NORMAN WON BATTLE WITH BRYANT: Cornerback Josh Norman didn't need any extra motivation for his matchup against Dallas wide receiver Dez Bryant, but Bryant gave him some prior to kickoff by talking smack to other Carolina defensive backs.
"He shouldn't have started with my DBs. He shouldn't have started pregame," Norman said. "When he started to come at them, the stuff that he was talking was just outrageous. They came back and told me, I put my thinking cap on and I went to work. I went to a dark place. I went to the bat cave. I went 'Dark Knight' on him."
Norman exited the locker room like a man possessed. He immediately got in the face of Bryant after quarterback Tony Romo unsuccessfully targeted his top wideout deep down the left sideline on the second play of the game.
"The disrespect was just through the roof," said Norman, who was just as intense at the end of the game as he was at the start. "I didn't want him to catch a single ball. I was on him like white on rice."
Bryant finished with just two catches for 26 yards. He caught one pass for six yards against Norman.
COTCHERY CAME UP CLUTCH: This isn't news by any means, but Jerricho Cotchery has a knack for moving the chains on third down. His performance in Dallas was proof of that.
The veteran wide receiver finished with a team-leading five catches for 73 yards, and two third-down receptions particularly stood out.
Carolina, leading 23-6 in the third quarter, faced third-and-17 from its own 39. The Panthers beat the blitz with a 24-yard completion to Cotchery.
"We expected blitz but knew if we could pick it up and identify it, we were going to have guys open," tight end Greg Olsen said. "That's exactly what happened on Cotch's big play, and that was one of the biggest plays of the game."
Later in that drive, Carolina faced third-and-10 from the Dallas 15. Once again, quarterback Cam Newton targeted Cotchery, who made the catch a couple yards short of the marker but picked his way past two Cowboys defenders for 11 yards. Newton rushed for a 4-yard touchdown on the next play.
"My job is to move the chains," Cotchery said. "I'm given those opportunities on third down, and I just try to take advantage."
JOHNSON WORKED OFF SOME RUST: Defensive end Charles Johnson, who recorded one tackle in his first game since Week 3, said he felt good about his return.
"Just a little rusty. I'm going to keep trying to build and get stronger every game," said Johnson, who started opposite Jared Allen. "I feel like once we get the rotation down we are going to be pretty good. We are just feeling out everything right now. We have a lot of guys that can rush the passer."
It was the first time this season Johnson, Allen and Kony Ealy have been active at the same time. Ealy recorded one of Carolina's two sacks, giving him one in five consecutive games.
"I like the D-end rotation," Rivera said. "Kony played really well when he got his opportunities. It's nice to see Charles play and do the things that he did. He looked a little bit rusty. He missed a read on one play. I got a little mad at him but he's worked himself back in."
RIVERA CONFIDENT IN HIS DEFENSE: There were times in the game where Rivera could have rolled the dice or looked for more aggressiveness on offense, but he didn't feel it was necessary, not with the way his defense has been playing.
For instance, on fourth-and-3 from the Dallas 38-yard line in the second quarter, Rivera wasted no time sending out the punt team. And in this game, field goals weren't a bad thing.
"A lot of trust. They're playing very well right now," Rivera said of the defense, which limited the Cowboys to 210 total yards. "I figured if we could keep them pinned down in there with the way we were playing defense, we would get better opportunities on the offensive side. We did what we needed to do offensively."
PANTHERS KEPT HARDY QUIET: Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy's first game against his former team was a widely-discussed storyline during the week, but Hardy was a non-factor Thursday.
In fact, Hardy did not record any statistics. It was his first game without a tackle since 2012.
"I really think our guys played well across the board," Rivera said. "It wasn't just about trying to stop one individual."
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)
