Week Three: Carolina Panthers vs. Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys host their second game in their new home against the Carolina Panthers.

The Panthers are 0-2 after losses to the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons. Now they come into Dallas hoping to put one in the win column.

Expect the Panthers to try to test the Cowboys corners early in Monday's game, especially after watching tape of Sunday night's game against the Giants.

Quarterback Jake Delhomme will have to hope his receivers can get open quick, as Delhomme has been sacked six times this season, but only once last week against the Falcons, and you can bet that the Cowboys will be hungry to get their first sack after going two games without one.

Receiver Steve Smith had eight catches for 131 yards last week, but still hasn't caught a TD this season. He'll be looking to get one this week and has already done a bit of trash talking on Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick.

"I remember 32 because they've been playing him on ESPN pretty frequently," Smith said. "I'm not sure exactly about him, and by the scouting report we got he probably won't be in, because he's being played repeatedly on the rotation of ESPN."

The Panthers will need to pass, both because the Cowboys fixed their run defense on Sunday against the Giants and due to an injury to one of their running backs.

DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart have combined for 230 yards on 55 carries and two TDs, but Stewart is questionable this week with an Achilles injury and didn't practice Thursday.

The Panthers don't have much of a pass rush besides Julius Peppers, who has one sack this season; but he had 14 1/2 last season, so you can't underestimate him. The rest of their D-line only had 10 1/2 sacks in that same time, so the Cowboys shouldn't have trouble blocking them.

The Panthers have gotten a bit older at linebacker, but their guys can still play. Thomas Davis had 12 tackles last week and Na'il Diggs is a proven veteran, but he also missed practice Thursday with bruised ribs and is listed as questionable. If he doesn't play, Dan Connor will most likely get the start.

They'll have the task of trying to stop the Cowboys run game, which put up 200-plus yards last week. If Barber plays this week, expect him to get a fair share, but they'll have to look for Tashard Choice, who should get some carries even if Barber plays, and Felix Jones.

Tony Romo and the Cowboys will look to redeem themselves after losing their home opener.

Wade Phillips and Jason Garrett haven't lost confidence in Romo, but the Cowboys might not throw as much on the Panthers, as they're ranked third in the NFL in pass defense. Instead, the Cowboys will try to run Tashard Choice, who said he expects to have a big game if he gets the nod instead of Marion Barber.

The Panthers have given up an average of 168 yards per game on the ground in their first two games—the Cowboys know that and will exploit it to open up the play action.

The Cowboys will also use their two tight end sets so Jason Witten and Martellus Bennett can take advantage of the Panthers' safetys and linebackers, who aren't known for their speed. Jason Garrett hasn't used Bennett a lot in the first two games, but I have a feeling that he'll be a key factor in this game.

The Cowboys defense needs some sacks in this game. Delhomme is not a mobile QB and the Cowboys haven't played one yet, but somehow no one on their defense has a sack, and they still don't have a turnover. If they want to be known as a great defense, they have to do more than just get three and outs.

The Cowboys will have to stay consistent against the run this week. If they can't stop DeAngelo Williams, they won't stand a chance in stopping the Panthers passing game. If Jonathan Stewart misses Monday's game, it'll make things easier for the Cowboys, but they have to hit the gaps like they did last week.

Terence Newman will draw the assignment of staying with Steve Smith, who was held down by Newman two years ago when these two teams met. If he can duplicate that, then Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick should have solid games, as they've renewed their focus after getting torched by the Giants' receivers.

The Cowboys don't want to drop another game in their new house and they won't. The Panthers are skilled, but not good enough to beat the Cowboys; they don't have the defense the Giants do and Romo will be up for this game as he wants to bounce back big time.

The Cowboys defense comes through in this game with its first sack and turnover as Delhomme will have trouble finding time in the pocket. The Panthers will have their share of good plays and will even have a few good drives, but the Cowboys will clamp down in the second half and get the win.

Cowboys 24-13.