Quarterbacks Under Microscope When Panthers Meet Cowboys On MNF

NFL News - September 23rd, 2009 - Written by John

The Dallas Cowboys set the NFL record for most fans in attendance last Sunday night.

This week, they would probably just settle for a win.

Over 105,000 people had the wind sucked out of them when Lawrence Tynes hit a game-winning field goal to spoil the Cowboys' housewarming. With their season up in the air after a devastating loss to the Giants, and questions swirling about quarterback Tony Romo since his three-interception performance, host the Carolina Panthers on Monday Night Football.

They will come into the game as 8 1/2-point favorites over the Panthers, who are having quarterbacking issues of their own.

In fact, probably the only QB under more scrutiny is Carolina's Jake Delhomme, who's dismal performance in the season-opener led to immediate calls for his head. He has since recovered, throwing for 308 yards against the Falcons in Week Two, but was picked off inside the ten late in the game and wasn't able to avoid an 0-2 skid.

Conventional wisdom would indicate that both quarterbacks will improve against each other. Their pass defenses rank in the bottom half of the league in key categories. The Panthers have allowed the second-most passing touchdowns in the league (5), while the Cowboys rank 30th in passing yards allowed. Carolina uses a limited pass-rush scheme that has only turned in two sacks so far, and Romo has just too many elite options to choose from to have a repeat performance.

Meanwhile, when limiting the mistakes Delhomme has been able to find time in the pocket thanks to one of the league's premier running tandem of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. That allows speedster Steve Smith to get separation in the secondary, and the Cowboys were vulnerable in that area against New York.

Carolina is 0-2 against the spread this season, while Dallas is 1-1 according to BetUS. The Cowboys have beaten the Panthers four times in the previous six meetings, including four straight. The favored team in the last three meetings was unable to cover the spread. Dallas won last year, 20-13, despite being favored by more than ten. In 2005 and 2006, Carolina was favored by five points and lost both games.

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