Sunday’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys is the first time the Carolina Panthers open up their season at home since 2013, a home game that resulted in a 7-12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Cam Newton will start his eighth season in the NFL with the best group of offensive weapons in his professional career and a new offensive coordinator who can help him improve his completion percentage.
In 13 matchups between the two teams, the Cowboys lead the series 9-4. The Panthers dominated the Cowboys 33-14 the last time they played each other (2015). That game ended Dallas’s five-game winning streak against the Panthers.
There will be several new faces on the field on Sunday. Here are three Carolina Panthers players you are going to watch closely.
RB C.J. Anderson
Shortly after veteran running back Jonathan Stewart was released, the Panthers decided it was worth the risk to sign 27-year-old Anderson to a one-year contract. Coming off of his best season, Anderson is a reliable change of pace back who can help his team quickly advance the ball when the Carolina Panthers need just a few yards to move the chains. During the preseason he looked solid running through tackles. Maybe a change of scenery, a new offensive coordinator, and new teammates can help Anderson replicate his efforts in Denver last season. I am interested in learning more about what Anderson will expect during the regular season. Remember his role will not affect the number of snaps Christian McCaffrey will play each game.
CB Donte Jackson
Rookie cornerback Donte Jackson will start the first game of his professional career. Jackson will line up opposite of third-year cornerback James Bradberry. It is not uncommon for rookies to feel some butterflies in their stomachs before their first regular season game. That is not the case for Jackson. Jackson, a rookie who surprised fans with his confidence at training camp feels ready to go ahead of Sunday’s regular season game.
He understands that the pace of a regular season game is faster than a preseason game and therefore, uses the change of pace as motivation to improve his game. Jackson reintroduces a refreshing amount of swagger in the secondary. Lucky for him, he will line up against an offense that does not include veterans Dez Bryant or Jason Witten. His coverage skills will instead, be tested against guys like Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, and Allen Hurns. I am excited to watch Jackson in his first regular season game of the year.
WR D.J. Moore
Former Maryland wide receiver Moore is on track to put on big numbers this season. Moore looked solid at training camp. He made several impressive catches that were praised on social media by former players and NFL experts. Moore’s preseason performance, overall, was not good, but you have to remember that he did not get nearly as much playing time as some of the other receivers on the team. Some of Moore’s playing time was given to teammates Torrey Smith, Jarius Wright and Curtis Samuel.
With Samuel out week 1, I expect quarterback Cam Newton to target Moore frequently on Sunday. Moore has the speed and reliable hands to be an excellent vertical threat. Like McCaffrey and Samuel, Moore can easily create separation from defenders.
Patrick Magoon's Portfolio 