Blogging The Boys
The Panthers won the toss and deferred which put the Cowboys offense on the field first.
It was a rather quick possession as Dallas went three and out. Certainly not an ideal start.
Rico Dowdle’s first run went for 9 yards which was notable given his “buckle up” comment ahead of the game and his history with the Cowboys. His second run was also sizable which made things feel tenuous.
Dowdle had 3 carries for 29 yards and a reception for 13 more on Carolina’s opening possession. Thankfully the Cowboys were able to make a stand as it neared the goal line and forced the Panthers to settle for a field goal.
SCORE: COWBOYS 0, PANTHERS 3 (Ryan Fitzgerald 31-yard field goal)
The Cowboys were able to find some success on offense this time around and both George Pickens and Ryan Flournoy were reasons why. Things ultimately stalled out and Dallas settled for a field goal, but a big reason they were down there was this acrobatic moment from Pickens.
SCORE: COWBOYS 3, PANTHERS 3 (Brandon Aubrey 23-yard field goal)
The Panthers appeared to be finding offensive success on their next offensive possession. It was then that disaster struck for them.
A tipped pass wound up in the hands of Donovan Wilson for the game’s first turnover.
Dallas was already in striking distance and got down near the goal line for a 4th and 1 where they let things reach the end of the quarter to have time to think on it.
