Carolina Panthers safety Xavier Woods (25) and cornerback Michael Jackson (2) defend in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images Against a weak Cincinnati pass defense that ranks among the league’s worst in a few categories, Cowboys receivers not named CeeDee Lamb caught 2 passes for 19 yards in a game Dallas needed to keep pace to make the playoffs. Against Carolina, more of the same continued as the receivers behind Lamb continued to stay largely invisible. The highlight reels will show receivers Jalen Tolbert and Jalen Brooks in the end zone as both caught touchdown passes, yet those were their only receptions of the day. The Cowboys receiving group behind Lamb combined for five catches for 62 yards. Veteran wideout Brandin Cooks had the majority of that production with 3 receptions for 34 yards, a little more than half of the total yards produced by the group. With Dallas looking unlikely to spend in free agency, fans should get to know the wide receivers eligible for the upcoming 2025 NFL draft. Winner: Marist Liufau CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: Marist Liufau #35 of the Dallas Cowboys tackles Chuba Hubbard #30 of the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) Cowboys linebacker Marist Liufau did his best DeMarvion Overshown impression filling in for the injured star and making the most of his opportunity. The rookie third-round pick forced a first-quarter fumble on Carolina quarterback Bryce Young, keeping the Panthers from at least attempting a field goal. On a second-quarter outside run, the referee almost blew his whistle immediately after Liufau hit the ball carrier so fast that both players’ momentum stopped, forcing the play dead early. Liufau finished the day leading the team with six tackles. His numbers won’t pop off the screen, but it was important in giving the some confidence to the young linebacker (and the team as well, after suffering such a big loss). With Overshown
Report: Cowboys could be without CB Trevon Diggs for quite some time
Report: Cowboys could be without CB Trevon Diggs for quite some time Todd Brock Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs has seen his season end early for the second year in a row due to a knee injury. And although the team is hopeful that it won’t impact his 2025 season, the two-time Pro Bowler could be cutting it close, and that’s the best-case scenario. Diggs will undergo surgery to repair his left knee after suffering an injury in the team’s Week 14 loss to Cincinnati, the Cowboys announced over the weekend. The issue is reportedly with his articular cartilage, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, and apparently separate from the knee ailment that kept him out of Weeks 12 and 13. “This is something that occurred during the [Week 14] game,” head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed in his postgame press conference after the team’s 30-14 win over the Panthers. Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones elaborated on Dallas radio station 105.3 The Fan on Monday, saying he did not expect Diggs to be ready for training camp next summer and adding, “but I think his timeline will be right at the start of the season.” Diggs had played every defensive snap of the Monday night meeting with the Bengals and then consulted with the Cowboys’ medical staff during the week. After missing multiple practices and some testing, the decision was made to keep Diggs home from the trip to Charlotte and proceed with plans for surgery. “He was having to play with fluid in his knee. He was out there doing everything he can because he wants to play, he wants to compete, he wants to contribute,” Jones said of the 26-year-old Diggs. “It’s certainly a very legitimate injury that’s gonna take him some time to recover from. We got a vision that we can get him ready to do next year.” In his Monday post to X, Rapoport put the recovery time at “up to eight months.” But not everyone is ready to automatically pencil Diggs in for Week 1 next fall. The former second-round draft pick missed most of the 2024 season with an ACL tear in his right knee. Though he was able to be in the starting lineup for that season opener, there are rumblings now that the organization was dissatisfied with the way he approached the rehab stint. “This is a serious knee injury,” explained longtime insider Clarence Hill Jr. of AllCity DLLS. “He could possibly miss most of next season.” [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] Given the financial ramifications of his $97 million contract extension signed in July of 2023 and the return on that investment the team is getting on the field, expect Diggs’s status to be a major storyline for the coming offseason. Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Good, Bad, Ugly: Carolina Cowboys show out in homecoming, Parsons makes statement
In the immortal words of Han Solo, “never tell me the odds, kid.” Despite being road underdogs to a Panthers squad who hadn’t been favored in two calendar years, the Cowboys came to Carolina and handled their business, putting up 30 points for just the third time this season and leaving with a dominant ,30-14 win. The Dallas pass rush got after quarterback Bryce Young all day long, CeeDee Lamb put up monster numbers, and a trio of native Carolinians who now wear the star made the absolute most of their homecomings. But it wasn’t easy. Penalties continue to be a real issue, and the injury bug is still working its way through the Cowboys roster. Red-zone turnovers reared their ugly head once again and almost turned the game on its head, and Cooper Rush remains both the team’s best chance to win… and the offense’s biggest liability, all in one maddening package. Here’s the good, the bad, and the ugly from the Cowboys’ Week 15 win in Charlotte. [affiliatewidget_smgtolocal] Good: Lamb’s monster 1st half History has shown that getting CeeDee Lamb involved early and often is good for the Cowboys offense. It sure worked on Sunday, with Lamb racking up 105 receiving yards and a touchdown on eight catches Bad: Consistent inconsistency from Rush The final statline will show Cooper Rush had a productive day, completing 62% of his throws and notching a passer rating of 119.0 while tossing three touchdowns for the first time in his career and earning his eighth win in 12 tries as a starter. But anyone who watched the game- and especially the first half- was likely struck by Rush’s inaccuracy. He missed his receivers with regularity, often forcing them to come back for bad balls or leading them right into big hits with questionable pass placement. On the upside, he’s responsible for just three interceptions since taking over for Dak Prescott. Then again, he’s had eight fumbles. When Rush is good, he looks like the best backup QB in the league. But he also has a habit of making every snap a dicey proposition. Ugly: Penalties costing more than yards Dallas entered the Week 15 contest as the NFC’s most penalized team. They’ll likely end up the NFC’s most penalized team, too. The Cowboys had a staggering 14 flags walked off against them, their most in a game in over three years. Eight of those were of the inexcusable pre-snap kind: illegal formation, defensive offside, false start, neutral zone, too many men on the field. But all those infractions cost the Cowboys more than just 99 generic yards of real estate; several flags either stalled promising offensive drives, extended Carolina possessions, or put Rush & Co. behind the chains (which usually forced overly aggressive play calls and ended in field goals instead of touchdowns). Good: Carolina Cowboys show out in homecoming Sunday’s game in Charlotte was quite a homecoming for several Cowboys players who are Carolina natives. Rico Dowdle, Jalen Brooks, and Israel Mukuamu were all born in North Carolina, and all played their college ball 90 miles away from the Panthers’ Bank of America Stadium, at South Carolina. Each played a huge role in the Week 15 win. Dowdle turned in a career-high 149 rushing yards, Brooks caught his first NFL touchdown, and Mukuamu thwarted the final comeback bid by intercepting a late fourth-quarter pass. All that was missing for the trio of former Gamecocks was “Sandstorm” blasting over the public-address system. Bad: Red-zone turnover leads to huge point swing The Cowboys lead the league in red-zone turnovers, with eight. Rush is personally responsible for four of them. The latest instance played out in horrifying fashion for Dallas and nearly turned the game on its head. Ahead 10-0, the Cowboys had driven into the red zone and looked to extend their lead at the break. But a Rush fumble gave the ball to Bryce Young, who immediately torched the Cowboys with an 83-yard strike to receiver Jalen Coker. What seemed like it was sure to be a healthy 17-0 halftime lead was suddenly a 10-7 barnburner, with Carolina set to open the third quarter with a chance at a go-ahead score. It didn’t go that way, as the Cowboys took the ball back on the Panthers’ first play of the second half. But ball security is sure to be a continued point of emphasis for Rush and the Cowboys… especially once they cross the 20. Ugly: More injury concerns Arguably, no one at The Star is working harder this season than the medical training staff. Entering Week 15 with a slew of starters already out for the remainder of the season, the Cowboys saw several more key players go down on Sunday. Left tackle Chuma Edoga left in the second quarter but had to return when right guard T.J. Bass was hurt later, not to return. More concerning is the condition of cornerback Jourdan Lewis. The veteran was shaken up in the fourth quarter and was then seen after the game wearing an elbow wrap. The Dallas secondary was thin to begin with thanks to to the loss of Trevon Diggs; they can ill afford to lose Lewis with games against Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, and Washington still to come. Tests are slated for Monday. Good: Pass rush makes statement The Cowboys defense came into Week 15 tops in the NFL in per-dropback pressure rate, third in QB knockdowns per pass attempt, and ninth in sacks. That may have gotten lost amid the team’s poor record and the popular narrative that Mike Zimmer’s return as defensive coordinator has been a total bust. Dallas sent a loud-and-clear reminder to the league on Sunday, recording six sacks on Bryce Young, hitting him 10 times, defending four passes, and notching 10 tackles for loss. Micah Parsons had his third two-sack game of the season, raising his season total to 8.5 in just 10 games played.
30 best pics from Cowboys 30-14 victory over Panthers
30 best pics from Cowboys 30-14 victory over Panthers K.D. Drummond The Dallas Cowboys inched back closer to .500 with their resurgent second half of the season on Sunday. Thanks to their 30-14 dismantling of Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers offense, the club’s record now sits at 6-8 on the disappointing season. Dallas combined a strong running game with an attacking defense to dominate the game after a slow start. Rico Dowdle turned in his third consecutive 100-yard rushing performance, and his dominance allowed a shaky Cooper Rush to have a statistically great passing game. The defense was led by Micah Parsons and Osa Odighizuwa as Mike Zimmer’s unit harassed the young Panthers QB to the tune of four sacks and four turnovers split evenly between fumbles and interceptions. Despite this being a lost season featuring gut-punch injury after gut-punch injury, the Cowboys are routinely finding ways to win when away from AT&T Stadium. Thanks to the great photography of USA Today and Getty Images, here are several of the best moments from the game. Dallas Cowboys v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: Israel Mukuamu #24 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with fans… CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: Israel Mukuamu #24 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with fans after making an interception against the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) more image gallery Dallas Cowboys v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: Jourdan Lewis #2 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a sack… CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: Jourdan Lewis #2 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a sack against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) more image gallery NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers Dec 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Brooks (83) catches a… Dec 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Brooks (83) catches a touchdown pass as Carolina Panthers safety Xavier Woods (25) and cornerback Michael Jackson (2) defend in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images more image gallery Dallas Cowboys v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: Dak Prescott #4 and head coach Mike McCarthy of the… CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: Dak Prescott #4 and head coach Mike McCarthy of the Dallas Cowboys talk before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) more image gallery NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers Dec 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) scores a… Dec 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) scores a touchdown as Carolina Panthers safety Jordan Fuller (20) defends in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images more image gallery NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers Dec 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) fumbles in the… Dec 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) fumbles in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images more image gallery Dallas Cowboys v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: Marist Liufau #35 of the Dallas Cowboys tackles Chuba Hubbard… CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: Marist Liufau #35 of the Dallas Cowboys tackles Chuba Hubbard #30 of the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) more image gallery Dallas Cowboys v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: Jalen Tolbert #1 of the Dallas Cowboys catches a touchdown… CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: Jalen Tolbert #1 of the Dallas Cowboys catches a touchdown pass against Xavier Woods #25 of the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) more image gallery Dallas Cowboys v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: Jalen Brooks #83 of the Dallas Cowboys catches a touchdown… CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: Jalen Brooks #83 of the Dallas Cowboys catches a touchdown pass against Xavier Woods #25 and Michael Jackson #2 during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) more image gallery Dallas Cowboys v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: Jordan Fuller #20 and Demani Richardson #36 of the Carolina… CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: Jordan Fuller #20 and Demani Richardson #36 of the Carolina Panthers tackle CeeDee Lamb #88 of the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) more image gallery Dallas Cowboys v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: Jalen Brooks #83 of the Dallas Cowboys catches a touchdown… CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: Jalen Brooks #83 of the Dallas Cowboys catches a touchdown pass against the Carolina Panthers during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) more image gallery Dallas Cowboys v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: KaVontae Turpin #9 of the Dallas Cowboys breaks out of… CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: KaVontae Turpin #9 of the Dallas Cowboys breaks out of a tackle during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) more image gallery Dallas Cowboys v Carolina Panthers CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 15: Israel Mukuamu
Vegas doesn’t think the Cowboys will beat the Buccaneers in Week 16
Vegas doesn’t think the Cowboys will beat the Buccaneers in Week 16 K.D. Drummond The Dallas Cowboys find themselves two games under .500 yet again. It’s been a tale of two seasons for America’s Team this season. In recent years, the club is used to being dominant at home and average on the road, leading to 12-win seasons. In 2024 they’re now used to being dominated at home and are surprisingly good on the road. Sunday’s victory in Carolina improved their travel record to 5-2 on the season. Unfortunately the club is just 1-6 at AT&T Stadium and until recently they weren’t very competitive in those contests. Mix it all together and there aren’t many reasons for the Vegas sharps to have much confidence in the Cowboys earning their second home win since December 2023. The Cowboys open as 45-point underdogs in Week 16 when they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to BetMGM. Any fan feeling super comfortable about things can wager on the money line, which sits at +165 for a Dallas home win, and -200 to bet on Baker Mayfield’s Bucs winning outright. The over/under is set to 48.5. Dallas could be eliminated from playoff contention by the time they take the field on Sunday night. If the Washington Commanders win their noon kickoff against the NFC East leading Philadelphia Eagles, then Dallas’ hopes are dashed. That win would give the Eagles the NFC East title. Related Links Read all the best Cowboys coverage at the Austin American-Statesman and Cowboys Wire.
Team discipline and value of star power among Cowboys Week 15 takeaways
CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons and Rico Dowdle ruled the day. In case anyone has been wondering if superstars are worth it, Week 15 served as Exhibit A in the affirmative. On a day where virtually every ball Cooper Rush threw was late and behind, Lamb managed to pull in nine receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown. He put on a clinic by catching everything in sight. Parsons made his case as one of the NFL’s biggest superstars. He logged four tackles, two sacks and two hits. Official pressures haven’t been tallied but he was a menace rushing from all over the field. Dowdle may not be at superstar status yet, but he sure played like it. He rushed for 149 yards on 25 carries for a 6.0 yards/carry average. Some of that is a product of Carolina’s soft defensive line but most of it was Dowdle’s ability to win at the second level.