Dallas Cowboys: Top 3 stars of Week 4 victory over the Carolina Panthers

Another week is in the books and the Dallas Cowboys have recorded their third straight victory. This time by beating the previously undefeated Carolina Panthers by a score of 36-28. After starting slow in the first half and trailing 14-13 at the break, the ‘Boys came out firing in the third quarter and outscored the Panthers 20-0 to take a 33-14 lead entering the fourth.

That third quarter might have been the best quarter of football the Cowboys have played all season. The defense forced Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold to throw two interceptions, both picked off by Trevon Diggs. Along with Dak Prescott throwing three touchdown passes to give the Cowboys a huge cushion.

Even though they did not finish as strong as they would like in the fourth quarter the offense was able to seal the deal late in the game picking up three crucial first downs on their final drive. Without further ado, here are the top three stars of the game for the Cowboys.

Dallas Cowboys: 3. Running Back, Ezekiel Elliott

There was much talk in the offseason as to how running back Ezekiel Elliott was in the best shape of his career entering 2021. Well, it certainly looks like it with the way he has performed this season, especially with the great performance he put on Sunday against the Panthers.

Zeke rushed the ball 20 times for 143 yards and one touchdown, including a 47-yard run which was his longest run since his rookie year in 2016. Elliott showed quickness, burst, and patience to identify the holes and hit them without skipping stride.

This was a Panthers defense that was only allowing 45 yards rushing per game enter Sunday. But it is safe to say that number will skyrocket after allowing 245 yards on the ground to the Cowboys.

Zeke does so much for this offense not only carrying the ball but also in the passing game. He is a very capable receiver despite having no catches on Sunday. But, where he is really unique is in pass protection.

Not many running backs want to stick their nose in and pick up a blitzing linebacker, but Elliott has no problem doing it and that just goes to show how complete of a player he is. Next week Elliott gets a New York Giants team who just surrendered 120 yards on the ground to Saints running back Alvin Kamara. Look for Zeke to eat once again next Sunday.