FRISCO, Texas — From fighting one large jungle cat to another, the ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵÏÂÔØÈë¿Ú will try to quickly shake off the unfortunate series of events that cost them the game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14 to try and take a victory on the road against the Carolina Panthers in Week 15.
They'll have to do so without DeMarvion Overshown, though, the uber-talented young linebacker becoming the latest victim to succumb to the injury epidemic in Dallas — only a few days after perennial Hall of Fame right guard Zack Martin began pondering his NFL future due to a season-ending ankle injury.
Emotionally, the Cowboys and Panthers are on two different planes entering this game, the latter feeling extremely confident as of late, despite their losses, because they're giving playoff teams the scare of their lives over the past several weeks.
Keep an eye on the following Cowboys as some who'll be tasked with setting the tone in Carolina.
Micah Parsons, EDGE
There were some who questioned the leadership and selflessness of Parsons heading into the 2024 season but, from the moment training camp started in July, the All-Pro pass rusher has shown he's keenly aware of the criticism and has evolved into one of the most vocal leaders in the locker room. And after the gutting loss to the Bengals that took him to tears and all but eliminated Dallas from the playoff picture, and the loss of DeMarvion Overshown, the final four games will be the biggest test of his leadership; and I'm looking forward to seeing how he responds to a challenge like this that's never presented itself to him ever in his football life.
Marist Liufau, LB
With Overshown now lost to three torn ligaments in his right knee, the onus immediately falls upon Liufau to step up going forward. The decision to use a draft pick on him in April proves brilliant now, and the rookie has flashed in his opportunities to this point, including a critical sack on Joe Burrow that could've and should've helped lead the Cowboys to victory over the Bengals in primetime. Mike Zimmer is hinting at using Parsons differently with Overshown not in the mix, but I'd draw a circle around Liufau going forward as they try to use him in Overshown's packages.
Brock Hoffman, OL
Only one word describes what Hoffman is doing in 2024: wow. The young offensive lineman entered training camp as the starting center, lost the job to rookie third-round pick Cooper Beebe and didn't hold his head down. He kept grinding and waiting for an opportunity. A season-ending injury to Zack Martin created it, and it was Hoffman beating out T.J. Bass (a very real gamer) to take the spot and playing exceptionally well in the process. And when Beebe left with a concussion against the Bengals, Hoffman moved right back to center and continued to play well. The Panthers will have to contend with him and his fiery demeanor on Sunday afternoon — regardless of what spot he's plopped down into.
Rico Dowdle, RB
Can he deliver the hat trick? The contest against the Bengals featured Dowdle setting a new career-high mark in rushing yards and, for the first time in his NFL career, running for more than 100 yards in back-to-back games. He's become the stabilizing, and driving, force for Cooper Rush and an offense that is struggling, more often than not, to move the ball in the air. If the Cowboys commit to not getting away from giving him the ball, Dowdle can indeed make life difficult for the Panthers defensive front seven and rack up a third 100-yard outing.
Luke Schoonmaker, TE
When Jake Ferguson was absent due to concussion, it was Luke Schoonmaker and Brevyn Spann-Ford both stepping up in impressive fashion. With Ferguson back in the mix, one would think the opportunities for Schoonmaker would be turned down a bit, but that wasn't the case against the Bengals. Schoonmaker was still seeing targets and making good on them, leading me to believe the tide might be turning to a point wherein Mike McCarthy will begin to press defenses by making it known Ferguson isn't the only receiving threat at tight end in Dallas. I believe Ferguson can do some serious damage against the Panthers' defense, but don't ignore Schoonmaker on Sunday.
