Dallas Cowboys Pound Panthers, 33-10, Thanks To Micah Parsons' Sack-Happy Defense
The Dallas Cowboys' defense started off the season on a historic pace, and although it has still been strong recently, it wasn't quite as dominant.
In Sunday's game against the lowly Carolina Panthers, though, that defense looked just as strong as ever in a 33-10 victory.
Facing off against a Carolina offensive line that has struggled all season, Dallas' pass rush absolutely feasted. The Cowboys made life hell for Panthers rookie Bryce Young, the top pick in April's draft, sacking him six times with 10 total hits. Micah Parsons led the charge with three sacks alone, while DeMarcus Lawrence and Sam Williams had one each.
It wasn't just the pass rush, feasting though. The Cowboys also scored on a pick six courtesy of who else but breakout star DaRon Bland, who scored his fourth touchdown on six interceptions this season. With his fourth pick six of the season, Bland ties a single-season NFL record with seven games to go.
Safety Donovan Wilson got on the fun as well by forcing a fumble on the very next possession. In total, the Cowboys held the Panthers to just 187 yards of total offense on the day. Despite falling to 1-9 with the loss, that ranks as their lowest total of the season so far.
Dallas' offense had a solid day as well, but with the defense thriving once again, it didn't really need to be too outstanding. The Cowboys gained 311 total yards, which ranks as their second-lowest total of the season.
Dak Prescott put together a nice day with 25 completions on 38 attempts for 189 yards and two touchdowns. Tony Pollard had one of his better performances of the year with 12 carries for 61 yards and his third score of the season. Brandin Cooks had a team-high 42 receiving yards on six catches, while CeeDee Lamb and Luke Schoonmaker both found the end zone.
Meanwhile, Young completed 16 of 29 passes for 123 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Adam Theilen was his favorite target, as usual, with eight receptions for 74 yards. Carolina's ground game managed to do some damage, racking up 110 yards on 23 attempts.
Now at 7-3 at the season, the Cowboys next host the Washington Commanders for their traditional Thanksgiving game.