3 Carolina Panthers position groups that must step up at the Cowboys

Which Carolina Panthers position groups must step up to stay undefeated at the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4?

With three weeks in the books, the Carolina Panthers are one of five squads yet to lose a contest while the Dallas Cowboys are sitting nicely atop the NFC East at 2-1. In addition to growing expectations from the fanbase and increased attention of the media, Matt Rhule’s men must make the voyage to Arlington where Dak Prescott and company await for an early afternoon matchup on Sunday.

The Cowboys’ offense has put up impressive stats through three weeks, converting on third down 53.8 percent of the time, outrushing opponents 418 – 211, leading the time of possession by more than four minutes, and sporting a +5-turnover ratio.

Many wondered how Prescott would bounce back after suffering a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle in Week 5 of the 2020 season, but he has silenced any critics leading the league with a 77.5 percent completion percentage and is 10th in passing yards at 878 while his mobility seems back to normal from the eye test.

The supporting cast of Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb on the outside with two-headed monster Ezekiel Elliot and Tony Pollard in the backfield will truly test Carolina’s league-leading defensive unit.

As the visiting team, the Panthers have their first big litmus test of the season to see if the defense can continue playing at a high level while the offense navigates life without the injured Christian McCaffrey for a few weeks.

According to Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus, the Panthers come into Week 4 with the league’s top defense.

Sure, the New York Jets and Houston Texans were not expected to be playoff-caliber teams, and the New Orleans Saints have dealt with COVID-19 sickness and being displaced from their home, but you cannot dismiss what the Panthers have accomplished pressuring opposing quarterbacks 47.6 percent of the time and allowing only 30 yards rushing prior to contact across three games.

Without further ado, here are three position groups that need to step up if Carolina wants to extend their perfect start to the season.