ARLINGTON, Texas – In back-to-back plays, Luke Kuechly's game-changing ability was on display.
As the Cowboys found out on Thursday, the nice guy isn't so nice when you're trying to move the ball against him.
"A person who plays like that is not just a nice guy. Come on now," quarterback Cam Newton said. "He has the smile and the charisma – but he has like a demolition mentality. That's Luke, and we all love him."
The Panthers' superstar middle linebacker used his pre-snap awareness to set up his first act of Dallas demolition.
With 2:47 remaining in the second quarter and Carolina leading 13-3, quarterback Tony Romo spotted linebacker Thomas Davis showing blitz. Romo audibled, so Kuechly changed the defensive call (although in typical Luke fashion, he credited Davis for the suggestion).
Romo then tried to connect with wide receiver Terrance Williams, and Kuechly read it the whole way, picking off the pass easily and returning it 32 yards for his first career touchdown.
"Luke, man, he's the quarterback of the defense, and he sees that stuff," defensive end Charles Johnson said. "As D-linemen, we want to get pressure and let him roam, let him do his thing."
On the first play of the next Dallas drive, Romo tossed a deep pass for tight end Jason Witten down the seam. This time, the degree of difficulty was higher, as Kuechly ran stride-for-stride with Witten and made an over-the-shoulder catch for his second interception in as many plays.
"I put my hands up and caught it, and I was kind of surprised," Kuechly recalled. "I just started running."
Still a little winded from his previous interception, Kuechly was chased down at the Dallas 29-yard line after a 17-yard return.
"Yeah, I was getting tired," Kuechly admitted. "I was trying to run as fast I could, but I couldn't get too far on that one."
Kuechly won't be faulted for that. After all, he became with the first player with interceptions on back-to-back plays since 1997, which also happens to be the year Carolina last won a game in Dallas prior to Thursday's win on Thanksgiving.
"He's playing very well," head coach Ron Rivera said of Kuechly. "He's understanding what his opponent is trying to do. He's understanding and anticipating very well."
"He's a special player," said Davis, the other half of Carolina's dynamic linebacking duo. "A leader, a playmaker – that's who Luke is."
View game action photos from Carolina's 33-14 win over Dallas.
In a general, overall view of AT&T Stadium, trumpet player Freddie Jones is displayed on the large video screen playing the national anthem as members of the Salvation Army roll out a United States flag on the field before an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Dallas Cowboys' Darren McFadden is stopped on a run by Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson in the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Dallas Cowboys' Tony Romo prepares to throw during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Carolina Panthers' Kurt Coleman (20) runs back an interception thrown by Dallas Cowboys' Tony Romo for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Carolina Panthers' Kurt Coleman evades a tackle-attempt by Dallas Cowboys' Darren McFadden after Coleman intercepted a pass from the Cowboys' Tony Romo that he ran back for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Carolina Panthers' Kurt Coleman (20) celebrates with Cam Newton, center rear, after Coleman intercepted a Dallas Cowboys' Tony Romo pass and ran it back for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. Panthers' Dean Marlowe (29) watches the celebration. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Dallas Cowboys' Darren McFadden (20) runs the ball as Carolina Panthers middle linebacker A.J. Klein attempts the stop during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (82) attempt to fight through a tackle by Carolina Panthers' Tre Boston after making a catch in the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton, left, hands off the ball to running back Jonathan Stewart (28) in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) attempts to escape the tackle by Dallas Cowboys' Sean Lee (50) in the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Carolina Panthers' Brad Nortman (8) holds as kicker Graham Gano (9) boots a field goal under pressure from Dallas Cowboys free safety Byron Jones (31) in the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys' Lucky Whitehead (13) is tackled after making a catch by Carolina Panthers defensive end Jared Allen (69) as Luke Kuechly (59) pursues in the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) throws a pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Cole Beasley (11) reaches out to make a catch as Carolina Panthers defensive back Colin Jones (42) defends in the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys running back Darren McFadden (20) attempts to run through tackles by Carolina Panthers' Colin Jones, bottom, and Luke Kuechly, rear, in the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) throws a pass under pressure from Dallas Cowboys defensive end Demarcus Lawrence (90) in the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) scrambles out of the pocket to escape pressure from Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy (76) in the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Dallas Cowboys running back Robert Turbin (23) finds running room as Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Shaq Thompson (54) and outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) pursue in the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) scrambles out of the pocket in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is wrapped up by Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory (94) after a short run in the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) runs back an interception thrown by Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo for a touchdown as Cowboys on the sideline watch during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) gets help from cornerback Bene' Benwikere (25) defending against Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Cole Beasley (11) after intercepting a pass from the Cowboys' Tony Romo that he ran back for a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo walks back to the sideline after throwing his third interception of the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) intercepts a pass intended for Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (82) as Kurt Coleman (20) watches during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. Kuechly returned the interception back for a touchdown. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo sits on the bench after throwing his third interception of the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) carries the ball behind the protection of center Ryan Kalil (67) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is unable to escape a sack by Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford (98) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is sacked by Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford (98) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Dallas Cowboys' Dez Bryant (88) finds running room after making a catch as Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) gives chase during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) walks off the field after a series against the Carolina Panthers as defensive end Charles Johnson (95) walks away in the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) finds room between Dallas Cowboys' Greg Hardy (76) and Nick Hayden (96) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery (82) runs with the ball after making a catch as Dallas Cowboys strong safety Jeff Heath (38) attempts a tackle in the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, is upended and lands in the end zone at the end of a running play, scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after scoring a touchdown on a run as Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Sean Lee (50) walks back to the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton, left, celebrates after scoring a touchdown on a running play as running back Jonathan Stewart (28) watches in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
A young fan holds a sign referencing Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Thomas Davis, linebacker de los Panthers de Carolina, captura al quarterback de los Cowboys de Dallas, Tony Romo, durante el partido realizado el jueves 26 de noviembre de 2015. Romo se volvió a lastimar la clavÃcula izquiera en esa jugada (AP Foto/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) lies injured on the field after being sacked by Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis as defensive end Mario Addison (97) watches in the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Carolina Panthers' Brad Nortman (8) holds the ball as kicker Graham Gano (9) boots a field goal in the second half of an NFL football game under pressure from Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Kyle Wilber (51), Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera walks along the sideline watching play against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates a first down against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. The Panthers won 33-14. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys' Byron Jones (31) attempts to stop Carolina Panthers fullback Mike Tolbert (35) in the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Matt Cassel (16) keeps the ball as he scrambles out of the pocket during the second half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Matt Cassel (16) throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (82) catches a pass as Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys running back Darren McFadden (20) catches a pass for a 2-point conversion during the second half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Matt Cassel (16) is tackled by Carolina Panthers' Kyle Love (93) and Mario Addison (97) as Dwan Edwards (92) watches during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton encourages his teammates from the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Matt Cassel (16) scrambles out of the pocket under pressure from Carolina Panthers defensive end Kony Ealy (94) during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) takes photos of photographers taking his picture as he celebrates the team's 33-14 win over the Dallas Cowboys in an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
