Cowboys vs. Panthers
Cowboys
The Cowboys began 2018 like a team still working its way through preseason. We know they want to run the ball and control the clock, making timely conversions and protecting the ball. This was an ugly showing for Dallas, and we have more questions than answers after Week 1.
Dak Prescott played like a man afraid to lose
One of the best traits Dak Prescott possesses is poise. That trait seemed missing today, as Dak struggled to find open receivers, hesitant to use his legs and shaky with his accuracy. Prescott finished 19 of 29 for only 170 yards and just 19 rush yards on 5 carries. The Cowboys only converted 2 of 11 Third Down conversions and failed to convert their only 4th down attempt. Prescott completed a one 20+ pass and he seemed resigned to dink and dunk all day, with three players catching passes for less than 10 yards each but he targeted ten different receivers on the day. If he insists on spreading the ball around, to wideouts that can’t seem to get open, we are going to be in for a headache figuring out this receiver corp week to week.
Zeke was bottled up and still had a nice day
Zeke Elliott grinded today. Without his All-Pro center and going up against one of the speediest linebacker corps in the league, Elliott finished with 15 carries for 69 yards and he added a short 4-yard touchdown in the second half. Most of his production came on a single drive in the second half but the Cowboys were already in comeback mode and couldn’t commit to the run like they would have liked. Dallas could not run their staple outside zone runs because of the speed and effectiveness of the Panthers linebackers. They did adjust in the second half, going to a power run game but because of the struggles in the passing game the team couldn’t take control of the game and feed Zeke. Despite the tough day, Elliott showed why he is an elite back and owners will be rewarded if they stick with him.
As expected the Cowboys pass game is a mess
It’s going to be a long season in Big D should the woes in the passing game continue. Dak couldn’t find an open receiver all day, simply because the receivers couldn’t get open. They didn’t take any shots down the field and what’s worse if the pass game was unimaginative. Perhaps the most surprising note to come out of the game was the play of Doente Thompson, a fifth string wideout who caught 3 balls for 27 yards late in the game. He also had a huge drop late in the game that would have kept the drive moving with a chance for Dallas to tie the game. Allen Hurns, Terrance Williams and rookie Michael Gallup combined for 3 catches for 35 yards and a few notable drops. Until the picture becomes clearer, this passing game should be avoided.
The Cowboys defense should be rock solid
The silver lining for Dallas today was the defense. The held Carolina to just 147 passing yards today and held Christian McCaffery to just 50 yards rushing. Cam Newton destroyed them on the ground early in the game but they adjusted in the second half and held him in check the remainder of the game. Solid on third down and efficient in the red zone, Dallas didn’t lose this game because of a bad defense. With a lackluster offense this team will be in many low scoring games. They pressured Newton all day and we should pay attention early in the year to see if this pass rush continues. Keep an eye on the defense, they may present an early season streaming option.
-Marc Salazar
Panthers
An efficient, balanced rushing attack
The Panthers averaged 4.6 yards per carry, an excellent mark that if continued for the rest of the 2018 campaign would make them a top-five rushing attack in the NFL (historical precedent can be found here). The good news for Christian McCaffrey owners is he carried the ball three more times than C. J. Anderson, averaged 5.0 yards per carry, and his longest rush was only 15 yards…wait, why is the last one good news? Well, it shows that McCaffrey is improving at finding holes created by his line and consistently driving forward for yards, rather than having an inflated YPA because of one long run. For people who own Cam Newton, boy does it look like you’re in for a satisfying fantasy season. Norv Turner did not hesitate to design run plays for Newton, as he rushed for four first downs and had the most rushing attempts on the team with 13.
Passing game was a bit of a headache
It’s sad to see injuries at any point in the season, but the first game particularly so. Greg Olsen was seen on crutches with a walking boot on his right foot, the same one that sustained a Jones fracture last season. Sigh
Rookie DJ Moore received zero targets in the game.
Devin Funchess only saw five targets, and made two of his three catches in traffic. Moving forward, he’ll need to create more separation if he wants to go back to being Newton’s top downfield target like he was last season.
Jarius Wright also saw five targets in the game, so maybe it’s worth keeping an eye on his targets in the next couple?
McCaffrey acted a security blanket for Cam, receiving nine targets and catching six passes, three of which accounted for Panthers first downs. Only 14 fewer passing yards than rushing yards though? Yikes.
Defense looked menacing
The Panthers defense was suffocating Prescott all game, forcing him to make quick decisions in the pocket that he’s typically struggled with in the past. Prescott was sacked six times in the game, and even more impressive than that was their ability to contain Zeke, who’s only been held to under 70 yards rushing twice in his NFL career. Bravo Luke Kuechly & Co.
Note: Kuechly hyperextended his knee late in the fourth quarter, but has stated he’s fine.
-Alex Drennan
Coleman should do a fine job of limiting his own usage – he always does. Freeman should get all he can handle. I would call him the best value of the RB1s.
Freeman was a borderline RB1 coming into the season. You can hardly call him that if the division of carries continues.