Three Stats That Matter
The Panthers will open at home for only the second time in Cam Newton’s career. The Panthers went 6-2 in home games last year and were first in the NFL in rush yards, rush average and rushing first downs at home – they also set the franchise record for most rushing yards against the Dolphins in 2017 – at home.
The Panthers were the least penalized team in 2017, with over 100 yards less than Tennessee, who had the second-fewest; the Panthers were only flagged for 83 penalties and 682 yards.
While Ezekiel Elliott served his suspension in 2017, Dak Prescott three five touchdowns and seven interceptions over six games – the rest of the season, Prescott had 17 scores against only six picks.
Two Quotable Quotes
“Norv, I just believe is one of the great coaches in this league and he’s done such a great job at every stop he’s had of bringing the best out in his players. He’s had a lot of different kinds of quarterbacks, a lot of different kinds of running backs, receivers, teams have been built different ways but at the end his players and his units always play really, really well. He gets the most out of them. That was the case back when I first met him with the Cowboys in the early 90s and then really at every subsequent stop sense then. He’ll go there and find out what are the strengths of each of the players on that offensive unit and he’ll play to those strengths and minimize whatever weaknesses they have and he’ll bring the best out in them and he’ll do a great job”
-Jason Garrett
“My background, and Coach Rivera and I have talked about this, is that you do what you have to do to win the game. After that game, if you’re fortunate enough to win the game, if you look back and say ‘Hey, we probably overdid it’ then you look back and adjust it, but when you get in the heat of the game, we’re going to do what it takes and I like that about Cam, because he’s certainly willing to do what it takes.”
-Norv Turner, on whether there is such a thing as running Cam too much
One Bold Prediction
The last time the Panthers played the Cowboys, they had three interceptions, including two touchdowns – they won’t have three interceptions this Sunday, but three total turnovers with one of them going for a score? Book it.
Less bold prediction? The logo will be at midfield and new owner David Tepper bangs the Keep Pounding drum.
See y’all on Sunday.
Josh Klein is Editor-In-Chief of The Riot Report. His favorite Panther of all time is Chad Cota and he once AIM chatted with Kevin Greene. Follow Josh on Twitter @joshkleinrules.
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