CHARLOTTE — For the third straight year, the Dallas Cowboys are coming to town. What began as an interesting twist to the NFL schedule has now become a marquee game in this NFC matchup. Carolina (2-3, 1-0) is coming off a comeback 27-24 win against the Miami Dolphins, to remain undefeated at home. The Cowboys (2-2-1, 1-1) picked up their second win of the season in Week 5 as well, with a 37-22 victory over the Jets.
The Panthers are 5-12 all-time against the Cowboys. Carolina is 3-7 at home and 2-5 on the road with a 2-0 record in the playoffs and 0-1 record in overtime against Dallas.
With that in mind, get to know the 2025 Dallas Cowboys.
Dak Prescott on a run; George Pickens finding his place
Quarterback Dak Prescott has been throwing it across the yard. He is second in the league in total passing, with 1,356 yards, and he's fourth overall in yards per game (271.2). He's protected the ball and himself, throwing 10 touchdowns to only three interceptions, while taking seven sacks. He's also rushed 12 times for 50 yards and a rushing touchdown.
It's the kind of performance that had fans in MetLife Stadium—on the road thousands of miles from AT&T Stadium—praising Prescott with MVP chants as he walked off the field Sunday after beating the Jets.
A big reason Prescott has been able to throw it downfield is the emergence of George Pickens in the Cowboys' offense. When Pickens was traded to Dallas this offseason, he and CeeDee Lamb liked to say they were going to be 1A and 1B in the offense. With Lamb (ankle) still out (Stephen Jones said Monday he could be back within two weeks), it's been Pickens who has taken on those snaps. Pickens is averaging 15.5 yards per reception and 71.4 yards per game.
New York kept Sauce Gardner lined up against Pickens for 90 percent of his snaps on Sunday, meaning Prescott turned to Ryan Flournoy, who accounted for a team-high 39.6 percent share of the Cowboys' air yards and finished with career highs in targets (9), receptions (6), and receiving yards (114) across 20 routes.
Defensive front finding pressure
The Cowboys are 32nd in total defense, allowing an average of 412 yards per game, last in passing defense, giving up 284.6 yards per game through the air, and are 23rd in rushing defense (127.4 yards per game on the ground). But they're clearly finding their footing, and are more dangerous than those yardage stats might suggest.
Against the Jets,, the front had one of the best games of the season. According to Next Gen Stats, the Cowboys' defense recorded a 50.9 percent pressure rate, their highest mark of the 2025 season.
Twelve different Cowboys defenders recorded at least one pressure in the game, with nearly every defensive player who rushed the passer (12 of 14) successfully generating pressure. Defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. has just four tackles and one sack on the season, but he is pushing the pocket to open up lanes. Against the Jets, he recorded eight pressures on 26 pass rushes, tied for the second-most in a game in his career since at least 2018. Six of Fowler's pressures came under 2.5 seconds, tied for the most in a game since 2018. James Houston also recorded five pressures in the game, tied for the most in his career.
This is also a defense that will punch at the ball, with three turnovers so far, two of which are fumbles.
Two wrecking balls in Javonte Williams and Jake Ferguson
In addition to Pickens and the weapons in the deep passing game, the Cowboys have two wrecking balls in the rush and short passing game, courtesy of running back Javonte Williams and tight end Jake Ferguson.
The former is third in the league in total rushing yards, picking up 447 yards so far, and averaging 89.4 yards per game. He's clicking along at 5.7 yards per carry, with a long of 66 yards and three explosives. Williams has rushed for five touchdowns, which is tied with James Cook for second-most in the league through five weeks.
Against the Jets, Williams forced seven missed tackles and gained 76 yards after missed tackles, both season highs. He also generated 92 yards after contact in the game, contributing to his 357 yards after contact on rushing attempts this season, the 2nd-most in the NFL entering Sunday afternoon.
Ferguson may not have the downfield prowess of Pickens or Lamb when he's on the field, but he is Prescott's favorite target. The tight end leads the Cowboys in total targets (48) and receptions (42) and is averaging 6.6 yards per catch. He has three touchdowns so far this season.
Carolina is 5-11 all-time against Dallas, winning the last two in the series.
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Dallas Cowboys qurterback Troy Aikman is sacked by Panthers' Les Miller (69) during first half action in their NFL Divisional playoff at Charlotte's Ericsson Stadium Sunday Jan. 5, 1997. Carolina defeated Dallas 26-17. (AP Photo/Doug Mills)
Dallas Cowboys' Tony Romo (9) scrambles as Carolina Panthers' Thomas Davis (58) defends during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) is grabbed by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Bobby Carpenter (54) during an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Steve Beuerlein (7) sends a pass downfield during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Oct. 11, 1998, in Irving, Texas. Beuerlein, the Panthers back up quarterback, started the game after quarterback Kerry Collins benched himself on Wednesday. Collins did not make the trip to Texas. In the background is Cowboys tackle Leon Lett (78) and defensive end Kavika Pittman (97). (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)
Carolina Panthers tight end Dante Rosario (88) during an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ralph Lauer)
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers play against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, November 26, 2015.
Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) is tackled during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) hands the ball off to Dallas Cowboys running back Felix Jones (28) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in Charlotte.(AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) works against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Cole Beasley (11) celebrates a touchdown with teammates against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Rod Smart (32) hurdles Dallas Cowboys' Michael Bates (29) during the third quarter at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Jan. 3, 2004. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Louis Murphy (83) runs after making a catch against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ernie Mills (85) pulls in a pass in the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers for 29 yards Sunday afternoon, Oct. 11, 1998, in Irving, Texas. Defending for Carolina is safety Brent Alexander (46). Dallas won 27-20. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) runs up field against Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) works against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in Charlotte, N.C. The Cowboys won 19-14. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) bobbles a touchdown pass as Carolina Panthers defensive back Josh Thomas (22) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in Charlotte, N.C. There was no touchdown on the play. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
The Dallas Cowboys are seen at the line of scrimmage against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in Charlotte, N.C.(AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (82) is carries the ball during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Dallas Cowboys' Terrell Owens (81) reaches for a pass as Carolina Panthers' Ken Lucas (21) defends during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) holds onto the ball as Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason jumps over him during an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ralph Lauer)
Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) tries to run past Dallas Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins (21) during an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ralph Lauer)
Dallas Cowboys running back Felix Jones(28) is tackled during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) reacts after a touchdown catch during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Ralph Lauer)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) runs past Dallas Cowboys' Keith Davis (29) and Terence Newman (41) during the fourth quarter of the Cowboys' 20-13 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) looks to throw a pass during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Donna McWilliam)
Dallas Cowboys' Patrick Crayton (84) runs past Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall (31) and Jon Beason (52) during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Dallas Cowboys' Richie Anderson (20) is up-ended by Carolina Panthers' Will Witherspoon (54) in the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 29-10 win at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Jan. 3, 2004. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
FILE Carolina Panthers running back Stephen Davis carries the ball during the NFC Wild Card game against the Dallas Cowboys in this Jan. 3, 2004 file photo, in Charlotte, N.C. Former Pro Bowl running back Stephen Davis agreed to a contract with St. Louis on Friday after playing last season with Carolina. The Rams plan to use him as a backup to Steven Jackson. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Dallas Cowboys' Terrell Owens (81) pulls away from Carolina Panthers' Richard Marshall (31) as Owens runs for a touchdown after a catch during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 22, 2007. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox, center, is dunked by his players after the Panthers defeated the Dallas Cowboys, 29-10, at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Jan. 3, 2004. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Dallas Cowboy quarterback Troy Aikman is knocked down by Carolina Panther Lamar Lathon during the 3rd quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game played at Ericsson Stadium, in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Jan. 5, 1997.(AP Photo/Doug Mills)
Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox, center, congratulates defensive end Julius Peppers (90) after Peppers' interception in the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 29-10 win over the Dallas Cowboys at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday Jan. 3, 2004. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kevin Dyson tries to stay inbounds during the NFC Wild Card game against the Dallas Cowboys in this Jan. 3, 2004, in Charlotte, N.C(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Carolina Panthers tight end Wesley Walls (85) cries out in celebration of the Panthers 26-17 win over the Dallas Cowboys at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Jan. 5, 1997 during the NFC Divisional Playoff. (AP Photo Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers runningback Anthony Johnson (23) carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Divisional Playoff in Charlotte, N.C. Sunday Jan. 5, 1997. The Panthers won 26-17. (AP Photo/Peter Harris)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) breaks away from dallas Cowboys' Roy Williams for a 70-yard gain in the first quarter at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday Jan. 3, 2004. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panther running back Anthony Johnson (23), runs the ball as Dallas Cowboy's Shante Carver (96), and Panther Howard Griffith (30) look on during the third quarter of te NFC Divisional Playoff game played at Ericsson Stadium, in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Jan. 5, 1997.(AP Photo/Peter A. Harris)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman walks off the field at Texas Stadium, Monday night, Dec. 8, 1997, in Irving, Texas, after the Cowboys lost to the Carolina Panthers 23-13. ( AP Photo/LM Otero)
Dallas Cowboys Michael Irvin sits in pain after injuring his shoulder in the first quarter against the Panthers in their NFL Divisional playoff at Charlotte's Ericsson Stadium Sunday Jan. 5, 1997. 1997(AP Photo/Doug Mills)
