3 reasons the Carolina Panthers can beat the Cowboys in Week 4
By Luke Tucker
The Cowboys have a weak pass rush
Coming into the season, the biggest question mark for the Carolina Panthers was their offensive line. It has been decent through the first three games – but hasn’t been great.
Luckily for Carolina, the Dallas Cowboys have struggled to get much, if any, pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have recorded fewer sacks than the Cowboys. By the looks of things, their pass rush doesn’t seem primed to break out against the Panthers.
Dallas’ defensive line has been ravaged by injuries this season, and they’ll still be banged up come Sunday.
Star defensive end Demarcus Lawrence hasn’t played since opening night and will remain sidelined for several more weeks after undergoing foot surgery right following the team’s Week 1 loss.
Randy Gregory, the team’s other talented pass-rusher, hasn’t practiced all week with a knee injury, nor has Carlos Watkins.
For what it’s worth, linebacker Keanu Neal also may miss Sunday’s game after being placed on the COVID-19 list late last week.
With all that being said, the Panthers could catch a major break upfront in Week 4. No matter who is in or out, Dallas’ defense will be far from full strength.
That should bode well for a Carolina offensive line that has dealt with injuries of its own and will have to work extra hard to protect Sam Darnold with Christian McCaffrey out.