Dallas Cowboys: Five assumptions to make after Week One

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CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 09: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers passes over Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

4. The Cowboys defense (when healthy) is for real

Here are some quick stats: Christian McCaffrey 10 carries 50 yards, 6 receptions, 45 yards, zero touchdowns/Cam Newton, 17/26, 161 passing yards, 58 rushing yards on 13 carries, one rushing touchdown. All of the Panthers receivers were held under 50 yards and none of them got into the end zone.

It is difficult to celebrate a defense in a loss, but I am in absolute awe of what this unit did today. The Cowboys offense consistently put their defense in a terrible position, and left them on the field for way to long.

This defensive unit generated sacks, turnovers, and forced this Carolina offense off the field more times than it gave up big plays. Overall this was a solid effort by a defense that had no support from their offense what so ever.

Demarcus Lawrence is well on his way to earning a monstrous payday as he recorded six tackles and a sack. Jaylon Smith looks like a completely different player and lead this linebacking corps in sacks.

This was without defensive tackle David Irving and starting safety, Xavier Woods. If the offensive coaching staff can make adjustments like the defensive side of the ball, this team could go places. The defense was clearly the strength of this team and their performance showed just that.

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