NFL Power Rankings: Panthers are new No. 1 entering Week 13

The Dallas Cowboys were favored against the Carolina Panthers, who entered the game as one of two undefeated teams in the NFL. The Cowboys had gotten quarterback Tony Romo back the week prior and ended their losing streak and it looked like the could make a run in the weak and wide open NFC East.

Things went off the rail from the beginning of the game for the Cowboys, however. Kurt Coleman picked off Tony Romo in the first minute of the game and returned it for an interception. Luke Kuechly intercepted Romo in the second quarter, and returned it for a touchdown. Kuechly would also intercept Romo’s very next pass when they got the ball, and the Panthers got a field goal off of that turn over.

To make matters worse, Romo reinjured his collarbone and left the game. That injury will keep Romo on the bench for the rest of the season and with him go any hopes of making a push at winning the NFC East and getting a playoff spot.

If there is one thing the Cowboys can hang their hat on, it’s their defense. Outside of those three interceptions, the Cowboys only gave up 16 points and a single rushing touchdown to Cam Newton. The Panthers had only 294 yards of total offense, but the Cowboys let them convert 50 percent of third downs but the Cowboys offense wasn’t exactly giving them time to rest.

Next: 25. New Orleans Saints