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3 key matchups for Week 1 against the Cowboys

By Danny Jaillet

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 26: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers runs for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the second half at AT&T Stadium on November 26, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 26: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers runs for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the second half at AT&T Stadium on November 26, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Ezekiel Elliot vs. Panthers run defense

We all know what type of player Elliott can be. He is the catalyst of the entire offense. Whether it be in the passing game or on the ground, the former Ohio State product is one of Dak Prescott’s favorite targets. I do not expect that to change on Sunday.

It will be interesting to see how he fares against this edition of the Carolina Panthers run defense. The addition of Dontari Poe will undoubtedly help the Panthers contain Elliott. The last time these two teams played was on Thanksgiving back in 2015. In that game, they contained the Dallas offense to a meager 39 yards on the ground. Something tells me that number may be a bit higher this game.

Between the combination of Mario Addison and Kawaan Short to go along with Dontari Poe, they should have enough to stop Elliott. That is easier said than done. Dallas was No. 2 in the entire league last year with 135.6 rushing yards per game. Carolina was No. 3 in yards given up per game with 88.1, showing off a stingy run defense. This should be a great battle to watch.

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