Dallas Cowboys @ Carolina Panthers

Scouting Report for Dallas Cowboys(2-3) vs. Carolina Panthers (1-4)
October 21, 2012-Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC

Cowboys: As Dan Bailey's 51 YD field goal attempt went wide left, the Cowboys sealed their fate. Despite the loss (31-29), Dallas managed to stay competitive. The communication on offense was improved (only 4 false start penalties). The defense for the most part did what it could against the Ravens up-tempo offense. But special teams was the difference. The Cowboys were successful in recovering an onside kick that led to the missed FG. However, they did let the Ravens Jacoby Jones burn them for a 108 YD touchdown on the Cowboys ensuing drive (43 YD field goal) in the 3rd.

As aforementioned, the offense had done well. Tony Romo (25-36 261 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT)improved from his disasterous performance against the Bears in week 4. He did get picked off when Dallas was driving the ball midway in the 2nd quarter when Cary Williams got in front of a pass intended for Kevin Ogletree. Romo and Dez Bryant looked like they were on the same page. Bryant had two drops, but his 13 catches (2 for touchdowns) for 95 YDS. The running game did well too. The Ravens weren't able to stop DeMarco Murray and Felix Jones (185 yards on 32 carries combined) when they got to the edge.

Jay Ratliff's 3 (tackles)presence on defense was defintely there for the Cowboys. The D-Line held Baltimore to only 86 yards on the ground. However, they did give up three touchdowns in the red zone (2 rushing). And the secondary wasn't much of a factor as the Ravens had 234 yards.

Panthers: Carolina has had this sour taste in their mouths for the last couple of weeks. The Panthers had their chances to beat the Seahawks but lost 16-12 in week 5.

Their offense managed 190 total yards against Seattle's tough defense. Cam Newton (12-29) threw for 141 yards and was the team's leading rusher with 42 yards. Newton was sacked four times, including the last one that ended the Panthers hope of a comeback (recovered by Alan Branch of the Seahawks). The trio of Jonathan Stewart, DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert managed 25 combined yards on the ground.

Captain Munnerlyn scored the only touchdown on a 33 YD interception. The defense did limit Marshawn Lynch to only 85 yards, but the secondary missed Chris Gamble (shoulder) as Russell Wilson had 221 yards in the air.

What to watch for: Felix Jones will have his work cut out for him as Murray will be out of the game (foot). As long as Jones, Phillip Tanner and possibly Lance Dunbar will have to keep the Panther D-Line honest. Also Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne will need to be tough on Steve Smith. Newton may have misconnected 9 times (4 completions), the bye week may have come at the right time for this tandem.

Conclusion: Dallas' defense has done well this season. They may have the second best pass defense in the league (181.6 yd avg), but the Panthers will be prepared for that. Whether they can capitalize on their opportunities is another story. The Cowboys offense looked like they were finding their niche and if they're going to win, then they need to continue that trend. As long as Romo can spread the ball around some more to Miles Austin, Jason Witten, Ogletree and Bryant, the Cowboys have the ability to blow out Carolina. With the Panthers coming off the bye last week, nothing is a given.

Prediction: Cowboys by 7.

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