Brian Schottenheimer Plans to 'Gang Tackle' Panthers’ RB

Schottenheimer, who worked with Panthers coach Dave Canales in Seattle, said Carolina’s offense is built on a commitment to running the football. According to him, the winning will depend on “owning the line of scrimmage” against a physical Carolina offensive line ranked among the league’s top 10 in rushing.

The NFC East Picture Has Shifted

The Cowboys will be figuring out how to neutralize Carolina defensive tackle Derrick Brown, an elite run defender, who topped 100 tackles two years ago. Dallas’ patchwork offensive line performed well last week with four non-starters, but that confidence must now translate into physical control against a defense anchored by Brown’s interior pressure.

Meanwhile, the NFC East picture has shifted. Analysts see the division as “wide open” after the Philadelphia Eagles’ recent slide and locker room tension involving receiver A.J. Brown and coordinator changes. That turmoil seems to give Dallas a prime opportunity to climb. However, former Cowboys safety Barry Church is favoring the Eagles. On Friday’s episode of The Player’s Lounge, he said:

“I feel like this is still Philadelphia’s division,” Chirch said. “I mean, this is the same squad, two and two last season, and they turned around and ripped off 13 straight.” [3:41]

But Executive Vice President Stephen Jones trusts the Cowboys’ aggressive mindset, calling Prescott the team’s “Pied Piper” who continues to make a “huge difference,” and said:

“We believe in this team,” he told 105.3 The Fan. “If the right opportunity were sitting here today, we’d pull the trigger. We have that kind of confidence in our team and really like where we’re headed right now.”

This week, however, Dallas took a hit when Jones announced that running back Miles Sanders is out for the season, shifting more responsibility to Javonte Williams and rookie Jaden Blue.

Against the desperate Panthers – featuring perimeter threats Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette, the Cowboys’ road test will serve as a referendum on their championship caliber. Can Dallas maintain its trademark violence while stopping explosive plays, or will Dowdle’s “revenge game” derail their climb in the division? Dallas’ fans, let us know your thoughts and perspective in the comments box.