ARLINGTON, Texas – An undefeated team like the Carolina Panthers could have strolled into the Cowboys' palace on Thanksgiving full and satisfied.
But Carolina came in hungry.
That hunger fueled a dominating performance against a 3-7 Cowboys team that was favored in some circles but didn't seem to stand a chance from the get-go in the Panthers' 33-14 triumph at AT&T Stadium.
The victory, in the first Thanksgiving game in franchise history, improved Carolina to 11-0 on the season.
"We stepped up to the challenge," linebacker Thomas Davis said. "All week long we heard about how good their offensive line was and how Tony (Romo) was going to come in and carve us up. We heard all that stuff.
"We felt disrespected, and we went out and played like we were capable of playing today. We set the tone early."
The defense didn't merely set the tone - it set the agenda, picking off Romo three times in the first half to key a 23-3 halftime lead.
Safety Kurt Coleman said he believed the Panthers entered the game ready to compete at a "high, high level," and he fulfilled that prophecy early. On the third snap of the game, Coleman snagged his team-best fifth interception and weaved his way 36 yards for his first career touchdown.
"We set the tempo from the get-go, even before my interception with the great coverage from J-No (Josh Norman vs. Dez Bryant). Then I was fortunate enough to get the interception and benefited from some great blocking down the field," Coleman said. "In high school I was a kick returner, punt returner, wide receiver. Looking back, there were a couple of times in previous games where I could have made different cuts. With this one, I said, 'Just make the cutback.'
"I did, and then I saw (tight end) Jason Witten close, and I made another cutback. I was able to continue to cut it back and get into the end zone."
Linebacker Luke Kuechly must have been taking notes because he scored his first touchdown later in the half. After Graham Gano's second of four field goals extended Carolina's lead to 13-3 with 3:27 before halftime, Kuechly broke on a pass intended for wide receiver Terrance Williams and steamed 32 yards untouched down the left sideline to extend the lead to 20-3.
"He (Romo) checked into something, and Thomas kind of looked at me and asked me if we wanted to check. He made a great check, everybody got on the same page, and I was able to step in there," Kuechly said. "Bene (Benwikere) laid a good block on someone, and I was able to scurry in there.
"Oh man, I haven't done that in a while."
Speaking of things that haven't been done in a while, Kuechly then became the first NFL player since 1997 to pick off passes on consecutive plays when Romo tried to hit Witten on a deep seam route. Kuechly was right there and made a difficult catch, returning this one 17 yards to the Dallas 29 to set up Gano for a 25-yard field goal on the final play of the half for a 23-3 lead.
In the second half, the offense controlled the clock with running back Jonathan Stewart and quarterback Cam Newton propelling the Panthers to a 22nd consecutive game with 100-plus rushing yards.
Carolina got the first offensive touchdown for either team with 18 seconds left in the third quarter. Two clutch catches in third-and-long situations by wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery sandwiched around a Cowboys penalty on a Gano field goal set up Newton for a 4-yard touchdown run. The 80-yard march took 7:29 off to clock and extended the lead to 30-6.
"We've still got to find ways to finish in the red zone," Newton said, "but a performance like that by the defense makes everybody's job easier."
On Dallas' next possession, Romo - who returned to action last week after missing seven games with a broken collarbone – went down with a similar injury on a sack by Davis and did not return.
The way the Panthers were playing, there's little doubt the outcome would have been similar with Romo.
"I'm excited about where we are. The guys have done a great job," head coach Ron Rivera said. "I'm proud of the guys in that locker room. They've stayed on the message and have focused on really, truly making it one game at a time."
And this was one game for the memory bank, a Thanksgiving triumph worth savoring.
"We've got a lot to be thankful for. I'm really thankful we're 11-0," Norman said. "It's an awesome feeling."
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)
