Panthers prediction for Week 1 against Cowboys
Carolina Panthers Week 1 preview and prediction versus the Dallas Cowboys…
The Carolina Panthers haven’t opened an NFL season at home since 2013 but host the Dallas Cowboys to kick things off this year. After an impressive preseason showing despite numerous injuries, Carolina is poised for a return to the playoffs and hopefully will get things off to a good start with a victory.
Dallas enters Bank of America Stadium for the first time since 2012, a 19-14 Cowboys victory but Carolina won their last meeting on Thanksgiving Day, three seasons ago. Although the outcome of preseason games are meaningless, the Cowboys have yet to register a win this year.
Under new owner David Tepper, excitement also abounds for the revelation of a new midfield logo expected to be unveiled on Sunday. Through two home preseason games Carolina left a blank canvas as only the solid white 50-yard line adorned the field. A Panthers logo would be a significant change from the NFL shield always used by founder Jerry Richardson.
2018 SEASON: CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-0) vs. DALLAS COWBOYS (0-0)
KICKOFF: Sunday, September 9 at 4:25 PM ET
TV: FOX Broadcast Coverage Map
ONLINE: FuboTV Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!
LOCATION: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, NC)
WEATHER: 87 degrees, 72% humidity, 6mph ESE wind, 40% precipitation
LAST MEETING: 33-14, PANTHERS – November 26, 2015 (WEEK 12)
WHAT TO WATCH:
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After a relatively vanilla showing from the Panthers offense in preseason play, expect new coordinator Norv Turner to open up the playbook a bit against Dallas. While there were hints of new pass patterns developed to assist quarterback Cam Newton in getting rid of the football quicker, it should be taken to another level now that the regular season has arrived.
Surrounded with quick, versatile playmakers both in the backfield and at receiver, Newton should have little issue getting the ball into their hands and allowing others to make plays for the team as opposed to routinely taking shots deep down the field in the passing game.
Defensively, Carolina will have to contend with quarterback Dak Prescott who is expected to rebound from an off year in just his second season. Much of Prescott’s deficiencies were attributed to being without suspended running back Ezekiel Elliott, who returns along with hopes the Cowboys duo will put up similar numbers to two years ago.
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A tough matchup for the Panthers to open but home field should give them an advantage. Wanting to impress the new owner and get Carolina off to a good start, expect the Panthers to provide some excitement in a convincing win to start the season.
PREDICTION: Carolina Panthers – 31, Dallas Cowboys – 20