Cowboys Crush Panthers in Dominant Season Opener

ARLINGTON, TX — The Dallas Cowboys began their season with a resounding 41-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers at AT&T Stadium. Coming off a disappointing 7-10 season and missing the playoffs for the first time in 13 years, the Cowboys made an emphatic statement under head coach Andres Perez. With newly acquired running backs Aaron Jones and Elijah Mitchell powering the ground game, and quarterback Dak Prescott showing the benefits of a hard offseason, Dallas looked poised to rebound in a big way.

Game Recap

The Panthers struck first when quarterback Bryce Young connected with receiver Justin Garfield for a 20-yard touchdown in the first quarter. However, the Cowboys quickly responded with a field goal from Brandon Aubrey, and then Prescott found CeeDee Lamb for a 14-yard touchdown. “We wanted to set the tone early,” Prescott said. “CeeDee got open, and we capitalized.”

As the first half came to a close, rookie wide receiver Danny Dansby made his presence felt. Prescott connected with Dansby on a 52-yard bomb for the first-round pick’s first career touchdown. “It’s a moment I’ll never forget,” Dansby said postgame. “I’ve worked so hard to get here, and Dak trusted me to make a play.” Head coach Andres Perez praised the young receiver, saying, “Danny’s a special talent. He’s got that playmaker gene we were looking for.”

The Cowboys carried their momentum into the second half. Aaron Jones, one of Dallas’s marquee offseason signings, punched in a 1-yard touchdown early in the third quarter. “This is why I came here,” Jones said. “To make an impact and help this team win.” Prescott continued to shine, hitting Mecole Hardman Jr. for a 13-yard score that put the game out of reach.

The defense sealed the victory in the fourth quarter when linebacker DeMarvion Overshown intercepted Bryce Young and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown. “I saw the opportunity and knew I had to take it,” Overshown said. “That’s what this defense is all about—making big plays.”

Key Stats

Dak Prescott was efficient and explosive, completing 11 of 19 passes for 166 yards and three touchdowns. Aaron Jones led the ground game with 114 rushing yards and a touchdown on 24 carries, while Elijah Mitchell added 11 yards on a single carry. Mecole Hardman Jr. was Prescott’s favorite target, hauling in six receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown, while Danny Dansby showcased his big-play ability with 52 yards and a score on just one catch.

Bryce Young struggled for Carolina, completing 17 of 36 passes for 245 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions. Receiver Xavier Legette led the Panthers with six catches for 76 yards, while Justin Garfield added 73 yards and a touchdown on five receptions.

Defensively, Dallas was dominant. DeMarvion Overshown and Trevon Diggs combined for three interceptions, with Overshown taking his for a touchdown. Linebacker Eric Kendricks added a sack, and Malik Bell recorded an interception as well.

Injuries

No injuries were reported for either team.

Up Next

The Cowboys (1-0) will stay at home next week to host the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. Meanwhile, the Panthers (0-1) will have their home opener as they take on the Buffalo Bills in an exciting Week 2 matchup.

Dallas showed they mean business this season. “This is just the start,” Perez said. “We’ve put the work in, and it’s showing on the field.” For Carolina, the focus shifts to regrouping. “We didn’t execute, plain and simple,” Bryce Young said. “We’ll get back to work and fix it.”