W2W4: How the Dallas Cowboys can win Week One

Newton’s Law of Losing

The Dallas Cowboys must focus all their attention defensively on Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton. Carolina has some interesting skill players but no one that really scares you. Newton is the guy that makes this team a threat.

Thankfully, there are tell tale signs on how you can significantly limit how much Newton can hurt your team.

The main way to frustrate the Panthers offense is to make Cam a pocket passer. Newton is 0-3 all-time when he throws for 350+ yards. He is 2-8 when he is limited to three or fewer rushing attempts. The Cowboys must keep him in the pocket. If they do so, they will have a better than 80% chance of winning.

Sacks Fifth Avenue

Along those same lines, Dallas needs to get pressure on Newton early and often. There is no question that Newton is emotional and a bit of a front runner. When things are going well, he’s easily one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. When things aren’t, the wheels can fall off with a quickness.

Frustrating Cam and getting his emotions in the wrong place will be crucial to the Cowboys success.

Newton has played in 21 games throughout his career where he has been sacked four or more times. He is 7-14 in those games and 0-5 when he gets sacked 6+ times.

Carolina will be without one starting left tackle and two other starting offensive linemen will either be out or highly questionable.

Dallas would be wise to put on tape of how the Tampa Bay Buccaneers used to rush Michael Vick during his days in Atlanta. Mirroring that plan of attack would go a long way towards a victory today.