CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Cowboys saw three touchdown passes by Cooper Rush and 100-yard games for both Rico Dowdle and CeeDee Lamb.
But all games have some moments that can be overlooked. Here are some plays that might be forgotten, but could've changed the outcome.
Rare missed-sack for Parsons – It's not often Micah Parsons doesn't get the sack in the open field when it's 1-on-1. But early in the game, Parsons missed Bryce Young, who was rolling to his left and made a move to avoid Parsons. However, as Young continued to run, he was stripped of the ball by Marist Liufau, resulting in a lost fumble, and the Cowboys took over possession. Had Parsons sacked Young on second down, the Panthers still had a shot to convert but also could've added a field goal. The missed sack proved to be a turnover.
Hat trick of third downs from Rush to Lamb – Take your pick on the Cowboys' first scoring drive of the game. In the second quarter, Rush found Lamb on three separate third-down conversions for big gains, starting with a 20-yarder on a screen pass and followed by a 28-yard pass down the sideline. Then on third-and-4 in the red zone, Rush found Lamb again for a 14-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead. Not a bad strategy for Rush to look for Lamb when he needed it most.
Mazi big tackle before INT – The Panthers were looking to answer the Cowboys' touchdown drive in the second quarter and had the ball near midfield on a second-down run to Chuba Hubbard, who was close to the line to gain for a first down. But Mazi Smith not only stopped him in his tracks, he tossed him to the ground, forcing a third-down for the Panthers. On the next play, Jourdan Lewis deflected a pass that was picked off by Eric Kendricks, and the Cowboys were able to take the ball and eventually add to their lead with a field goal.
Osa's strip sack to open the third – This play might not be forgotten, but it definitely changed the entire game. To start the second half, Osa Odighizuwa charged through the line to hit Young and force a fumble that was recovered by Chauncey Golston. The Cowboys were able to score a touchdown moments later for a 10-point lead. To start the third strong after that rough ending before halftime was a huge game-changer.
Turpin opens drive with a big run – While there are many ways KaVontae Turpin can be effective, he showed another one on a first-down play in the third quarter. Leading by 10, the Cowboys lined up Turpin as a running back, and he went around the right end for a 16-yard gain. That kick-started a drive for the Cowboys that led to another touchdown and a 24-7 lead.
