Dallas Cowboys Jump Out To 17-3 Halftime Lead Over Carolina Panthers

The Dallas Cowboys have imposed their will on the lowly Carolina Panthers and jumped out to a two-score lead at halftime.

The Dallas Cowboys have had a knack for pouncing on inferior opponents early this season, and Sunday's game against the 1-8 Carolina Panthers is looking to be more of the same.

Heading into the locker room, the Cowboys hold a 10-3 lead after controlling play for much of the first half.

After a three-and-out on their opening drive, the Cowboys put together back-to-back scoring drives to jump out to a 10-0 lead. Carolina responded with a field goal soon after, but Dallas put together a perfect two-minute drill by marching 60 yards on  plays. Dak Prescott capped the drive off with a five-yard pass to CeeDee Lamb, restoring the Cowboys' two-score lead.

If one is looking for a dominant unit, look no further than Dallas' pass rush. The Cowboys imposed their will on the Panthers' overmatched offensive line, scoring three sacks and five hits on Carolina rookie quarterback Bryce Young. Unsurprisingly, Micah Parsons has been the star of the show with two first-half sacks, while DeMarcus Lawrence had the third.

Moving over to the offensive side of the ball, the Cowboys put together a solid half with 177 total yards. Prescott completed 16 of 27 passes for 121 yards and two touchdowns, one to Lamb and the other to rookie tight end Luke Schoonmaker. Michael Gallup led Dallas in receiving with 31 yards on three catches while Tony Pollard has 35 yards on nine carries.

Schoonmaker dives through two Carolina defenders during Sunday's game

For Carolina, Young has completed five of 10 passes for only 48 yards, largely due to the pressure Dallas generated. Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders have proven to be somewhat problematic for the Cowboys' defense, though, as they combined for 81 yards on 13 carries. Steven Sullivan leads the Panthers with 20 receiving yards on one catch.

‘Cowboys Curse’ Ends: Jimmy to Enter Jerry’s Ring of Honor

The Cowboys have been the noticeably more disciplined team in the first half with only two penalties for 20 yards, compared to four for 60 yards by the Panthers.

Dallas will be on defense to start the second half as it looks to continue making life tough for Young and co.