The Carolina Panthers came into the Thanksgiving Day game against the Dallas Cowboys undefeated and as underdogs. The fact that a 10-0 team could be underdogs to a team with a sub-.500 record seems rather astonishing.
Call it the Tony Romo effect. His return to the field the week prior ended the Cowboys’ seven-game losing streak and breathed life into Dallas.
The Panthers defense seemed to take note and looked to keep Romo in check. On the opening drive of the game, Kurt Coleman intercepted Romo and returned it to give the Panthers the first touchdown of the game before they ever played an offensive snap. In the second quarter, Luke Kuechly would intercept Tony Romo twice on consecutive plays, one he returned for a touchdown and the other set up a field goal.
The Panthers weren’t able to find the end zone as frequently on offense, but they didn’t have to. The Cowboys might have forced field goals, but the Panthers dominated time of possession and drove the ball, converting 8-of-16 third down situation.
Let’s not forget an incredible Cam Newton scramble got him into the end zone to score the lone offensive touchdown, capping an 80-yard drive and keeping him dancing.