NFL Week Seven Picks & Predictions: Cowboys vs. Panthers
Every week of the NFL regular season, we ask all of The Landry Hat writers and contributors to submit their picks and predictions for the upcoming Dallas Cowboy game. This week, we asked our experts for their predictions for today’s game between our Cowboys and the Carolina Panthers.
Sep 16, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) warms up before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-US PRESSWIRE
Steven Mullenax, Editor & Head Writer: I’m starting to hate games where the majority of the media picks the Dallas Cowboys as their favorite to win. But if there is one team that’s under performing more than the Cowboys, it’s the Carolina Panthers. If the Dallas defense can hold the struggling Panther’s quarterback Cam Newton to mere Clark Kent numbers, then I like the Cowboys offense over the Panthers “D”…even without DeMarco Murray and Dez Bryant. Dallas 28, Carolina 17.
Steven Phillips, Senior Writer: The Dallas Cowboys will learn from the successes they had in Baltimore last week and run, run, run. Look for a heavy dose of the run game mixed in with some short and intermediate throws to keep Carolina’s defense honest. Dallas gets back to winning ways in a close one. Dallas 28, Carolina 23.
Jonathan Barger, Senior Writer: Felix Jones shows why he was a first round pick. Dez Bryant drops a few more balls and argues with more referees. The Dallas speed at inside linebacker contains Cam Newton, and the Cowboys pull away with a quality win, 31-10.
Todd Toombs, Senior Writer: Just in time! A team on paper at least that the Cowboys should beat easily. But, this is the Cowboys. The question is whether or not this year’s version of Cam Newton or last year’s version of him show up. Cowboys win this one on the road, but it is never easy with this team. Expect a late Bailey FG to win it. Cowboys 31 Panthers 28.
Jeff Magnia, Staff Writer: If the Cowboys can stop Cam Newton, that’s great. The problem lies within though, Dallas has gotten into the habit of stopping themselves from a victory. The same happens here, Carolina 42 Dallas 14.
Jeff Federspiel, Staff Writer: The Cowboys offense faces another defense this week that is in the bottom third of the league and should see similar offensive production despite the loss of their primary runner, DeMarco Murray. The Cowboys will also keep the preternatural, but inconsistent abilities of Cam Newton mostly in check, limiting their only consistent offensive weapon. With 3 difficult games coming up, the Cowboys must find a way to not beat themselves on Sunday. Cowboys 24, Panthers 13.
Michael Huff, Staff Writer: Cowboys have a difficult time containing Cam Newton, but they get the running game going again, dominating time of possession. Cowboys win 24-21.
Reid Hanson, Staff Writer: The Dallas Cowboys have long struggled with two-dimensional quarterbacks whether it’s Donovan McNabb from years past, Mike Vick from last year, or Troy Smith from the Oakland preseason game (Heck, and Troy cant even throw!). When playing against a run-threat QB it’s important to stay disciplined to assignments much like a kickoff coverage team maintains lane assignments. The Cowboys are not so good at maintaining these disciplines. The offense will be able to move the ball and score points so as long as the secondary can limit big plays, Cam Newton’s running ability alone will not beat the Cowboys. Dallas 24, Carolina 20.
Alex Young, Staff Writer: Dallas is coming off of an impressive performance against Baltimore that unfortunately resulted in a loss. The problem is, the Cowboys have not had back-to-back solid performances all year long. Can Newton is struggling for the Panthers this year, like Romo is for Dallas, but Romo is a much better quarterback than Newton and should be able to put up some solid numbers this week, Dallas will miss Murray in the run game, but Romo will lead the Cowboys to a road win. Dallas 27, Carolina 17.